🌤 Weather at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–76 °F | 63–84 °F | 36–80 °F | 27–50 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Byrdstown, 19 mi away, elevation 880 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🎣 Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World — A Kentucky State Resort Park on the legendary Dale Hollow Lake where the world-record smallmouth bass was caught (1955), featuring a 60-room limestone lodge, full-service marina, 18-hole golf course, 140+ campsites, 12 miles of trails, and the Island View Restaurant with panoramic lake views
On the upper reaches of Dale Hollow Lake — a 28,000-acre reservoir straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau — sits one of Kentucky’s premier resort parks, built around a body of water that holds a record that has stood for over 70 years. In 1955, angler David Hayes pulled an 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass from these deep, clear waters — a world record that has never been broken. That catch cemented Dale Hollow Lake’s reputation as the “Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World”, and the lake remains one of the finest bass fishing destinations in North America.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park sits on the Kentucky shore, offering a complete resort experience: a 60-room limestone and timber lodge with private balconies overlooking the lake, a full-service marina with boat rentals and slips, an 18-hole golf course winding through the Cumberland foothills, 140+ campsites with swimming pool, and the Island View Restaurant serving Kentucky cuisine with panoramic water views. This is not roughing it — this is a full-service destination where trophy fishing and luxury lodging coexist.
Fishing — World-Record Waters
| Species | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth Bass | WORLD RECORD lake | 11lb 15oz caught 1955 — record stands |
| Largemouth Bass | Excellent | Structure fishing along bluffs and points |
| Walleye | Very Good | Deep water trolling, spring spawning runs |
| Crappie | Excellent | Spring and fall — brush piles and creek channels |
| Musky | Trophy potential | Stocked — growing fishery |
| Trout | Good | Cold tailwaters below the dam |
The Lodge — Mary Ray Oaken
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 60 rooms — limestone and timber construction |
| Views | Private balconies overlooking Dale Hollow Lake |
| Pet-Friendly | Select rooms available |
| Dining | Island View Restaurant on-site |
| Pool | Lodge swimming pool |
Recreation
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Golf | 18-hole course through Cumberland foothills |
| Trails | 12+ miles — hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking |
| Marina | Full-service — boat slips, rentals, fuel dock, ship’s store |
| Swimming | Two pools (lodge + campground) |
| Mini-Golf | Available seasonally |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | 140+ (water/electric), primitive, and horse-friendly |
| Season | Mid-March – mid-November |
| Amenities | Showers, laundry, pool, camp store |
| Reservations | parks.ky.gov or 888-459-7275 |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Phone | (270) 433-7431 |
| Marina | (270) 433-6600 |
Wildlife & Nature
Dale Hollow Lake SRP — on Dale Hollow Lake — home of the world-record smallmouth bass (11 lbs 15 oz, caught 1955 — unbroken for over 70 years). The lake’s crystal-clear water (visibility to 20+ feet) makes it one of the cleanest lakes in the South. Bald eagles, osprey, and wild turkeys inhabit the park.
Nearby Attractions
Burkesville — adjacent. Dale Hollow Lake — surrounding. Cumberland County — surrounding.
Is the world record smallmouth bass still from Dale Hollow Lake?
Yes! The all-tackle world record for smallmouth bass — 11 pounds, 15 ounces — was caught in Dale Hollow Lake by David Hayes on July 9, 1955. The record has stood for over 70 years and has never been broken. Dale Hollow’s deep, clear water and abundant forage fish create ideal conditions for trophy-class smallmouth bass.
Insider Tips
World record smallmouth: Dale Hollow Lake produced the current world record smallmouth bass (11 lb 15 oz, caught in 1955). Pro tip: The crystal-clear water (up to 20-foot visibility) makes this one of the most scenic lakes in the South. Houseboating: Dale Hollow is a premier houseboating destination.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Houseboating, swimming, and fishing. Spring: Smallmouth bass fishing at its best. Fall: Spectacular lakeside foliage. Winter: Trout fishing in the tailwaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the world record smallmouth bass?
The all-tackle world record smallmouth bass — 11 pounds 15 ounces — was caught in Dale Hollow Lake in 1955 by David Hayes. The record has stood for nearly 70 years, making it one of the most enduring records in freshwater fishing. The lake’s clear, deep water continues to produce trophy smallmouth.
More parks nearby: Old Mulkey Meetinghouse SHP is a short drive away, while Lake Cumberland State Resort Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 151 sites — 121 Standard Electric sites (50-amp, water hookup, some with full hookup including sewer, back-in around 41 ft); 24 Equestrian sites (water hookup, hitching posts, fire pit, picnic table); 6 camping cabins (see cabins field). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 6 camping cabins with bunks and air conditioning, bookable as campsites within the campground reservation system; per the reservation listing these cabin sites have no utility hookups. Rustic camp-style cabins, not resort cottages or lodge rooms. |
| Pets | 121 Standard Electric and the Equestrian sites are pet-friendly (available May through November); the 6 camping cabins do not permit pets. |
| Reservations | Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday. |
| Special sites | Dump station; bath houses with showers; laundry; ADA-accessible site CC006; marina with boat launch about 2 miles from the campground; Wi-Fi available for a fee at the Campground Booth; swimming pool open Memorial Day–Labor Day. |
| Season notes | Peak May 20–August 31, 2026 and October 1–31, 2026 (May 16–September 5, 2027); non-peak September 1–30, 2026, November 1–15, 2026, and March 15–May 15, 2027; park open through November 15, 2026. |
Camping questions about Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
Can you camp at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park?
Yes. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park has 151 campsites. 121 Standard Electric sites (50-amp, water hookup, some with full hookup including sewer, back-in around 41 ft); 24 Equestrian sites (water hookup, hitching posts, fire pit, picnic table); 6 camping cabins (see cabins field).
How do you reserve a campsite at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park?
Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday.
Are there cabins at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park?
6 camping cabins with bunks and air conditioning, bookable as campsites within the campground reservation system; per the reservation listing these cabin sites have no utility hookups. Rustic camp-style cabins, not resort cottages or lodge rooms.
Are pets allowed at the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park campground?
121 Standard Electric and the Equestrian sites are pet-friendly (available May through November); the 6 camping cabins do not permit pets.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Bowling Green
from $12
from $22
from $28