Barren River Lake is a 10,000-acre lake on the Barren River in south-central Kentucky, between Glasgow and Scottsville and about 30 miles east of Bowling Green.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Barren River Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park sits on its shore with a marina, beach and lodge, and the lake's long open reaches are great for skiing and tubing.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Barren River Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Barren River Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Barren River Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Barren River Lake.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Barren River 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.
Barren River Lake at a glance
| Location | Glasgow and Scottsville |
|---|---|
| Size | About 10,000 acres |
| River | Barren River |
| Dam | Barren River Dam, 1964 |
| Park | Barren River Lake State Resort Park |
| From Bowling Green | About 30 miles |
Best things to do on Barren River Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – long open reaches.
- Wakesurfing – calm coves on early mornings.
- Jet skiing – coves and creek arms.
- Fishing – largemouth, crappie and hybrid stripers.
Where to launch at Barren River Lake
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park – state park with a marina.
- Corps ramps – public launches around the lake.
Summer weekends are busy around the state park, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Barren River Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Kentucky requires an observer 12 or older or a wide-angle mirror when towing, and towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Kentucky.
Kentucky boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one whenever they're on the open deck of a moving boat, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer 12 or older besides the driver or a wide-angle rear-view mirror, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset, and not within 100 feet of a dock, harbor or swimming area or within 2,000 feet of a dam or lock.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
Map of Barren River Lake
Barren River Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Barren River 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 Barren River Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Barren River Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Barren River Lake?
In south-central Kentucky between Glasgow and Scottsville, about 30 miles east of Bowling Green.
Can you jet ski on Barren River Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Barren River Lake.
How big is Barren River Lake?
About 10,000 acres.
Is there a state park on Barren River Lake?
Yes. Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a marina, beach and lodge.