Houseboat Vacation - Lake Cumberland

[katsjp]

Have any of you done a houseboat vacation at Lake Cumberland? If so, would you go back? Did you enjoy it? Was it good skiing? Tips/Suggestions? We are thinking about doing so with the family and I am considering buying a portable slalom course to drop in. I hear that there are coves after coves and you are bound to find good skiing. Just wanted to hear what others would have to say.

[waterlogged882]

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[TNH2oSkier]

We did our first houseboat vacation on Norris this year. We picked up a portable slalom course and found a nice cove and it was great. We almost went to Center Hill, but the rates were better at Norris and more marinas for options on food if we decided not to cook.

[Fletchx7]

I haven't been down there in the past few years since they lowered the lake to repair the damn so I can't speak to the water level. However, we used to rent a houseboat from Grider Hill every summer (until everyone started having kids). The last time we were there was probably 5 years ago or so. The houseboats at the time were newer and they had one that almost 80ft and has 6 queen beds in it. We have also rented from State Dock, but it was several years ago.

As far fun and skiing, it was awesome! We motored about an hour (by houseboat speed) and fown a little cove that was long enough to ski and foot in. We were the only people in the cove the entire time we were there. The only time we ventered out of the cove was for a breakfast buffet and gas run at State Dock or the trip to 76 falls. It was always a good time, but I haven't with kids, but we are talking about planning one for next summer.

[Granite_33]

Cumberland water level has been drawn down significantly due to dam work. That has been going on for a few years. Another year or so of work yet to go. Last I heard the water level was about 40' down.

Familiarize yourself with that and the effects on the lake before you make a decision.

That said, yes I rented a houseboat there for about 7 days and we had a h*ll of a good time!

If it is just you and the family, then I think you should be good. We went with friends a while back and......well, you know that old saying "choose your friends wisely"

[JBrew]

I go to Cumberland almost every weekend. The water level is fine. It has been down for about 4 years and there is still a TON of water. Don't let that scare you away.

For houseboat rentals, State Dock is where I would suggest.

There are ski courses in both beaver and otter... although I have to admit I don't know if they are private or not.

You are correct when you say there are cove after coves to ski in. We barefoot and you can find butter back in beaver and otter in the middle of the day.

PM me if you have questions would be happy to help.

[fstaslp]

I concur with JBrew. However, the water is down and it makes the lake really cramped..... At least that is what I tell people to keep them away.

If you can't find water on cumberland then you are doing it wrong.

We are renting a houseboat in August from Statedock. I have never seen the course in Beaver, so I will have to look for it.

[Stritt]

We were at Grider Hill about a month ago. If you rent from them, no need for a course there is one right around the corner in a protected cove that is marked with a idle buoy . It ghas been there for as long as I can remember. No need to worry about water levels, just off the docks @ Grider are 90-100 foot. At the end of the course cove was 13-16 foot with the course being in 50-60 foot.

We also spent 1+ week on Norris @ Shanghai, it was our first time and loved the lake. Norris may be cleaner (which without visting I would have never believed), deep and has great docks for dinner. Another plus to Norris is if you want a beer with dinner, get it. Cumberland is Dry on the Grider Hill side, so no alcohol......open container can potential get you in trouble. Visit lakecumberland.com and it looks like they are cracking down again. We did not have any issue but spoke with someone on the dock that had an experience while sitting in a cove swimming.

Agree with the comment of finding glass water, both lakes was not a problem during the week. Weekends was easier on Cumberland than Norris but that may have been that we have visiting Cumberland since I was 5......

Either way, either lake is fantastic. It's worth the 11 hour drive for us from Orlando. Next year we will go back to Norris and look for a floating house rental. We have done the houseboat, tying up ect. The floating house looks like they have more space and love the deck options with the slide ect, and not having to worry about other boat wakes since they are located in idle zones.

[sschnell]

Has anyone rented a houseboat on Dale Hollow Lake? We are coming down in about 2 weeks and any information on the lake would be great. Any ski courses, good places to eat, etc...

[rkhodges21]

katsjp,

If you wind up on Lake Cumberland, let me know your impressions. It sounds like a good lake from what I have read in this thread, but I have never been there, and I would like to visit that lake sometime. Think its about a 3 hour drive for me to get there.

[Footin]

We love Cumberland, not only have we been down 6 times this year, we are currently looking to buy a place by the lake. Going back next weekend.

[93Prostar190]

We love Cumberland, not only have we been down 6 times this year, we are currently looking to buy a place by the lake. Going back next weekend.

And you never invite the 214?

[Footin]

And you never invite the 214?

Anytime my friend, anytime. We are going down next Wednesday, wanna go?

[JeffM]

Have any of you done a houseboat vacation at Lake Cumberland? If so, would you go back? Did you enjoy it? Was it good skiing? Tips/Suggestions? We are thinking about doing so with the family and I am considering buying a portable slalom course to drop in. I hear that there are coves after coves and you are bound to find good skiing. Just wanted to hear what others would have to say.

We have been houseboating on Cumberland for several years now. Both before they dropped the water and after. Either way is awesome and there is more water there than you could ever need! Really nothin out there dangerous if you use common sense. We've rented out of state dock and beaver creek. I will say State dock boats are very nice but also very $$$ and they are strict as to when you come and go. We've been going out of beaver creek the last couple years because te prices are great and they will let you leave whenever you want. There are more coves and miles of flat water there than any lake ive been on. There is a free course just outside beaver creek marina and grider hill. The course in otter has been removed. The "dry" lake thing is no big deal. Put your drink in a coozie or cup and no problems. Act like a jackass and the DNR will find you. Great lake, beautiful water and scenery and check out Harmon Creek on Saturday afternoon!

[93Prostar190]

Anytime my friend, anytime. We are going down next Wednesday, wanna go?

Rain check .... Headed to Norris this weekend for my annual trip .... Slalom before coffee 7 days in a row.

On the Cumby front, we have houseboated out of Burnside, Jamestown, and Grider ...all good.

Safe travels .....