Bankhead Lake is a lake of about 9,200 acres on the Black Warrior River, running along the Jefferson, Walker and Tuscaloosa county lines west of Birmingham.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Bankhead Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
High bluffs and wooded river bends line the water, and it's a quiet river-lake escape between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Bankhead Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Bankhead Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Bankhead Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Bankhead Lake.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Bankhead Lake.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Bankhead Lake at a glance
| Location | West of Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Size | About 9,200 acres |
| River | Black Warrior River |
| Dam | Bankhead Lock and Dam |
| Setting | River bluffs |
| Counties | Jefferson, Walker, Tuscaloosa |
Best things to do on Bankhead Lake
- Cruising – bluffs and river bends.
- Water skiing and tubing – straight river reaches.
- Jet skiing – creek arms to explore.
- Fishing – spotted bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Bankhead Lake
- Public ramps – launches along the river.
River wind and barge traffic pick up later in the day, so mornings are best. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Bankhead Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Alabama requires an observer besides the driver when towing, and no towing between sunset and sunrise.
- Kids under 8 must wear a life jacket on board in Alabama.
Alabama boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 8 must wear one at all times unless they're inside an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis need the engine cut-off lanyard attached to the driver, and everyone riding must wear a life jacket.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
- Give barges and tows plenty of room on the main river channel, and keep clear of the lock approaches.
Map of Bankhead Lake
Bankhead Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Bankhead Lake?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Will my boat be at Bankhead Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Bankhead Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Bankhead Lake?
On the Black Warrior River west of Birmingham, between Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
Can you jet ski on Bankhead Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Bankhead Lake.
How big is Bankhead Lake?
About 9,200 acres.
Is Bankhead Lake a river lake?
Yes. It's a long, winding stretch of the Black Warrior River.