Kanopolis Lake Boat and Jet Ski Rentals

Kanopolis Lake is a 3,500-acre lake on the Smoky Hill River in Ellsworth County, about 30 miles southwest of Salina in central Kansas. Completed in 1948, it is one of the oldest lakes in the state, set among the red Dakota sandstone bluffs and canyons of the Smoky Hills near Marquette, Kanopolis and Ellsworth. We offer the best boats, jet skis and water toys at Kanopolis Lake, ready and waiting for you right at the lake.

Kanopolis Lake Boat Rentals

Kanopolis Lake's open main basin gives you room for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and tubing, and the coves along the bluffs offer calmer water when the Kansas wind picks up. Our Kanopolis Lake boat rentals include:

• MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats for family and friends
• Ski boat rentals for water skiing, slalom and tubing
• Tubes, wakeboards and wakesurf boards for every age
• Paddle boards and water trampolines for a swim stop below the sandstone bluffs

Rather have someone else drive? Book a private boat charter and our captain will handle the boat. Damage waiver coverage is available on every rental.

Kanopolis Lake Jet Ski Rentals

Jet skiing on Kanopolis Lake means open water, red rock bluffs and quiet coves to explore from the Horsethief Area to Langley Point. Most of our jet ski rentals can pull a tube, depending on the model, and guided rides are available. See our jet ski models to pick your ride.

Pontoons, Marinas and Boat Service

Planning a fishing trip or a weekend on Kanopolis Lake with family and friends? We don't rent pontoons or service boats, but we offer surf boats, jet skis and water toys to go with your pontoon day or lake house stay.

Kanopolis State Park

Kanopolis State Park was the first state park in Kansas, with campgrounds, cabins, a swimming beach and a marina on the lake. The Horsethief Area is the gateway to Horsethief Canyon and Buffalo Track Canyon, with miles of hiking, biking and horseback trails through the sandstone canyons.

Faris Caves and Mushroom Rock

Make a day of exploring the area around the lake. The Faris Caves were carved into the sandstone by early settlers, and nearby Mushroom Rock State Park is known for its giant mushroom-shaped rock formations.

Fishing on Kanopolis Lake

Kanopolis Lake is a favorite with anglers for white bass, wipers, walleye, crappie and channel catfish. Spring and fall bring some of the best fishing, while summer days belong to skiers, tubers and jet skis.

Getting to Kanopolis Lake

Kanopolis Lake is about 30 miles southwest of Salina, an easy drive from Salina, Wichita and McPherson. From Salina, head southwest on K-140 and K-141 to Kanopolis State Park, or take K-4 west through Marquette to reach the lake from the south. See all of our Kansas lakes.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Kansas boating rules: anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 who is under 21 needs an approved boater education certificate to drive a boat or jet ski, and no one under 12 may drive without direct adult supervision. Jet skis can't be ridden between sunset and sunrise, and our rental drivers must be 18 or older.
• Life jackets: everyone on a jet ski must wear a life jacket, and children 12 and under must wear one at all times on a boat or while being towed.
• Wind and open water: Kansas winds can kick up waves quickly, so plan on calm mornings for skiing and surfing and head for a sheltered cove if the wind picks up.
• Ramps, beaches and anglers: slow down near the marina, boat ramps and swim beaches, and give anglers plenty of room.
• Book early: summer weekends and holidays fill up fast.

Lakes Near Kanopolis Lake

Looking for more lakes near Kanopolis? Wilson Lake is northwest off I-70, Milford Lake is to the northeast near Junction City, and Cheney Reservoir is near Wichita. See all our Kansas lakes.

Kanopolis Lake Map