Buggs Island Lake, called Kerr Lake in North Carolina, is the largest lake in Virginia, covering about 50,000 acres with roughly 850 miles of shoreline across both states.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Buggs Island, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The Corps of Engineers built the dam on the Roanoke River between 1947 and 1952, and the Virginia side runs through Mecklenburg, Charlotte and Halifax counties, with Occoneechee State Park near Clarksville.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Buggs Island
Your rentals are waiting for you at Buggs Island, 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 Buggs Island.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- 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.
Buggs Island at a glance
| Location | Mecklenburg, Charlotte, Halifax |
|---|---|
| Size | About 50,000 acres |
| Shoreline | About 850 miles |
| Built | 1947 to 1952 |
| Also called | John H. Kerr Reservoir |
| Park | Occoneechee State Park |
Best things to do on Buggs Island
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Island cruising – coves and islands around Clarksville.
Where to launch at Buggs Island
- Occoneechee State Park – public ramps near Clarksville.
- Corps parks – ramps around the Virginia side of the lake.
The lake is huge, so check the wind before crossing open water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Buggs Island
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Virginia requires an observer besides the driver when towing unless the rider wears a life jacket.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Virginia.
Virginia boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed by one must wear one. Inflatable life jackets aren't allowed on jet skis.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver unless the person being towed wears a life jacket, so plan on both. Towing behind a boat is allowed only from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver, and jet skis must slow to no-wake speed within 50 feet of docks, piers, boat ramps, people in the water and other boats.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, and watch for local speed limits set by each lake.
Map of Buggs Island Lake
Buggs Island rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Buggs Island?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Buggs Island, so there's no towing.
Is Buggs Island Lake the same as Kerr Lake?
Yes. Virginians call it Buggs Island Lake and North Carolinians call it Kerr Lake. We have a separate page for the North Carolina side.
Can you jet ski on Buggs Island Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Buggs Island Lake.
How big is Buggs Island Lake?
About 50,000 acres with roughly 850 miles of shoreline, the largest lake in Virginia.
Where is the Virginia side of the lake?
In Mecklenburg, Charlotte and Halifax counties, around Clarksville and Boydton.