Roanoke Rapids Lake is a 4,600-acre lake on the Roanoke River at Roanoke Rapids, the last of three lakes in the chain below Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Roanoke Rapids Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The dam was finished in 1955, the lake runs about 8 miles up to Gaston Dam with 47 miles of shoreline, and it's usually quieter than Lake Gaston next door.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Roanoke Rapids Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Roanoke Rapids Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Roanoke Rapids Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Roanoke Rapids Lake 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.
Roanoke Rapids Lake at a glance
| Location | Roanoke Rapids |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,600 acres |
| Length | About 8 miles |
| Shoreline | About 47 miles |
| Dam | Roanoke Rapids, 1955 |
| River | Roanoke River |
Best things to do on Roanoke Rapids Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Fewer crowds – more open water than busy Lake Gaston.
Where to launch at Roanoke Rapids Lake
- Wildlife Commission ramps – three public landings, including Thelma and Fifth Street in Roanoke Rapids and Vultare near Gaston.
The upper end near Vultare is shallow, so launch bigger boats in Roanoke Rapids. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Roanoke Rapids 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 Roanoke Rapids Lake
Roanoke Rapids Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Roanoke Rapids Lake?
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 Roanoke Rapids Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Roanoke Rapids Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Roanoke Rapids Lake?
On the Roanoke River at Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, just downstream of Lake Gaston.
Can you jet ski on Roanoke Rapids Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Roanoke Rapids Lake.
How big is Roanoke Rapids Lake?
About 4,600 acres, about 8 miles long with 47 miles of shoreline.
How is Roanoke Rapids Lake connected to Lake Gaston?
Gaston Dam sits at the top of Roanoke Rapids Lake, so water flows from Kerr Lake to Lake Gaston and then into Roanoke Rapids Lake.