The Best Boat Rentals in West Virginia

Most lake pontoon rentals in West Virginia run about $200–$350 for a half day and $400–$650 for a full day, with bigger double‑decker “slide” pontoons often closer to $600–$700 for a full day in peak summer. Smaller fishing or utility boats can be closer to $100–$200 for a half day. Captained private cruises, where available, typically start around $150–$250 per hour depending on the vessel and group size. Prices usually include standard safety gear and a brief orientation. Fuel, taxes, and booking fees may be extra; some lakes include fuel while others charge it at return. Damage deposits are common, and holiday weekends can carry premium rates.

The most popular choices are comfortable pontoons for 8–12 guests, along with premium or double‑decker pontoons with slides for larger groups. You’ll also find deck and bowrider boats for cruising and watersports, fishing boats set up for casting the coves, compact micro‑cat power boats on some lakes, and, on select reservoirs, houseboats for multi‑day trips. Jet‑drive and wake/ski boats are available in some areas; large ocean‑style yachts are uncommon here.

Both options exist. Most lake rentals are self‑operated and designed to be easy to handle after a safety briefing. If you prefer to relax, don’t have a qualified operator in your group, or want help with docking and route planning, look for a captained trip. For self‑drive, operators born on or after December 31, 1986 must complete a state‑approved boating safety course; some marinas can issue a temporary card for the day. Captained outings typically don’t require you to hold a boater card.

Popular departure points include Summersville Lake (from Summersville Lake Marina or the public ramps at Battle Run and Long Point), Sutton Lake Marina near Bee Run, the Stonewall Resort Marina on Stonewall Jackson Lake near Weston, Sunset Beach Marina on Cheat Lake in Morgantown, Tygart Lake Marina at Tygart Lake State Park in Grafton, the docks at Haddad Riverfront Park on the Kanawha River in downtown Charleston, and Heritage Port on the Ohio River in Wheeling. Your exact meetup will be listed in your booking details.

Expect forested shorelines, quiet coves, and mountain views on lakes like Stonewall Jackson and Tygart. On Summersville Lake, you’ll cruise past striking sandstone cliffs and emerald coves often nicknamed the “Little Bahamas of the East.” Cheat Lake trips showcase the Cheat River gorge near Coopers Rock. River outings add a different feel: in Charleston you can spot the gold‑domed State Capitol along the Kanawha, while the Ohio River offers bridges, historic riverfronts, and passing towboats.

West Virginia requires anyone born on or after December 31, 1986 to complete a NASBLA‑approved boating safety course to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft. You should carry your education card when operating. Children and teens have additional supervision limits for motor horsepower and PWCs. If you book a captained trip, the licensed operator handles the driving. Always bring a valid government‑issued photo ID for the renter and designated operator.

Yes. Family groups are common on West Virginia lakes, and standard U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets are provided in adult and youth sizes; request infant or child sizes in advance to guarantee fit. By law, children under 13 must wear a life jacket while a boat is underway unless they are below deck or in an enclosed cabin. Operators will review basic safety and show you where gear is stored before departure.

Most lake rentals welcome coolers with snacks and non‑glass beverages, and many marinas sell ice and supplies at the dock. Policies on alcohol vary by lake and operator; some rentals do not allow alcohol, while others permit moderate consumption by guests 21+. Grills and open flames are typically not allowed on standard rental boats, though a few specialty pontoons may have built‑in features. Check your listing’s rules so there are no surprises at check‑in.

Pet policies vary by boat. Many pontoons allow well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a small cleaning fee, while certain fleets do not allow pets at all. If you’re bringing a dog, mention the breed and size when booking, use a pet life jacket, and bring a towel to protect seats and for drying off after swims.

Summer in the mountains can bring quick pop‑up showers and afternoon thunderstorms, and several West Virginia lakes are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with seasonal water‑level changes and fall drawdowns. If conditions are unsafe—such as lightning, high winds, or low visibility—trips are paused or rescheduled. Cancellation and weather policies are set by each owner; some allow changes up to the day before, while others require more notice, so review the policy on your booking before you finalize plans.

Absolutely. Pontoons are perfect for casual celebrations, and double‑decker or premium pontoons comfortably host larger groups. For very large parties, booking two boats that cruise together keeps everyone comfortable and within capacity. Captained options simplify hosting, and many docks have nearby picnic shelters or restaurants to continue the celebration on shore. Be sure to confirm maximum passenger counts, decor rules, and any alcohol policy before the day of your event.

Peak boating season runs from late May through early September, with the biggest demand on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day. Many marinas open by mid‑ to late spring and reduce hours or close in mid‑September or October as water levels are lowered for fall; early fall can still offer warm days and great foliage on select lakes with reduced operations. Weekdays are typically quieter and often a bit cheaper than weekends, and morning departures usually mean calmer water and easier parking at the ramp. If you’re eyeing holiday weekends or a Saturday in July, book several weeks in advance.

In Charleston, the Kanawha River puts you right by downtown concerts and fireworks, and during the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta in early July the riverfront comes alive with boats and festivities. On Summersville Lake, a calm‑water cruise to cliff‑lined coves is a must. Around Morgantown, Cheat Lake outings pair nicely with a stop for sunset views near the Coopers Rock gorge. Bird‑watchers often spot great blue herons and, in some areas such as Bluestone Lake, the occasional bald eagle.