Dale Hollow Lake borders the Tennessee and Kentucky state line, with part of the lake within each state. Constructed primarily for flood control, the project was completed in 1943. The lake has a surface area of over 27,000 acres, and the surrounding public use land is 24,842 acres. There is plenty of space for recreational activities, making it a popular destination for millions of visitors each year. Anglers and hunters are drawn to the expansive lake and land. Since the lake borders both Kentucky and Tennessee, fishing licenses from either state are valid. Hunting laws vary in each state, so required permits may vary. The large lake is also popular for water activities. Visitors enjoy swimming and even scuba diving with multiple beaches and diving attractions. There is plenty of space for boating and water skiing with many miles of shoreline to explore from the water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates four campgrounds here. The campsites each have electric and water hookups. Additionally, drinking water and restrooms are near each campground. The campgrounds offer amenities such as swimming beaches and boat ramps. Reservations are encouraged.
Dale Hollow Lake is about a four-mile drive from Celina, Tennessee. The lake and dam are located on the Obey River. Celina has food and gas, making it a short trip if any services are needed. Those in RVs or with trailers in tow shouldn’t have trouble navigating the roads leading to the lake or within the recreation areas. The four campgrounds at the lake have campsites that can accommodate large rigs with campsites as long as 80 feet. If planning to camp during your visit, it’s best to leave your rig at your campsite. Many of the campgrounds have recreational amenities such as swim beaches and playgrounds that are within walking distance. Some points of interest, such as hiking trails, are in other areas, and visitors may need to drive to access. There is parking at trailheads and in day-use areas.
Dale Hollow Dam Site can accommodate those with large rigs. Many of the 78 campsites are large, with the longest at 80 feet in length. The campsites are well-shaded, making them comfortable to enjoy on hot summer days. Leashed pets are welcome at the campground, but must be controlled at all times.
The campsites have electric and water hookups. You'll find water, flush toilets, and a dump station nearby. Additionally, there is a group shelter that can be reserved for large gatherings such as reunions or birthdays. Many services are located near Dale Hollow Dam Site. You won’t need to go far from the campground for gas or ice.
Lillydale Campground has 114 campsites with electric and water hookups. There are a limited number of lakefront campsites at Lillydale. The lake can still be seen from non-lakefront campsites as well. The surrounding forest provides partial shade over many of the campsites. RVs and travel trailers of any size can fit into most sites at Lillydale, with the longest site being 75 feet in length. This popular campground has several amenities that include flush toilets and a dump station. Recreational amenities include two swimming beach and two boat ramps. Lillydale, like many other areas of the lake and dam, is pet-friendly.
Obey River campground is the largest on the lake with 131 campsites. Many of these campsites have scenic lake views. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing and sunsets over the lake right from their campsite. Surrounding trees partially shade the campsites. These spacious campsites have electric and water hookups for RVs. Drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station are a few amenities at the campground
Two reservable group picnic shelters, a swim beach, a basketball court, and playgrounds are at Obey River, providing plenty of fun and activity for all ages. The amenities and recreational opportunities at Obey River make for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Willow Grove is a popular campground, particularly for those who plan to scuba dive during their visit. The sunken Willow Grove Schoolhouse can easily be accessed from the shoreline at Willow Grove Recreation Area. The campground is elevated, providing campers with beautiful lake views.
Willow Grove Campground has 83 campsites with electric and water hookups. Most campsites can fit large rigs. The pet-friendly campground has many amenities to make overnight stays comfortable. Drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station are a few features of Willow Grove. Recreational activities at the park include a volleyball court and swimming area.
There are multiple designated swimming areas on Dale Hollow Lake. These swimming areas are located at Obey River, Lillydale Campground, and Willow Grove. Each swimming area is on a sandy beach and is buoyed off, keeping the swimmers separate from boats.
There are restrooms located near each swimming area. No pets are allowed on the beaches.
What better way could there be to spend a sunny afternoon than on the water? Boating, waterskiing, and other water sports attract many visitors to the lake. With over 629 miles of shoreline and a surface area of over 27,000 acres, there is plenty of space to zip through the water on jet skis or water skis. There are 15 commercial marinas on the lake if you need boating supplies.
A unique activity at Dale Hollow Lake is scuba diving. The clear lake water makes it a popular destination. The old Willow Grove Schoolhouse is the most popular diving spot at the lake and can easily be accessed from Willow Grove campground. Diver’s Rock and the springhouse are two other popular diving locations on the lake. When diving, ensure you display a “Diver Down” flag showing where you are so other boats on the water know to use caution.
There are plenty of fishing opportunities at the lake. Smallmouth bass is commonly sought after, and the lake is known as a trophy smallmouth lake. Rainbow and brown trout are common catches also with the Obey River just below the dam as an excellent spot for trout fishing. Don’t forget to bring your fishing license along or pick one up on your way to Dale Hollow. Fishing licenses from Kentucky and Tennessee are valid at the lake.
During your visit to Dale Hollow Lake, plan to head down one of the two hiking trails. Red Oak Ridge is a multi-use trail system that allows both equestrians and hikers. There are 18 miles of trails that make up seven interconnecting loops. Scenic views reward those that venture down the trails at Red Oak Ridge.
Also at Dale Hollow Lake is the Accordion Bluff Hiking Trail. Accordion Bluff is a scenic trail that is 7.5 miles in length. It connects Willow Grove and Lillydale Campgrounds.
Hunting is popular at Dale Hollow with over 24,000 acres of land. Deer and waterfowl are the most popular harvest. Depending on the areas at Dale Hollow you plan to hunt, you may need to acquire permits for both Kentucky and Tennessee. You’ll want to review state hunting laws to determine required permits and limits.
