1. How big is Dale Hollow Lake?

Dale Hollow Lake has 620 miles of gentle shoreline consisting of sand and shale beaches. It is operated by the Corps of Engineers and there is no private property along those 620 miles. So, the places to stop and explore are innumerable! Dale Hollow Lake is in three counties in Tennessee and two in Kentucky. It's large enough for everyone to enjoy complete privacy and restful spaciousness.

2. Who drives the houseboat that I'll be renting?

You do. We mail you an instruction brochure 30 days prior to your arrival, then provide training with you when you are ready to depart. We take the houseboat away from the dock for you. When you've been properly instructed, we depart from the houseboat, and you're on your own for the most relaxing vacation that you could imagine! When you want to return to our dock, just call us on the ship to shore radio, and we'll come get the houseboat for you outside of the "no-wake" zone.

3. How difficult is it to operate and park a houseboat?

It's simple! There's forward, neutral and reverse. Reverse is your brake. Simply cruise around the lake anywhere you want, and, when you're ready, gently approach the shore and dock the houseboat. More specific instructions are in your houseboating manual.

4. Are there plenty of places to stay overnight on the lake?

Yes, with 620 miles and no private property, the opportunities are endless. Find your own cove, island or shoreline and enjoy!

5. Is the lake water clean?

Yes, there is no waste disposal from any houseboats or marinas on Dale Hollow Lake (unlike some other lakes). Dale Hollow was voted, "The Most Beautiful Lake in the Southeast." One outdoor writer said that, with Lake Tahoe, Dale Hollow is the cleanest lake in America.

6. When is the water warm enough to swim?

Most people start swimming by mid-May and stop after the first week in October. A few brave souls go beyond those dates, but most don't. Some average water temperatures are (in degrees): May - 75, July - 84, August - 84, September - 75.

7. Why do I need another boat with my houseboat rental?

Safety. If an accident occurs and your houseboat is tied to trees in a cove, it is faster and easier to get to help in another boat than the houseboat. A waverunner or any type of motorized boat will do.

8. If I'm not bringing a small boat with me, how much is it to rent one?

We rent ski boats, waverunners, bass boats and fishing boats. Call 800-331-1780 for more information.

9. Is everything provided for cooking and serving food?

Yes, the kitchen has pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, coffee cups, utensils, etc.

10. Can I get a hot tub for my houseboat?

Call us at 800-331-1780 to check availability for the Bigfoot houseboat with a hot tub. Every Bigfoot II houseboat comes with a Nordic hard-shell hot tub.

11. Does the rental rate include gasoline?

Fuel for the houseboat is like a rental car. It is full when you get aboard, and you only pay for the gas that you use.

12. Are there restaurants on the lake?

Yes, there are several restaurants on the lake. We'll show you where they are on a map that we will give you when you go out.

13. Do cell phones pick up on the lake?

Cell phone reception is getting better all the time. In certain places your cell phone will work. It varies by what type of phone service that you have, and your exact location

1. Where can I keep my boat while there?

Chalets at Holly Creek come with one covered slip per chalet. At Eagle Cove an open slip is available in the cabin and chalet area. You may come and go to your boat at will.

2. Are there playgrounds or other things to do near the cabins and chalets?

Holly Creek has a playground in the chalet area. Eagle Cove has a playground, as well as volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and a beach.

3. Does the kitchen have pots and pans, cups, plates bowls, etc?

Yes, everything is provided, including a full size stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, toaster and blender.

4. Can I rent ski boats, bass boats and pontoon boats?

Yes, call 800-331-1780 to check availability for the days that you want.

5. Do you have waverunners and fishing boats to rent?

Yes, we do not reserve them in advance, but you can rent them when you
arrive.

6. Do the cabins and chalets have hot tubs?

Every cabin and chalet has a hot tub, with the exception of a few Littlefoot Cabins.

7. Do the cabins and chalets have telephones?

No, but pay phones are available near the cabin area at Eagle Cove and outside of the store at Holly Creek.

8. Is my cabin on the lake?

All cabins and chalets at Eagle Cove are lakefront.

9. Can I see the lake from my cabin or chalet?

Yes, you can see it from the Holly Creek chalets and you are right on the lake at Eagle Cove. Our Eagle Cove chalet is lake view, not lake side.

10. Do you have a beach?

There is a beach at Eagle Cove. Also, there are innumerable beaches and coves all over the 620 miles of shoreline. Swimming is a pleasure nearly every place on Dale Hollow Lake. 

11. Is there a playground near the cabin area?

Yes, both marinas have playgrounds in the cabin and chalet areas.

1. What Should We Bring?

Items We Supply:

We supply linens, which includes: sheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets, bath towels and kitchen towels. (We do not supply beach towels.) Every cabin chalet or houseboat also includes kitchen supplies and appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, stove, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker, blender and outdoor gas grill. Each kitchen includes pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls, cups, and glasses. (We carry a normal set of pots and pans. You may want to bring “Specialty” pots or pans, such as a waffle iron, wok, or special size cooker, pot or pan.) Each Bigfoot, Jamestowner and Discoverer houseboat has two lounge chairs on the top deck.

Items You May Want to Bring:

• You’ll need to bring your own food and clothing. (Our dock stores carry typical “convenient-store” assortment, but not meats, vegetables, etc.)
• Don’t forget your swimsuits
• Beverages
• Beach towels
• Paper towels, foil, hot pad or mitten
• Disposable cups, plates, utensils
• Soap and detergent
• Airtight food containers
• Sunscreen
• Floats and rafts
• Ski jackets
• Cards, games and reading materials
• Flashlight
• Portable radio, CD player, tape player
• Binoculars
• Fishing tackle
• Camera and film
• Extra lounge chairs, if desired
• DVD movie

2. What's the average water temperature in the summer?

During July and August the water temperature is 85 degrees up to 20 feet below the surface. It's perfect!

3. Is the fishing good in Dale Hollow Lake?

Dale Hollow Lake holds the world record for Smallmouth Bass, as well as several state and regional records for other species. There are also good Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Catfish populations. The Walleye fishing on Dale Hollow has also become terrific during the last few years. Fishing is not good in Dale Hollow Lake, it's great!

4. How close are grocery stores to the docks?

8 to 10 miles

5. Are there any special events that will be going on in the area when I'm there?

To check for special events that will be occurring when you are in the area, call one of these Chambers of Commerce:

• Pickett County - nearest to Eagle Cove
  931-864-7195
• Clay County - nearest to Holly Creek
  931-243-3338
• Overton County - near both Eagle Cove and Holly Creek
  931-823-6421

6. Are there golf courses nearby?

Yes, within 30-45 minutes.

7. Are there antique stores or other shops nearby?

Yes, Livingston has a nice town square with antique stores and shops.