Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park is located in south-central Kentucky in the Cumberland River basin on the Obey River. The huge reservoir created by Dale Hollow Dam covers 27,700 acres in parts of Clinton and Cumberland Counties in Kentucky and Clay, Fentress, Overton, and Pickett Counties  in Tennessee. Dale Hollow Dam and Reservoir control the runoff drainage area of 935 square miles. Both the dam and reservoir are under the oversight of the Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1943, the dam and reservoir not only provide flood control, but also generate large amounts of electrical power. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) operates and distributes the electrical power for regional consumption. The dam is 1, 717 feet in length and holds back a lake that is 61 miles long with 653 miles of shoreline, with a 120-foot depth at its deepest point.

Basketball
Basketball Courts are located at the campground entrance and in the picnic area. Overnight guests may check-out sporting equipment at the lodge front desk.

Biking
Dale Hollow Lake Resort’s 3,400 acres give plenty of room for approved mountain bike trails. Bring your own bikes.

Birding
Cooper's Hawk, Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkey and many others make their homes here year-round, while Summer visitors might include the Green Heron, Indigo Bunting, and Scarlet Tanager. Migrating visitors encountered at Dale Hollow Lake are the Ring-Necked Duck, the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and American Redstart. The most important birding trail in the park is the Eagle Point Trail, with the Boom Ridge-Eagle Point Connector Trail offering less shrub-scrub habitat, and more mixed forest habitat. The overlook offers a good opportunity to view raptors and waterbirds; a telescope is useful if you are willing to carry it to the overlook.

Boating
Ample cruising waters are edged with plenty of inlets and dotted with islands. Visit https://www.dhstateparkmarina.com for more information. This park marina completed in 2008 boasts nearly 200 slips with state of the art facilities including a ship's store and fuel dock. Recreational boats as well as fishing boats are welcome and may be rented by the day. Open year-round. Fee Charged. The Ship's Store will carry Dale Hollow Lake souvenir items and the latest in boating gear and apparel. Questions about the marina? Call (270) 433-6600 Boat Ramp - A gradually sloping concrete launching ramp is available. There are two lots for parking trailers.

Camping
Thousands of acres of pristine forest insulate the 145-site campground from the cares and hassles of the everyday world (utility hookups are available). Twenty four of these campsites are set aside for campers with horses, and a new country store is located at the entrance to the campground just beside the miniature golf. Here you will find grocery items, toiletries, souvenirs, supplies, and firewood. WiFi available. Open seasonally, with campground. Don't have a tent or RV of your own? Six new camping cabins with bunks and air conditioning are available for anyone looking for a camp experience. Save yours by making a reservation today! For your convenience, a dump station and central service buildings with showers and rest rooms are offered. A pool sits inside the campround and is normally open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Caving
Feeling adventurous? Explore the underground wonders of Cindy Cave with a wild cave tour led by a knowledgeable guide. You will get wet and dirty, but you’ll have a great time doing it! Fee is $7.00 per person, $5.00 for children 8 and under. Helmet, light and kneepads are provided. Scheduled tours are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter tours for groups of 3 or more can be arranged by contacting Coti Groce at 270-433-7431 or email coti.groce@ky.gov. Self-guided tours are currently prohibited.

Eagle Watching
December through February offers best eagle-sighting opportunities around the lake.

Equine Camping
24 campsites available for exclusive use of horse campers/trailers.

Fishing
The fishing season’s on all year long, and they’re biting everyday! Crappie, bream, muskie, walleye, trout, catfish, and five species of bass--largemouth, smallmouth, white, Kentucky, and rock--have given Dale Hollow Lake undisputed honor as a top fishing spot in the country. This lake held the world record smallmouth bass and the state record muskie. Dale Hollow Lake, formed by backing up Tennessee’s Obey River in 1943, has 620 miles of shoreline. There are plenty of shoals, small tributaries, and clean, clear water to encourage healthy fish growth.

Golf
The longest of the 18-hole courses, the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course, plays along hilly terrain. It promises to challenge you and your group. A day on the links is enhanced by all the amenities of this popular park. A fully equipped pro shop and new driving range is open year-round with rental riding carts, pull carts, and clubs available.

Hiking
Over 15 miles of trails are designated as multi-purpose trails, open for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking unless otherwise posted. No motorized uses are allowed. The trails generally follow old logging roads along narrow ridge tops through the park. Most of the trails end at the tips of these ridges which form peninsulas into Dale Hollow Lake, requiring a return trip on the same trail.

Horseback Riding
15-miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking (unless otherwise posted). Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

Miniature Golf
The park features a nautical-themed 18-hole mini golf course with flowing water throughout and bridges that allow you to cross over the stream to sink your putt! The ADA-accessible course will re-open Memorial Day weekend. Hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 am – 8 pm Friday & Saturday. Price is $6/adult, $4/child (5-11), and 4 & under FREE.

Picnicking
Grills are located at all campsites and primitive cabins. A picnic shelter, with restrooms and a nearby playground, is located in the picnic area and is available for rent up to three years in advance. Tables and a grill are also located near the Cindy Cave parking area and provide the perfect place for a picnic outing.

Playgrounds
Playgrounds can be found near the lodge and in the picnic area. Three additional playgrounds are in the campground and can be accessed mid-November to mid-March.

Swimming
Outdoor lodge pool featuring a sloped entrance, seperate wading pool, and wheelchair lift that is ADA accessible is available for lodge guests only. Park visitors can enjoy a splash in the well-tended community pool inside the campground. Camping guests swim free.