The Best Boat Rentals Near Smith Mountain Lake

Expect most standard pontoons and tritoons to run about $300–$500 per day, with higher-power or premium models a bit more in peak summer. Deck and ski/wake-style boats commonly range from about $300–$650 per day depending on size and horsepower. Captained private cruises are often priced hourly and can start around the low hundreds per hour, while multi-day houseboat getaways typically begin around the low $1,000s for a long weekend in the summer. Prices usually exclude fuel, taxes, and optional add-ons like tubes or wake gear, and many listings include the required safety gear and a thorough on-dock orientation.

You’ll find a wide mix for groups and occasions: comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising and coving, deck boats and bowriders for tubing and watersports, performance-focused ski/wake boats, fishing boats rigged with livewells and electronics, and even houseboats for overnight adventures. Larger cruisers are available in limited numbers, and most rentals are motorized craft suited to the lake’s protected coves and wide open channels.

If you prefer a hands-off day where a local pro handles docking, navigation, and anchoring, book a captained charter—great for celebrations or first-time boaters. Confident operators who want maximum flexibility and privacy often choose self-operated rentals. Either way, your host will outline what’s required before departure, and captains are especially helpful during busy holiday weekends when the lake is most active.

Popular pickup and meeting spots include the Bridgewater Plaza/Hales Ford Bridge area at the heart of the lake, the docks by the beach at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Mariners Landing on the Craddock Creek side, Crazy Horse Marina in Moneta, Parkway Marina near Smith Mountain Dam, and Bernard’s Landing on the western shore. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking, and many hosts also offer dockside delivery to vacation homes.

Plan on Blue Ridge Mountain views, long stretches of quiet coves, and landmarks like the “V” notch in Smith Mountain, the Hales Ford Bridge and Bridgewater Plaza activity hub, the lighthouse on Craddock Creek, and the imposing Smith Mountain Dam at the southeast end. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too—bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons are commonly spotted from the boat.

Virginia requires anyone operating a motorboat of 10 horsepower or more to have completed a NASBLA-approved boating safety course and carry proof of completion. Personal watercraft have additional age rules, and operators should review them before booking. If you book a captained experience, your licensed captain handles the operation so you won’t need to qualify as the operator yourself.

Yes—family groups are common on the lake. Rentals include U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and Virginia and federal rules require a properly fitting life jacket for every person on board, with children 13 and under required to wear one while underway. If you’re bringing infants or very small children, confirm sizing in advance and consider bringing a familiar, well-fitting jacket for comfort.

Most hosts welcome coolers with snacks and beverages, and many boats have ample table space and swim ladders for floating picnics. Glass is often discouraged to protect upholstery and bare feet, and red dyes can stain. If your group plans to enjoy alcoholic beverages, designate a sober operator or book a captained trip; operating under the influence on Virginia waters is illegal and strictly enforced.

Many owners allow well-behaved dogs, sometimes with a small pet or cleaning fee. Let the owner know the breed and size when you inquire, bring a dog life jacket if you have one, and plan for shade, fresh water, and a towel to protect seats after swim breaks. Policies vary by boat, so confirm before you book.

Summer afternoons can bring pop-up thunderstorms, while mornings are often calmer. Your captain or owner will monitor conditions and guide go/no-go decisions; if unsafe weather is forecast, most hosts will offer to adjust your start time, reschedule, or apply a weather-related cancellation per the listing’s policy. To maximize smooth water and avoid heat, consider an early morning or sunset departure.

Yes—boats on the lake host celebrations all season. Choose a roomy pontoon or tritoon for mingling, or a captained cruise if you’d rather focus on the fun. Share your headcount, preferred vibe (relaxed cruising, sandbar swimming, or watersports), and any décor or playlist plans with your host. For peak Saturdays, lock in your date a few weeks ahead; for holiday weekends, book earlier.

Peak boating runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the busiest dates on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend. Weekdays are quieter with easier dock parking and smoother water, and mornings usually offer the calmest conditions. Shoulder months like May and September bring warm water with fewer crowds, while October adds fall color and lake events.

Two favorites are the over-the-water Independence Day fireworks shows—best viewed by boat near Parkway Marina and on Craddock Creek—and the mid-July Pirate Days festivities around Bridgewater Plaza and other dockside spots. In October, the Charity Home Tour draws visitors to cruise between showcase homes; traffic increases on fall weekends, so plan ahead if you’re boating those dates.