Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre lake on the Cumberland River, held back by Barkley Dam near Grand Rivers and running south past Kuttawa, Eddyville and Cadiz into Tennessee.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Barkley, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It parallels Kentucky Lake for more than 50 miles, with Land Between the Lakes in between, and its bays and creek arms are usually calmer than its bigger neighbor.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Barkley
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Lake Barkley with no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lake Barkley, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- 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.
Lake Barkley at a glance
| Location | Grand Rivers, Kuttawa and Cadiz, KY |
|---|---|
| Size | About 58,000 acres |
| Length | About 134 miles |
| Shoreline | About 1,004 miles |
| River | Cumberland River |
| Dam | Barkley Dam, 1966 |
Best things to do on Lake Barkley
- Wakesurfing – calm bays on early mornings.
- Jet skiing – creek arms and the LBL shoreline.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Fishing – crappie, bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Lake Barkley
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park – state park near Cadiz with a marina.
- Grand Rivers and Kuttawa – marinas near the dam and the canal.
Barge traffic and wind 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 Lake Barkley
- 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 Lake Barkley 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 Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Barkley?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Barkley, so there's no towing.
Where is Lake Barkley in Kentucky?
In western Kentucky, from Barkley Dam near Grand Rivers south past Kuttawa, Eddyville and Cadiz.
Can you jet ski on Lake Barkley?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Barkley.
How big is Lake Barkley?
About 58,000 acres in summer, with roughly 1,004 miles of shoreline.
Can you boat from Lake Barkley to Kentucky Lake?
Yes. A canal at Grand Rivers connects the two lakes.