Holt Lake is a 3,200-acre lake on the Black Warrior River, about six miles northeast of Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Holt Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The Corps of Engineers finished Holt Lock and Dam in the late 1960s, and the narrow, winding lake runs about 18 miles upriver toward Bankhead Dam between wooded bluffs.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Holt Lake
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Holt Lake.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 12 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Holt Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- 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.
Holt Lake at a glance
| Location | Northeast of Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|
| Size | About 3,200 acres |
| Length | About 18 miles |
| River | Black Warrior River |
| Managed by | Corps of Engineers |
| Max depth | About 85 feet |
Best things to do on Holt Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- River cruising – long, quiet stretches between the bluffs.
Where to launch at Holt Lake
- Corps parks – public ramps at Corps recreation areas around the lake.
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 Holt 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 Holt Lake
Holt Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Holt Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Holt Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Holt Lake?
On the Black Warrior River about six miles northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, between Holt Lock and Dam and Bankhead Dam.
Can you jet ski on Holt Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Holt Lake.
How big is Holt Lake?
About 3,200 acres, stretching about 18 miles along the river.
Do barges use Holt Lake?
Yes. It's part of the Black Warrior-Tombigbee Waterway, so give tows plenty of room in the main channel.