Ross Barnett Reservoir is a 33,000-acre lake on the Pearl River between Madison and Rankin counties, just northeast of Jackson.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Ross Barnett, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It has 105 miles of shoreline behind a 3.5-mile dam and spillway, and the Natchez Trace Parkway runs along its western shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Ross Barnett
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Ross Barnett.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Ross Barnett, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Ross Barnett.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Ross Barnett.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Ross Barnett 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.
Ross Barnett at a glance
| Location | Madison and Rankin counties |
|---|---|
| Size | About 33,000 acres |
| River | Pearl River |
| Shoreline | About 105 miles |
| Dam | 3.5 miles long |
| Nearby | Jackson, Ridgeland, Brandon |
Best things to do on Ross Barnett
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Sunset cruises – wide-open water on the main lake.
Where to launch at Ross Barnett
- Public ramps – launches around the lake on the Madison and Rankin sides.
Watch for stumps and standing timber outside the marked channels. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Ross Barnett
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Mississippi requires a spotter, besides the driver, watching anyone being towed.
- Kids 12 and under must wear a life jacket on boats 26 feet or less in Mississippi.
Mississippi boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Kids 12 and under must wear one while underway on a boat 26 feet or less, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Anyone towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber needs a spotter on board besides the driver. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can only run during daylight hours in Mississippi, so plan jet ski time between sunrise and sunset.
- Keep to idle speed in posted no-wake zones and near docks, marinas and boat ramps, and watch for stumps outside the marked channels.
Map of Ross Barnett Reservoir
Ross Barnett rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Ross Barnett?
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 Ross Barnett, so there's no towing.
Where is Ross Barnett Reservoir?
On the Pearl River between Madison and Rankin counties, just northeast of Jackson.
Can you jet ski on Ross Barnett Reservoir?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Ross Barnett Reservoir.
How big is Ross Barnett Reservoir?
About 33,000 acres, with 105 miles of shoreline.
What do locals call it?
Most people just call it the Reservoir.