South Holston Lake is a TVA lake of about 7,500 acres on the South Fork Holston River, stretching about 24 miles from South Holston Dam near Bristol into Virginia.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on South Holston Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Clear water, mountain ridges and the Cherokee National Forest along its shore make it a favorite for a quieter day on the water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at South Holston Lake
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at South Holston Lake.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at South Holston Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising South Holston Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy South Holston Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- 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.
South Holston Lake at a glance
| Location | Near Bristol, TN–VA line |
|---|---|
| Size | About 7,500 acres |
| Length | About 24 miles |
| River | South Fork Holston River |
| Dam | South Holston Dam, 1950 |
| Water | Clear |
Best things to do on South Holston Lake
- Wakesurfing – clear water on calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – mountain coves to explore.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water mid-lake.
- Fishing – smallmouth, walleye and trout.
Where to launch at South Holston Lake
- Observation Knob Park – Sullivan County park with a ramp.
- Forest Service ramps – launches along the national forest shore.
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 South Holston Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Tennessee requires an observer 12 or older or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Tennessee.
Tennessee boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat isn't docked or tied up, even when drifting, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires a 170-degree wide-angle rear-view mirror or an observer 12 or older besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
- South Holston Lake crosses into Virginia, so Virginia boating rules apply on the Virginia side.
Map of South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at South Holston Lake?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at South Holston Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is South Holston Lake?
Near Bristol in northeast Tennessee, reaching north into Virginia.
Can you jet ski on South Holston Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on South Holston Lake.
How big is South Holston Lake?
About 7,500 acres, stretching about 24 miles.
Is South Holston Lake clear?
Yes. It's known for clear, deep mountain water.
Do you rent on the Virginia side of South Holston Lake too?
Yes. We also have rentals ready on the Virginia side near Abingdon, and it has its own page.