Gainesville Lake is a 6,400-acre lake on the Tombigbee River and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in west Alabama, just east of Gainesville and south of Aliceville.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Gainesville Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Howell Heflin Lock and Dam holds it back about 8 miles north of Epes, and the long, river-run lake winds north through bottomland hardwoods with about 200 miles of shoreline.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Gainesville Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Gainesville Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Gainesville Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Gainesville Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Gainesville Lake.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Gainesville Lake into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Gainesville Lake at a glance
| Location | Near Gainesville |
|---|---|
| Size | About 6,400 acres |
| Shoreline | About 200 miles |
| River | Tombigbee River |
| Dam | Howell Heflin Lock and Dam |
| Waterway | Tenn-Tom |
Best things to do on Gainesville Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Long river runs – miles of winding water between the bluffs and bottomlands.
Where to launch at Gainesville Lake
- Cochrane Recreation Area – the Corps ramp on the west bank near Aliceville.
Barge traffic uses the main channel, so give tows plenty of room. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Gainesville 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.
Map of Gainesville Lake
Gainesville Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Gainesville Lake?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Gainesville Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Gainesville Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Gainesville Lake?
In west Alabama on the Tombigbee River, just east of Gainesville and south of Aliceville, between Tuscaloosa and Meridian.
Can you jet ski on Gainesville Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Gainesville Lake.
How big is Gainesville Lake?
About 6,400 acres, with about 200 miles of shoreline.
Do barges use Gainesville Lake?
Yes. It's part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, so give tows plenty of room in the main channel.