Smith Mountain Lake is the largest lake entirely within Virginia, covering about 20,600 acres between Roanoke and Lynchburg in the Roanoke Region.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Smith Mountain Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Smith Mountain Dam created it on the Roanoke River in 1963, with Bedford County on the north shore and Franklin and Pittsylvania counties on the south, and Smith Mountain Lake State Park near Huddleston.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Smith Mountain Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Smith Mountain Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Smith Mountain Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Smith Mountain Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Smith Mountain Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- 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.
Smith Mountain Lake at a glance
| Location | Between Roanoke and Lynchburg |
|---|---|
| Size | About 20,600 acres |
| Created | 1963 |
| River | Roanoke River |
| Counties | Bedford, Franklin, Pittsylvania |
| Park | Smith Mountain Lake State Park |
Best things to do on Smith Mountain 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 – long creek arms off the main channel.
Where to launch at Smith Mountain Lake
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park – public ramps near Huddleston.
- Public landings – ramps around the lake.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Smith Mountain 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 Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Smith Mountain 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 have to tow the boat to Smith Mountain Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Smith Mountain Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Smith Mountain Lake?
Southeast of Roanoke and southwest of Lynchburg, in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties.
Can you jet ski on Smith Mountain Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Smith Mountain Lake.
How big is Smith Mountain Lake?
About 20,600 acres, the largest lake entirely within Virginia.
Is there a state park on Smith Mountain Lake?
Yes. Smith Mountain Lake State Park sits on the north shore in Bedford County near Huddleston.