Frequently Asked Questions - Dale Hollow Lake
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 see a map and directions for Dale Hollow Lake.
When do I pick up the boat?
The boats can be picked up at 3 PM and are due back between 8-10 AM.
How many people are allowed on the boat?
Maximum capacity on any of the houseboats is 12 while the boat is in motion.
What will the temperatures be like on my trip?
The lake is warm from mid-summer through late fall and pleasantly cool in the shoulder seasons. Winter and early to mid-spring water temperatures are too cold for extended swimming without a wetsuit. View a month-by-month list of temperatures here.
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 hand of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
If you’re concerned about your ability to handle the boat, you may arrange for a captain to guide you out of the marina or drive you to a specific destination on the lake.
What is the billing schedule?
$500 is due at the time of reservation. The remaining amount is due 60 days prior to your trip.
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?
Dale Hollow is a very popular lake. Some of our boats have been known to book out more than two years in advance. The earlier the better is a good rule to follow, particularly if you have an exact date in mind for your trip, or if you’re planning a trip over a holiday weekend.
However, if you’re flexible with your dates or the exact houseboat model, we can almost always find a trip for you even a few weeks before hand.
Are linens included with my houseboat rental?
Yes, linens are provided on all boats.
Are pets allowed on my houseboat?
The marina cannot allow pets of any kind. You will need to find alternative accommodations for your pets.
Where is the nearest grocery store so I can stock up before my trip?
There is a convenience store right at the marina. For all of your grocery needs, the nearest grocery stores will be found in Byrdstown, Tennessee.
How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?
All renters must be 18 with a valid drivers license.
Do I need a license to operate the houseboats, or is a skipper provided?
There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival.
Will I get seasick on a houseboat?
Houseboats are on pontoons and there is very little motion. Seasickness is basically unheard of on fresh water.
What is the best time of year to go houseboating?
It is always a good time to go houseboating! Summer is the most popular and busiest season. Fall offers Indian Summer days and cooler nights. Springtime is good for viewing abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Winter is favorable for the anglers, when fishing is at its best. And the rates are significantly lower between September and May.
Can I fish from the houseboat?
Yes! Fishing is a very popular activity on the lake. Small mouth 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 . The marina stores sell a good variety of bait and tackle for optimizing your chances of catching fish, whether you’re a novice or an expert.
