Cordell Hull Lake is a quiet Cumberland River lake that stretches about 70 miles upstream from Cordell Hull Dam at Carthage toward the Kentucky line.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Cordell Hull Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Wooded bluffs and fewer crowds than the big Nashville lakes make it a relaxed choice for a day of skiing, surfing or cruising.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Cordell Hull Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Cordell Hull Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Cordell Hull Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Cordell Hull Lake or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Cordell Hull Lake while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Cordell Hull 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.
Cordell Hull Lake at a glance
| Location | Upstream from Carthage |
|---|---|
| Length | About 70 miles |
| River | Cumberland River |
| Dam | Cordell Hull Dam, 1973 |
| Recreation area | Defeated Creek |
| From Nashville | About an hour |
Best things to do on Cordell Hull Lake
- Cruising – wooded river bluffs.
- Water skiing and tubing – long straight reaches.
- Jet skiing – miles of river-lake.
- Fishing – crappie, bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Cordell Hull Lake
- Defeated Creek – Corps of Engineers recreation area with a marina.
- Corps ramps – public launches along the river.
River wind picks up in the afternoon, so mornings are best. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Cordell Hull 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 Cordell Hull Lake
Cordell Hull Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Cordell Hull 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 Cordell Hull Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Cordell Hull Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Cordell Hull Lake?
On the Cumberland River upstream from Carthage, about an hour east of Nashville.
Can you jet ski on Cordell Hull Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Cordell Hull Lake.
How long is Cordell Hull Lake?
About 70 miles.
Is Cordell Hull Lake crowded?
It's usually quieter than the big lakes around Nashville.