Lake Moomaw sits behind Gathright Dam on the Jackson River, about 19 miles north of Covington in the mountains of western Virginia.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Moomaw, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The Corps of Engineers runs the dam, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests surround the lake with campgrounds, trails, a beach and boat launches.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Moomaw
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Lake Moomaw.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Lake Moomaw.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lake Moomaw or pulling a tube.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- 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.
Lake Moomaw at a glance
| Location | North of Covington |
|---|---|
| Dam | Gathright Dam |
| River | Jackson River |
| Run by | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Surroundings | National forest |
| Region | Western Virginia mountains |
Best things to do on Lake Moomaw
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Scenic cruising – forested mountain shoreline.
Where to launch at Lake Moomaw
- Recreation areas – boat launches around the lake.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Moomaw
- 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 Lake Moomaw
Lake Moomaw rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Moomaw?
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 Lake Moomaw when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Moomaw, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake Moomaw?
About 19 miles north of Covington in western Virginia, on the Jackson River.
Can you jet ski on Lake Moomaw?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Moomaw.
What surrounds Lake Moomaw?
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, with campgrounds, trails and a beach.
Who runs Lake Moomaw?
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers runs Gathright Dam, which forms the lake.