Lookout Shoals Lake, also called Lake Lookout, is a 1,300-acre lake on the Catawba River between Lake Hickory and Lake Norman.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lookout Shoals Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its dam dates to 1915, there are no marinas or restaurants on the water, and its 27 miles of shoreline wind through Catawba, Iredell and Alexander counties.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lookout Shoals Lake
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lookout Shoals Lake.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lookout Shoals Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Lookout Shoals Lake.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- 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.
Lookout Shoals Lake at a glance
| Location | Catawba, Iredell, Alexander |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,300 acres |
| Shoreline | About 27 miles |
| Dam | 1915 |
| River | Catawba River |
| Between | Lake Hickory and Lake Norman |
Best things to do on Lookout Shoals Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Quiet water – a lake without marinas or big crowds.
Where to launch at Lookout Shoals Lake
- Lookout Shoals access – the public ramp on the Catawba County side near the dam.
- Sharon access – the public ramp on the Iredell County side.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lookout Shoals Lake
- 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 Lookout Shoals Lake
Lookout Shoals Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lookout Shoals Lake?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Will my boat be at Lookout Shoals Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lookout Shoals Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lookout Shoals Lake?
On the Catawba River in Catawba, Iredell and Alexander counties, North Carolina, between Lake Hickory and Lake Norman.
Can you jet ski on Lookout Shoals Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lookout Shoals Lake.
How big is Lookout Shoals Lake?
About 1,300 acres, with about 27 miles of shoreline.
Can you boat from Lookout Shoals Lake to Lake Norman?
No. Dams separate it from Lake Hickory and Lake Norman, so you launch on Lookout Shoals itself.