Dale Hollow Lake Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the lake?
From Nashville, Tennessee: Dale Hollow Lake is about 141 miles from Nashville. From Nashville, take I-40 East for about 79 miles, then take the TN-111 Exit (Exit 288) for Livingston/Sparta. Turn left onto TN-111 N (Veterans Memorial Parkway). You'll follow this for 20 miles, then take W Main Street (TN-42, TN-85) for six miles. Turn left on TN-294 and follow it for five miles (this will require a right turn at about a tenth of a mile, and a slight left at 3 miles). Take a slight right at Stover Road, then a slight right at CR-2297 (Livingston-Burksvile Road). Follow this for 1.2 miles, then turn left at Heard Ridge Road. Follow this for 1.7 miles and you'll be at the lake.
From Bowling Green, Kentucky: Dale Hollow Lake is about 95 miles from Bowling Green. From Bowling Green, take I-65 N toward Louisville for about 17 miles. Then merge onto Louis B Nunn Cumberland Parkway though Exit 43. You'll take the parkway for about 12 miles. Then it'll become KY-90 BYP E - you'll follow it for 1.8 more miles, than take the KY-90 exit (Exit 14) toward Glasglow/Burkesville. Turn right onto KY-90 S and drive for 33.4 miles. At this point, you'll need to make several turns to stay on KY-90, so stay sharp. After about three more miles, turn right onto N Main Street (KY-61 S) and drive it for 1.1 miles, at which point it'll turn into KY-90, and you'll drive for about 10 miles. Turn right onto KY-1590, drive it for about 3.5 miles, then turn right onto KY-639, which you'll follow (through a turn) for about five miles. Turn left onto KY-553 and prepare for a quick right onto Lettered Oak Road. Turn right, and you'll be at the Kentucky side of the lake.
click here to view a map of the Dale Hollow Lake area.
What is there to do at Dale Hollow Lake?
Fishing is the most popular activity on Dale Hollow Lake and little wonder - the fish are fantastic. Beyond fishing and houseboating, waterskiing, wakeboarding and tubing are all good choices as far as water recreation goes. The massive Dale Hollow Lake State Park occupies a good chunk of the Kentucky shore of the lake and is a well-shaded place to hike and camp.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. The marina staff will walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hang of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It's helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you're most interested in when you call.
Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.
How early do I need to reserve?
Earlier is better. If you're planning a trip during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it's best to get a reservation six months or more in advance. Mid-week trips or off-season dates are often available as little as a few weeks beforehand.
Should I rent a personal watercraft, too?
Absolutely! Not only is it more fun, but Holly Creek and Eagle Cove require you have a personal watercraft with you as well as a houseboat - for safety. If you get in an accident, you'll want a boat that can move quickly when you get help. Read more about watercraft rentals here.
What kind of fish are found in the lake?
Smallmouth bass is the "big fish" in Dale Hollow - these bass commonly reach large sizes and the world record smallmouth bass was caught here. Other bass are also here in abundance - the largemouth, striped and spotted bass, particularly. Other thriving fish species include crappie, walleye, bluegill and catfish.
Is there camping along the lake shore?
You can only camp in designated areas, but there are five of these: Dale Hollow Dam, Willow Grove, Lillydale Campground, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort and Obey River Campground.