Watauga Lake is a TVA lake of about 6,400 acres on the Watauga River near Elizabethton and Butler, one of the highest lakes in the TVA system at nearly 2,000 feet.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Watauga Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Most of its shore is in the Cherokee National Forest, so the views are all mountains and trees, and the Appalachian Trail crosses over Watauga Dam.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Watauga Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Watauga Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Watauga Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Watauga Lake.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Watauga Lake into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Watauga Lake at a glance
| Location | Elizabethton and Butler |
|---|---|
| Size | About 6,400 acres |
| Elevation | Nearly 2,000 feet |
| River | Watauga River |
| Dam | Watauga Dam, 1948 |
| Forest | Cherokee National Forest |
Best things to do on Watauga Lake
- Wakesurfing – glassy mountain mornings.
- Jet skiing – coves below the ridges.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water mid-lake.
- Fishing – trout, walleye and smallmouth.
Where to launch at Watauga Lake
- Rat Branch – Forest Service boat ramp.
- Watauga Point – Forest Service recreation area.
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 Watauga 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.
Map of Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Watauga 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 Watauga Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Watauga Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Watauga Lake?
In the mountains of northeast Tennessee, near Elizabethton and Butler.
Can you jet ski on Watauga Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Watauga Lake.
How high is Watauga Lake?
Nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, one of the highest lakes in the TVA system.
Does the Appalachian Trail cross Watauga Lake?
Yes. The trail crosses over Watauga Dam.