Newton Reservoir is a small, quiet lake on the west side of Cache Valley, about 2 miles north of the town of Newton and roughly 25 minutes from Logan. Settlers first dammed Clarkston Creek here in 1871, in what’s considered one of the first irrigation reservoirs in the country. Today the Bureau of Reclamation lake has a boat ramp, cottonwood-lined shore and far fewer boats than Hyrum or Bear Lake.
Lake Boat Rental gets you on the water at Newton with MasterCraft wakesurf boat rentals, Sea-Doo jet ski rentals, private boat tours and lessons, water toys and ATV and side-by-side rentals for the hills around Cache Valley.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Newton Reservoir
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Newton Reservoir. If you'd rather tow it yourself, pickup is also available at our Utah locations.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 10 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Newton Reservoir or pulling a tube.
- 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.
- UTV rentals – pair your lake day with a Can-Am side-by-side for a full adventure.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Newton Reservoir at a glance
| Location | Cache County, about 2 miles north of Newton on Clarkston Creek |
|---|---|
| Size | About 300 acres when full |
| Elevation | About 4,770 feet |
| Managed by | Bureau of Reclamation, with the local Newton Water Users Association running the water |
| History | The original 1871 reservoir is thought to be the first large irrigation reservoir in Utah, and possibly the country; today’s dam was built from 1941 to 1946 |
| Facilities | A boat ramp, parking and primitive camping, with no on-site staff |
| Low-water rule | The whole lake is wakeless once it drops to 4,761 feet or lower (Utah rule) |
| Drive time | About 25 minutes from Logan and 1¾ hours from Salt Lake City |
| Best months | June and July, while the lake is high |
Best things to do on Newton Reservoir
- Early-summer surf sessions – while the lake is full in June and July, its long, narrow shape is perfect for a MasterCraft surf boat.
- Relaxed jet skiing – light traffic makes Newton an easy place to learn on a Sea-Doo.
- Fishing – bluegill, perch, crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout and tiger muskie.
- Shady picnics – the cottonwoods and willows along the shore make cool spots for a lakeside lunch.
- Cutler Marsh – the marshes of nearby Cutler Reservoir are great for birding and paddling.
- Logan and Cache Valley – pair the lake with Logan’s restaurants, Aggie Ice Cream at Utah State and a drive up Logan Canyon.
- Charters and lessons – book a private boat tour and let a local driver handle the boat while your group learns to wakesurf.
- Backcountry trails – explore the mountains around Cache Valley with ATV and side-by-side rentals.
Where to launch at Newton Reservoir
- Newton Reservoir ramp – a Bureau of Reclamation ramp and parking area with primitive facilities.
- Primitive camping – dispersed sites near the shore; there’s no on-site manager, so pack out everything you bring.
- Hyrum State Park – Cache Valley’s full-service state park lake, about 35 minutes southeast.
Newton is an irrigation reservoir that drops through the summer, and once it reaches 4,761 feet the whole lake becomes wakeless. With Lake Boat Rental, your boat or jet ski is ready at the lake — no towing required.
Tips for a great day on Newton Reservoir
- Go early in the season. June and early July usually offer the fullest lake and the best water for towed sports.
- Watch the wakeless rule. When the lake drops to 4,761 feet, the entire reservoir becomes wakeless — no surfing, skiing or fast riding.
- Bring what you need. There are no stores at the lake; pick up food, ice and fuel in Logan or Smithfield.
- Ride the morning calm. Afternoon wind can roughen the narrow lake.
- Give anglers room. Slow down near shore anglers and float tubes.
- Leave no trace. With no on-site staff, pack out every bit of trash.
Utah boating rules to know
- When Newton Reservoir drops to 4,761 feet or lower, Utah rules make the entire lake wakeless — no towing or high-speed riding.
- Before you go, take Utah's free annual Mussel-Aware Boater course — it's required for everyone on the water, renters included.
- Wear a life jacket on jet skis and whenever you're being towed — tubing, skiing or wakeboarding.
- Our rental operators must be 18+ with a valid driver's license. Passengers of any age can ride along with a parent or guardian's approval; Utah requires a youth certificate for jet ski drivers under 18.
- Towing your own boat in? Pull the drain plugs when you leave and stop at every open inspection station.
- Towing a skier, tuber or surfer isn’t allowed inside the wakeless area around a launch ramp.
Map of Newton Reservoir
Newton Reservoir rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Newton Reservoir?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, captained boat tours with lessons, plus Can-Am side-by-sides and ATVs for the trails.
Will my boat be at Newton Reservoir when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Newton Reservoir, so there's nothing to tow. Pickup from our Utah locations is also available.
Do I need a boating license to rent at Newton Reservoir?
Adults don't need a boating license in Utah. To rent from us, the operator must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license. Everyone on the water must complete Utah's free annual Mussel-Aware Boater course.
Can you waterski or wakesurf on Newton Reservoir?
Yes, while the lake is high. Utah rules make Newton wakeless once the water drops to 4,761 feet or lower, which usually happens later in dry summers, so early summer is the best time for towed sports.
Are jet skis allowed on Newton Reservoir?
Yes. Jet skis and powerboats are allowed, with no horsepower limit. Just remember the whole lake becomes wakeless when it drops to 4,761 feet.
Where is Newton Reservoir?
About 2 miles north of Newton in western Cache Valley, roughly 25 minutes from Logan. Take US-91 north to Smithfield, then Utah Highway 218 west to Newton.
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