Lake Clarke is a 7,360-acre lake on the Susquehanna River behind Safe Harbor Dam, about 10 miles long between Lancaster and York counties.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Clarke, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The dam was finished in 1931, the lake runs from the river islands near Washington Boro down to Safe Harbor, and it's the lower Susquehanna's big water-skiing spot.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Clarke
Your rentals are waiting for you at Lake Clarke, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lake Clarke.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Lake Clarke.
- 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.
Lake Clarke at a glance
| Location | Lancaster and York counties |
|---|---|
| Size | About 7,360 acres |
| Length | About 10 miles |
| Dam | Safe Harbor, 1931 |
| River | Susquehanna |
| Nearby | Wrightsville, Columbia |
Best things to do on Lake Clarke
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- River cruising – the open river between Long Level and Safe Harbor.
Where to launch at Lake Clarke
- Long Level (Lock 2) – the most popular public ramp, on the York County side near Wrightsville.
- Blue Rock – a public ramp at Washington Boro on the Lancaster County side.
Stay well upstream of Safe Harbor Dam and watch for shallow water around the upper islands. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Clarke
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Pennsylvania requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Stay at slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one on boats 20 feet or less, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one. Inflatable life jackets don't count for jet skis or towing.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires a competent observer besides the driver, and towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise. Wakesurfing is only allowed behind boats built for it, like our MasterCraft inboards.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks, launch ramps, swimmers, downed skiers and anchored boats.
Map of Lake Clarke
Lake Clarke rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Clarke?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake Clarke when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Clarke, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Clarke?
On the Susquehanna River between Lancaster and York counties, from near Columbia and Wrightsville down to Safe Harbor Dam.
Can you jet ski on Lake Clarke?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Clarke.
How big is Lake Clarke?
About 7,360 acres of boating water, roughly 10 miles long.
Is there anything to watch for on Lake Clarke?
Yes. Water levels change with dam operations, so watch for shallow spots near the islands and stay well upstream of Safe Harbor Dam.