Philpott Lake is a 2,900-acre reservoir on the Smith River near Martinsville, with about 100 miles of shoreline in Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Philpott Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Philpott Dam was finished in 1952, more than 6,400 acres of Corps of Engineers land surround the lake, and Fairy Stone State Park sits right next to it.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Philpott Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Philpott Lake, 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 Philpott Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Philpott Lake.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Philpott 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.
Philpott Lake at a glance
| Location | Near Martinsville |
|---|---|
| Size | About 2,900 acres |
| Shoreline | About 100 miles |
| River | Smith River |
| Dam finished | 1952 |
| Nearby park | Fairy Stone State Park |
Best things to do on Philpott Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Cove cruising – clear water and wooded coves.
Where to launch at Philpott Lake
- Corps parks – boat ramps 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 Philpott 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 Philpott Lake
Philpott Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Philpott 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 Philpott Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Philpott Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Philpott Lake?
Near Martinsville in Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.
Can you jet ski on Philpott Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Philpott Lake.
How big is Philpott Lake?
About 2,900 acres with roughly 100 miles of shoreline.
Is Philpott Lake near Fairy Stone State Park?
Yes. Fairy Stone State Park sits right next to the lake.