Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre lake on the Cumberland River, running about 118 miles from Barkley Dam in Kentucky south past Dover toward Clarksville.
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 runs side by side with Kentucky Lake, with Land Between the Lakes in between, and the Tennessee end around Dover is quieter river-lake water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Barkley
Everything you rent is ready for you at Lake Barkley — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lake Barkley.
- 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 Lake Barkley 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.
Lake Barkley at a glance
| Location | Dover and Clarksville, TN |
|---|---|
| Size | About 58,000 acres |
| Length | About 118 miles |
| River | Cumberland River |
| Dam | Barkley Dam, 1966 |
| Neighbor | Land Between the Lakes |
Best things to do on Lake Barkley
- Cruising – Land Between the Lakes shoreline.
- Jet skiing – bays and creeks to explore.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water near Dover.
- Fishing – crappie, bass and catfish.
Where to launch at Lake Barkley
- Dover ramps – public launches around Dover.
- Clarksville ramps – launches along the Cumberland River.
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 Lake Barkley
- 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.
- The north end of Lake Barkley is in Kentucky, so Kentucky boating rules apply north 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?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Lake Barkley myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Lake Barkley, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Lake Barkley in Tennessee?
Around Dover and up the Cumberland River toward Clarksville.
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, stretching about 118 miles.
Is Lake Barkley connected to Kentucky Lake?
Yes. A canal near the dams in Kentucky connects the two lakes.