Lake Waccamaw is a nearly round natural lake of about 9,000 acres in Columbus County, the largest of the Carolina Bay lakes and the source of the Waccamaw River.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Waccamaw, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its shallow, sandy-bottomed water warms up early, and Lake Waccamaw State Park protects much of its cypress-lined shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Waccamaw
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Lake Waccamaw with no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lake Waccamaw, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Lake Waccamaw.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Lake Waccamaw while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Waccamaw at a glance
| Location | Lake Waccamaw, Columbus County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 9,000 acres |
| Type | Natural Carolina Bay lake |
| Bottom | Sandy, mostly shallow |
| Park | Lake Waccamaw State Park |
| Outlet | Waccamaw River |
Best things to do on Lake Waccamaw
- Water skiing and tubing – wide, round open water.
- Jet skiing – laps around the lake.
- Swimming – warm, shallow water.
- Fishing – yellow perch, bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Lake Waccamaw
- Public ramps – Wildlife Commission access areas on the lake.
Afternoon wind can kick up chop on the open lake, so mornings are best. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Waccamaw
- 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 Waccamaw
Lake Waccamaw rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Waccamaw?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Waccamaw, so there's no towing.
Where is Lake Waccamaw?
In Columbus County in southeastern North Carolina, west of Wilmington.
Can you jet ski on Lake Waccamaw?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Waccamaw.
Is Lake Waccamaw a natural lake?
Yes. It's the largest natural Carolina Bay lake.
Is Lake Waccamaw shallow?
Mostly. It has a sandy bottom and warms up early in the season.