This park, situated above a 28,000-acre lake that has become the state’s top spot for scuba diving, features lodge rooms, cabins, a restaurant, and a golf course.
Things to do
- Play 18 holes on the nationally ranked golf course.
- Hike to the Eagle Point Overlook.
- Enjoy a meal at the Island View Restaurant & Bar.
- Launch a boat for fishing or fun at the boat ramp.
- Stay in a camping cottage or explore the equestrian trail.
Basketball
Basketball courts are located at the campground entrance and in the picnic area. Overnight guests can borrow sporting equipment at the Country Store.
Biking
With 3,400 acres to explore, Dale Hollow Lake Resort offers plenty of space for mountain biking on approved trails. Bring your own bike.
Birding
Dale Hollow Lake is home to a variety of birds year-round, including Cooper’s Hawks, Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkey, and more. Summer visitors like the Green Heron and Scarlet Tanager add to the diverse birdlife. Migrating species such as the Ring-Necked Duck and Rose-Breasted Grosbeak are also commonly seen. The best birding trail is the Eagle Point Trail, with the Boom Ridge-Eagle Point Connector Trail offering more mixed forest habitat. The overlook provides great opportunities for spotting raptors and waterbirds, and a telescope is recommended.
Boating
With scenic waters, inlets, and islands, Dale Hollow Lake is a prime spot for boating. The park’s marina, opened in 2008, has nearly 200 slips and state-of-the-art facilities, including a ship’s store and fuel dock. Both recreational and fishing boats are available for rent. The marina also carries Dale Hollow Lake souvenirs and boating gear. A concrete launch ramp and parking for trailers are available. For more details, call (270) 433-6600.
Caving
For adventure seekers, explore the underground wonders of Cindy Cave with a wild cave tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, these tours are fun, though you’ll get wet and dirty! The tour fee is $7 per person, $5 for children under 8. Helmets, lights, and kneepads are provided. Tours are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and winter tours can be arranged for groups of three or more by contacting Coti Groce at 270-433-7431 or via email at coti.groce@ky.gov. Self-guided tours are currently not allowed.
Eagle Watching
From December to February, the lake is a prime spot for eagle watching, offering some of the best opportunities to see these majestic birds in the wild.
Fishing
Fishing at Dale Hollow Lake is excellent year-round, with crappie, bream, muskie, walleye, trout, catfish, and five types of bass (largemouth, smallmouth, white, Kentucky, and rock). The lake is known for its world-record smallmouth bass and state-record muskie. With 620 miles of shoreline, the lake offers plenty of fishing opportunities. A Kentucky Fishing License is required; you can purchase one online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Don’t have fishing gear? Ask at the lodge about the free fishing loaner program.
Golf
The Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park Golf Course offers a challenging 18-hole layout with hilly terrain. It’s a great course for golfers of all levels. The course is equipped with a pro shop, a new driving range, and rental carts, pull carts, and clubs. The course is open year-round.
Hiking
The park offers over 12 miles of multi-purpose trails that are open for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking (unless otherwise posted). The trails follow old logging roads along narrow ridges and often end at scenic overlooks into Dale Hollow Lake. Most trails require a return trip along the same route.
Horseback Riding
There are 15 miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, but motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trails.
Miniature Golf
The park features a nautical-themed 18-hole mini golf course with water features and bridges. The ADA-accessible course reopens Memorial Day weekend. Hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Prices are $6 for adults, $4 for children (ages 5-11), and free for children under 5.
Motorcycle Ride Trail
The Cumberland Valley is known for scenic roads and beautiful views, and you can start your ride right from Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.
Picnicking
Grills are available at campsites and primitive cabins. A picnic shelter with restrooms is located in the picnic area and is available for rent up to one year in advance. There are also picnic tables and grills near the Cindy Cave parking area, perfect for a day out.
Playgrounds
The park has several playgrounds, including ones near the lodge and others in the campground (accessible mid-March to mid-November).
Swimming
The lodge offers an outdoor pool with a sloped entrance, separate wading pool, and ADA-accessible wheelchair lift. The pool is available for lodge guests only. Campers can enjoy a well-maintained pool located inside the campground.
Lodging & Camping
The Mary Ray Oaken Lodge, constructed from limestone and large timbers, is perched on a bluff with breathtaking views of the 28,000-acre lake and surrounding woodlands. The lodge offers 60 guest rooms, each with a private balcony or patio to take in the stunning cliffside scenery. Rooms are available by late afternoon, and a limited number are pet-friendly. Check-out time for lodge rooms is by 11:00 a.m. local time.
The park also offers 145 campsites, 24 of which are designated for campers with horses, nestled in a pristine forest setting. If you don’t have a tent or RV, you can reserve a cabin equipped with bunk beds and air conditioning. Please note, WiFi is not available in the campground.
Dining
Island View Restaurant
Dine with stunning lakeside views at the Island View Restaurant. Proud to support the Kentucky Proud program, we use locally sourced meats and produce whenever possible.
Restaurant Hours:
- Open Daily
- Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(From Memorial Day to Labor Day, dinner hours are extended to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.)
Meetings/Groups
Located on Kentucky’s southern border, this lake resort park provides a vast, untouched wilderness that offers the perfect setting to relax and recharge. It also serves as an ideal venue for your next event. For more information about hosting a group or wedding:
Contact: