Mountain Island Lake is a 3,300-acre lake on the Catawba River just northwest of Charlotte, between Lake Norman upstream and Lake Wylie downstream.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Mountain Island Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It follows the winding river around the wooded mountain that gives it its name, and its 61 miles of shoreline are quieter than the big lakes on either side.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Mountain Island Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Mountain Island Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 12 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Mountain Island Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- 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.
Mountain Island Lake at a glance
| Location | Northwest Charlotte |
|---|---|
| Size | About 3,300 acres |
| Shoreline | About 61 miles |
| River | Catawba River |
| Built | 1924 |
| Setting | Winding river-lake |
Best things to do on Mountain Island Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm water on early mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – long river reaches.
- Jet skiing – winding coves.
- Fishing – bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Mountain Island Lake
- Public access areas – Duke Energy and county ramps around the lake.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Mountain Island 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 Mountain Island Lake
Mountain Island Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Mountain Island 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 Mountain Island Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Mountain Island Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Mountain Island Lake?
Just northwest of Charlotte on the Catawba River.
Can you jet ski on Mountain Island Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Mountain Island Lake.
How big is Mountain Island Lake?
About 3,300 acres, with roughly 61 miles of shoreline.
Is Mountain Island Lake quieter than Lake Norman?
Yes. It's smaller and usually much calmer.