Rental and Bait Shop | Top Boat Rental in Burns, TN Skip to content

Rental and Bait Shop

190 Beach Ave, Burns, TN 37029

About

Burns, Tennessee, is home to Broken Paddle Outfitters’ non-motorized boat rentals on Acorn Lake at Montgomery Bell State Park. The boathouse sits between the Lodge at Montgomery Bell and the swim beach, offering single and tandem kayaks, canoes, jon boats, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards. This boat rental near Burns is designed for hourly or half-day outings, with reservations made through an online calendar. Advanced booking is encouraged, though walk-up and same-day availability is usually offered.

Guests select a rental day and duration, then can add boat types and child life vests for their group. Everyone completes a liability waiver before arrival. Acorn Lake is a flatwater lake suited to beginners, while the neighboring swim beach adds another option for a day on the water. The outfitter also makes life jackets, paddles, fishing poles, bait, and dry bags available using the public launch. Contact the outfitter to reserve an Acorn Lake outing.

Features

  • Non-motorized boat rentals
  • Hourly and half-day rentals
  • Online boat reservations
  • Same-day walk-up availability
  • Beginner-friendly lake outings

Amenities

  • Rentals
  • Life Jackets & PFDs
  • Water Sports Gear
  • Pool & Beach

Why book with us

  • Reserve ahead for preferred boat types
  • Complete waivers before arrival for the group
  • Build confidence in a beginner-friendly boat
  • Launch your own boat at Acorn Lake
  • Find walk-up availability for same-day outings

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included with a rental at Rental and Bait Shop?

Rentals from Rental and Bait Shop include life jackets, fuel, cooler storage, fishing gear, a bimini top, a sunshade, a Bluetooth stereo, GPS navigation and on-site parking. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Tennessee?

For state-law purposes, a person must be at least 12 to operate alone a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower, while anyone renting a personal watercraft must be at least 16. An operator under 12 must have a supervisor aboard who is at least 18 and able to take immediate control; if that supervisor was born after January 1, 1989, the supervisor also needs a TWRA boating safety certificate. Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 operating over 8.5 horsepower need the TWRA certificate; nonresidents in that birth-date group need a NASBLA-approved certificate. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

Do you need a boating license in Tennessee?

Yes, Tennessee requires many recreational operators to carry boating safety certification. Residents born after January 1, 1989, operating vessels over 8.5 horsepower need TWRA certification; nonresidents in that age group may use a NASBLA approved certificate. The rule includes personal watercraft. Operators under 12 need an adult at least 18 aboard who can immediately take control, while anyone under 16 may not rent a personal watercraft.

Motorized boat renters generally receive a TWRA approved safety orientation. Certification exemptions also include engines of 8.5 horsepower or less, sailboats under sail alone, and operation with a qualifying adult aboard. The TWRA app may show certification while awaiting the card; an exam permit alone is not proof. TWRA administers the program.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

What are the best places to go boating in Tennessee?

The best places to boat in Tennessee are the state’s large reservoirs and scenic river corridors. In West Tennessee, Pickwick Lake offers broad water for cruising; in Middle Tennessee, Center Hill Lake provides open water; and in East Tennessee, Norris Lake combines a large reservoir with mountain scenery. Around Chattanooga, Chickamauga Lake supports boating and fishing, while the Tennessee River provides a different experience through the city and into the river gorge. Together, these waters offer lake cruising, water sports, fishing and river sightseeing.

Source: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (press.tnvacation.com)

What are the most popular boating destinations in Tennessee?

Popular Tennessee boating destinations include Norris Lake for clear water and mountain scenery; Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga for boating and renowned bass fishing; Douglas Lake at Dandridge for Smoky Mountain views, fishing and water sports; Tims Ford Lake beside Winchester for its extensive shoreline, islands and marina access; and Percy Priest Lake near Nashville for convenient boating and fishing close to the city. Together, these lakes offer practical choices for cruising, paddling, fishing and family lake days across East and Middle Tennessee.

Source: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (tnvacation.com)

Location

190 Beach Ave, Burns, TN 37029

Disclaimer

This listing was created using artificial intelligence and publicly available data. The information presented may be inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, or incorrect. Slipstream does not verify, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any listing content, including but not limited to contact information, pricing, services offered, hours of operation, or business status.

All content is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, express or implied. Slipstream expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or reliance arising from the use of this information. Users are solely responsible for independently verifying all details directly with the business.

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