Nantahala Lake is a 1,600-acre lake at about 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest, in Macon County, western North Carolina.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Nantahala Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's a remote, quiet mountain lake with 42 miles of mostly forested shoreline and cool, clear water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Nantahala Lake
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Nantahala Lake.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Nantahala Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Nantahala Lake.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Nantahala Lake at a glance
| Location | Macon County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,600 acres |
| Shoreline | About 42 miles |
| Elevation | About 3,000 feet |
| Forest | Nantahala National Forest |
| Built | 1942 |
Best things to do on Nantahala Lake
- Wakesurfing – glassy, remote coves.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water mid-lake.
- Jet skiing – forested coves.
- Fishing – trout, bass and walleye.
Where to launch at Nantahala Lake
- Public access areas – 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 Nantahala 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 Nantahala Lake
Nantahala Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Nantahala Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Nantahala Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Nantahala Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Nantahala Lake?
In the Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, western North Carolina.
Can you jet ski on Nantahala Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Nantahala Lake.
How high is Nantahala Lake?
About 3,000 feet above sea level.
Is Nantahala Lake busy?
No. It's a remote, quiet mountain lake.