Lake James is a clear mountain lake of about 6,500 acres at the head of the Catawba River, between Marion and Morganton at the foot of the Blue Ridge.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake James, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Linville Gorge and Shortoff Mountain rise above its north shore, and Lake James State Park has beaches and ramps on the water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake James
Everything you rent is ready for you at Lake James — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lake James, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Lake James.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Lake James into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake James at a glance
| Location | Marion and Morganton |
|---|---|
| Size | About 6,500 acres |
| Shoreline | About 150 miles |
| River | Catawba River |
| Elevation | About 1,200 feet |
| Park | Lake James State Park |
Best things to do on Lake James
- Wakesurfing – clear, glassy coves.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water mid-lake.
- Jet skiing – coves below the mountains.
- Swimming – clear water and state park beaches.
Where to launch at Lake James
- Lake James State Park – state park with ramps and beaches.
- Public access areas – Duke Energy ramps around the lake.
Mountain water stays cool, so bring a wetsuit early in the season. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake James
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- North Carolina requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in North Carolina.
North Carolina boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear one whenever the boat is underway, unless they're below deck or in an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
Map of Lake James
Lake James rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake James?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake James when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake James, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake James?
Between Marion and Morganton at the foot of the Blue Ridge in western North Carolina.
Can you jet ski on Lake James?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake James.
How big is Lake James?
About 6,500 acres, with roughly 150 miles of shoreline.
Is Lake James clear?
Yes. It's known for clear water and mountain views.