South Holston Lake is a 7,580-acre TVA reservoir near Abingdon and Bristol, with most of the lake in Tennessee and about 1,600 acres on the Virginia side.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on South Holston Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Boaters love its clear mountain water, and the Virginia end of the lake is an easy drive from Abingdon and Bristol.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at South Holston Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at South Holston Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at South Holston Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising South Holston Lake or pulling a tube.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
South Holston Lake at a glance
| Location | Near Abingdon and Bristol |
|---|---|
| Total size | About 7,580 acres |
| Virginia side | About 1,600 acres |
| Operated by | Tennessee Valley Authority |
| Also in | Tennessee |
| Known for | Clear mountain water |
Best things to do on South Holston 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 stops – clear water in quiet coves.
Where to launch at South Holston Lake
- Public ramps – launches on the Virginia end of 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 South Holston 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 South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at South Holston Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at South Holston Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at South Holston Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is the Virginia side of South Holston Lake?
At the north end of the lake, near Abingdon and Bristol.
Can you jet ski on South Holston Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on South Holston Lake.
How big is South Holston Lake?
About 7,580 acres in all, with about 1,600 acres in Virginia.
Do you rent on the Tennessee side too?
Yes. We also have rentals ready on the Tennessee side, and it has its own page.