Kentucky Lake is a 160,000-acre lake on the Tennessee River, held back by Kentucky Dam at Gilbertsville and stretching south past Aurora and Murray into Tennessee.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Kentucky Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's the largest man-made lake by surface area east of the Mississippi, with about 2,064 miles of shoreline, and Land Between the Lakes runs along its east shore on the Kentucky end.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Kentucky Lake
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Kentucky Lake.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Kentucky Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Kentucky Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Kentucky Lake at a glance
| Location | Gilbertsville, Aurora and Murray, KY |
|---|---|
| Size | About 160,000 acres |
| Shoreline | About 2,064 miles |
| River | Tennessee River |
| Dam | Kentucky Dam, 1944 |
| Parks | Kentucky Dam Village, Kenlake |
Best things to do on Kentucky Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – miles of open water.
- Wakesurfing – sheltered bays on calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – bays, creeks and the LBL shoreline.
- Fishing – crappie, bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Kentucky Lake
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park – state park with a large marina.
- Kenlake State Resort Park – state park near Aurora.
- Marinas – resorts and marinas around Aurora and Murray.
Big-lake wind builds in the afternoon, so mornings are best. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Kentucky 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.
- The south end of Kentucky Lake is in Tennessee, so Tennessee boating rules apply south of the state line.
- Give barges and tows plenty of room on the main river channel, and keep clear of the lock approaches.
Map of Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Kentucky Lake?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Kentucky Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Kentucky Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Kentucky Lake in Kentucky?
In western Kentucky, from Kentucky Dam at Gilbertsville south past Aurora and Murray.
Can you jet ski on Kentucky Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Kentucky Lake.
How big is Kentucky Lake?
About 160,000 acres, the largest man-made lake by surface area east of the Mississippi.
Is Kentucky Lake connected to Lake Barkley?
Yes. A canal at Grand Rivers connects the two lakes.