Kayak & Boat Rentals Near Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is not a public walk-up kayak rental or launch destination. Eligible rental guests may use a member’s craft only under ALA’s operator, documentation and insurance rules; they cannot bring their own kayak or paddleboard. For independent public rentals, compare nearby Lake Gregory and Silverwood Lake and check the operator’s current availability.
The facts
- On Lake Arrowhead itself
- No public/self-serve kayak, SUP, or boat rentals — private lake
- Captained options
- Arrowhead Queen tour boat; McKenzie Water Ski School (captained only)
- Rent & paddle yourself
- At public lakes: Lake Gregory, Silverwood Lake, Green Valley Lake
- Closest rental
- Lake Gregory (~15 min) — kayaks, SUP, Duffy & pedal boats
- Bring your own kayak?
- Only with ALA membership + boat decal + operator license
Getting there
Get directions →Why you can't rent a kayak on Lake Arrowhead
Private lake access and permission to operate a boat are separate. Eligible Arrowhead Woods rental guests can access the lake through ALA’s registration process. Confirm your host’s registration, the required access card and photo ID before arrival. Beach clubs and ALA-owned docks are excluded; an owner’s private dock and boat use have additional requirements. See the current lake-access guide and ALA access update.
Rental guests cannot bring personal watercraft. Using a member’s craft requires the ALA operator credentials and insurance specified in the update. For public rentals, use a nearby lake and confirm the operator’s current rules.
On Lake Arrowhead: the captained options
If it's specifically Lake Arrowhead you want to be on, two operators run out of the Village — both captained, because self-drive rentals aren't allowed:
The Lake Arrowhead Queen — a 50-minute narrated paddlewheel cruise, ~$35/adult, tickets dockside at LeRoy's Boardshop. The easy, everyone-can-do-it way onto the water.
McKenzie Water Ski School — on the Village docks since 1946, offering water-ski, wakeboard, and wakesurf sessions for all levels (they provide wetsuits; a ride-along around the lake is popular even if you don't ski). Their own listing is blunt about it: Lake Arrowhead is a private lake, all boats are run by McKenzie's captains, and there are no personal watercraft or vessel rentals. Book ahead; it's seasonal. Call the Ski Dock / McKenzie for current rates and times.
Rent and paddle yourself: the public lakes
To rent a kayak, paddleboard, or boat and drive it yourself, head to a public lake — all within about 15–30 minutes:
Lake Gregory (Crestline, ~15 min) — the closest and easiest. The park rents Duffy electric boats, and concessionaires rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and the classic pedal/swan boats; private kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are welcome too. An 86-acre lake, calm and beginner-friendly. The go-to for a spur-of-the-moment paddle.
Silverwood Lake (~30 min) — a state recreation area with a full marina: kayak, canoe, and patio-boat rentals, a public launch ramp, plus water-skiing and personal-watercraft zones. The pick for a bigger day on the water or for motorized boats. Note California now requires a Boating Card to operate a motorized vessel.
Green Valley Lake (~25 min) — small and quiet, with modest seasonal rentals; good if you want a mellow paddle away from crowds.
Because these are public, you don't need any membership — just show up (or reserve in peak season), sign the waiver, and go.
The quick decision
For a public sightseeing ride, check the Arrowhead Queen. For a paddle during an eligible rental stay, confirm ALA permission for the host’s craft. To rent independently, check current options at Lake Gregory, Green Valley Lake or Silverwood Lake.
Frequently asked questions
Can you rent a kayak on Lake Arrowhead?
Not on Lake Arrowhead itself — it's a private, members-only lake with no public rentals or launch. Rent kayaks at nearby public lakes instead: Lake Gregory (~15 min) or Silverwood Lake (~30 min).
Can you rent a boat on Lake Arrowhead?
Lake Arrowhead has private boating rules rather than a general public self-drive rental system. Eligible rental guests may use a member’s craft only after meeting ALA’s requirements. The Queen offers public sightseeing cruises; nearby public lakes offer other rental options.
Can I bring my own kayak to Lake Arrowhead?
Short-term rental guests may not bring personal kayaks or paddleboards under ALA’s access update. Members and other guest categories should confirm their specific craft and operator requirements with ALA.
Where is the closest place to rent a kayak or paddleboard near Lake Arrowhead?
Lake Gregory in Crestline, about 15 minutes away. It rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, Duffy electric boats, and pedal boats, and welcomes private craft. Silverwood Lake (~30 min) has a full marina for larger and motorized boats.
Is McKenzie Water Ski School open to the public?
Yes — anyone can book a session; you don't need to be an ALA member. All trips are run by McKenzie's own boat captains (Lake Arrowhead being private means no self-drive rentals). It's seasonal, so book ahead and confirm current rates.
Access information checked September 13, 2026. Check current official rules, opening times and conditions before your visit.