Nickajack Lake is a TVA lake of about 10,000 acres on the Tennessee River, running about 46 miles from downtown Chattanooga through the Tennessee River Gorge to Nickajack Dam.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Nickajack Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Steep wooded ridges line the gorge, making it one of the most scenic stretches of water in the state.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Nickajack Lake
Everything you rent is ready for you at Nickajack Lake — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Nickajack Lake.
- Sea-Doo rentals – rent a single jet ski or several for your group's day on Nickajack Lake.
- 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.
Nickajack Lake at a glance
| Location | Chattanooga to the Alabama line |
|---|---|
| Size | About 10,000 acres |
| Length | About 46 miles |
| River | Tennessee River |
| Dam | Nickajack Dam, 1967 |
| Scenery | Tennessee River Gorge |
Best things to do on Nickajack Lake
- Cruising – the Tennessee River Gorge.
- Jet skiing – miles of scenic river-lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings in the coves.
- Fishing – bass, catfish and crappie.
Where to launch at Nickajack Lake
- Shellmound – TVA recreation area with a ramp near the dam.
- Chattanooga ramps – public launches near downtown.
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 Nickajack 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 Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Nickajack Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Nickajack Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Nickajack Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Nickajack Lake?
On the Tennessee River west of Chattanooga, through the Tennessee River Gorge.
Can you jet ski on Nickajack Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Nickajack Lake.
How long is Nickajack Lake?
About 46 miles.
What is the Tennessee River Gorge?
A deep, wooded canyon the river cuts through the mountains west of Chattanooga.