Discover the Deepest Lake in Shelby County, TN

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Updated: August 2, 2023
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Garner Lake is the Deepest Lake in Shelby County, Tennessee
Visitors to Garner Lake must be accompanied by a Lakeland homeowner.

Shelby County, Tennessee is a wonderful place to live and visit. Graceland and the Elvis Presley mansion are also located in this area. The Memphis Botanic Garden and the Rock & Soul Museum are also located there. And in the summer, you may take advantage of the region’s many scenic lakes by swimming, fishing, or even chartering a boat. Find out where to go boating, fishing, and swimming in the deepest lake in Shelby County, Tennessee, and more by reading this article!

Discover the Deepest Lake in Shelby County, Tennessee

A Canada Goose takes flight with wings spread from the lake in the early morning light. Lake Benson Park, Garner, North Carolina.

Garner Lake, located in Shelby County, Tennessee, is the deepest lake in the county.

©samray/Shutterstock.com

Garner Lake, in the heart of Lakeland, Tennessee, is the largest lake in Shelby County. The lake is about a mile long and half a mile across near the dam. There are about 7.5 miles of coastline. There are depths of 50 feet at the dam, 40 feet in the lake’s center, and less than a foot in Osprey Cove, located at the lake’s southern end. The lake is an average of 15 feet in depth. The lake will rise by an average of 1.5 inches for every inch that rains. When it comes to keeping a lake at a “normal” level, the timing of rain events is more significant than the total annual rainfall.

One of three major creeks in Lakeland, Scott’s Creek carries water from the watershed and into Garner Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers estimates that a total of 777 acres make up the watershed (drainage area). When the lake level rises, it feeds into a branch of Scott’s Creek.

Lakeland was originally built around Garner Lake as a recreational and amusement park. However, after the amusement park shut down in 1976, upscale housing was constructed in the area around the lake.  Six subdivisions have waterfront property, and a seventh is now under construction.

Garner Lake Visitor Guidelines

The only individuals who are permitted to be on Garner Lake are the people who live in the neighborhoods of East Shores, Lakeland Estates, Windward Slopes, Long’s Landing, The Preserve, and The Pointé. This is an important fact to keep in mind. Lake visitors are required to be escorted at all times by a resident of the lake in order to use the lake.

Anyone who decides to swim in the lake does so of their own volition and at their own risk. There are no activities that are permitted anywhere around the dam. (fishing, swimming, kayaking, four-wheeling, picnicking, etc.).

Young couple boating on a motor boat. Boy with girl on the boat enjoy cruise trip.

Homeowners enjoy boating on Lake Garner.


Image: Viktor Prymachenko, Shutterstock

©Viktor Prymachenko/Shutterstock.com

Boating

All boats that are docked on GLM grounds are required to have a valid GLM boat sticker affixed to their hulls at all times. There is a prohibition on charging owners of vessels any fees to keep them at sea. Only one offshore boat is permitted to be stored in each parking place.

Outboard motors are not allowed to have more than 15 horsepower. The removal of larger engines from the water will be the responsibility of the owners of the boats.

It is necessary to have smaller flotation devices that are meant for people who cannot swim, such as small children.

It is against the law to engage in the activity of water skiing or to tow behind a boat anything that floats or boards. In addition, it is forbidden to use vehicles such as jet skis and surfboards with motors.

Lake with Dock

Tennessee is home to many beautiful lakes.

©Melinda Fawver/iStock via Getty Images

Swimming

On the lake, participants in swimming competitions, triathlons, and other events of similar nature are not permitted. Even if there is just one trainer providing instruction for them, they are required to do it from a boat because of safety and visibility concerns.

Due to the heightened likelihood of drowning, nighttime swimming is not something that is encouraged.  Any night swimmer is required to have a lit boat or lit markings within 10 feet of them at all times.

During the celebrations for the Fourth of July, there will be no swimming allowed after midnight. Scuba diving is strictly prohibited in the lake due to its dangerous conditions.

Fishing

Fishing from boats is permitted throughout the entirety of the lake.  There is no mandated minimum distance that must be maintained between the property and the breakwaters or beach. Bank fishing access is commonly available in community areas and boat ramps for locals who present the required identification.

Visitors are only permitted to fish from boats or the bank when they are accompanied by a resident of the area. There is no fishing allowed in or around the dam. Both trot-line fishing and fishing with jugs are not permitted.

Where is Garner Lake Located on a Map?

In Lakeland, Tennessee, there is a sizable lake known as Garner Lake or Lakeland Lake. Spanning 241 acres, it holds the distinction of being the largest lake in Shelby County. Measuring 1.1 miles in length, it boasts an impressive shoreline stretching for approximately 8.44 miles.

Here is Garner Lake on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © samray/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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