Claytor Lake is a 4,472-acre, 21-mile-long reservoir on the New River in Pulaski County, built for an Appalachian Power hydroelectric project.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Claytor Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's named for William Graham Claytor Sr., who oversaw the dam, and Claytor Lake State Park borders three miles of shoreline with a beach, marina and lakeside cabins.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Claytor Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Claytor Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Claytor Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Claytor Lake.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Claytor Lake.
- 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.
Claytor Lake at a glance
| Location | Pulaski County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,472 acres |
| Length | About 21 miles |
| River | New River |
| Park | Claytor Lake State Park |
| Named for | William Graham Claytor Sr. |
Best things to do on Claytor Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Beach stops – the state park beach.
Where to launch at Claytor Lake
- Claytor Lake State Park – public ramps and marina.
- Public landings – ramps along the lake.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Claytor Lake
- 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 Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Claytor 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 Claytor Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Claytor Lake?
In Pulaski County in southwest Virginia, on the New River near Dublin and Radford.
Can you jet ski on Claytor Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Claytor Lake.
How big is Claytor Lake?
About 4,472 acres and 21 miles long.
Is there a state park on Claytor Lake?
Yes. Claytor Lake State Park has a beach, marina, cabins and campgrounds on the shore.