Cheatham Lake is a 7,450-acre stretch of the Cumberland River running about 67 miles from Old Hickory Dam through Nashville down to Cheatham Lock and Dam near Ashland City.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Cheatham Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's a river-lake with wooded bluffs west of the city, and a laid-back alternative to the busier Nashville lakes.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Cheatham Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Cheatham Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Cheatham Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Cheatham Lake.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- 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.
Cheatham Lake at a glance
| Location | Nashville to Ashland City |
|---|---|
| Size | About 7,450 acres |
| Length | About 67 miles |
| River | Cumberland River |
| Dam | Cheatham Lock and Dam |
| Setting | River bluffs |
Best things to do on Cheatham Lake
- Cruising – past downtown Nashville.
- Jet skiing – miles of river-lake.
- Water skiing and tubing – straight river reaches.
- Fishing – catfish, bass and sauger.
Where to launch at Cheatham Lake
- Corps ramps – public launches near Ashland City.
- Nashville ramps – launches along the river in town.
River wind and barge traffic 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 Cheatham Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Tennessee requires an observer 12 or older or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in Tennessee.
Tennessee boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat isn't docked or tied up, even when drifting, and everyone on a jet ski must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires a 170-degree wide-angle rear-view mirror or an observer 12 or older besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
- Give barges and tows plenty of room on the main river channel, and keep clear of the lock approaches.
Map of Cheatham Lake
Cheatham Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Cheatham 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 Cheatham Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Cheatham Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Cheatham Lake?
On the Cumberland River from Nashville down to Ashland City.
Can you jet ski on Cheatham Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Cheatham Lake.
How long is Cheatham Lake?
About 67 miles.
Can you boat past downtown Nashville?
Yes. Cheatham Lake runs right through downtown on the Cumberland River.