Dale Hollow Lake State Park Campground in Kentucky on map - U.S.

This campground is situated on a large and quiet peninsula far from civilization.

Dale Hollow is one of Kentucky's larger state parks, at 3,400 acres. And the fact that it is on a peninsula and nearly surrounded by water makes it seem more in the back of beyond. This water, Dale Hollow Lake, is what many consider to be the prettiest lake in the South. I'm sure this point could be argued, as Kentucky alone has many very scenic lakes; however, Dale Hollow's attractiveness is inarguable. It is also inarguable that this campground is one of the quietest around, set in rolling hills in the middle of the peninsula with nothing but woods in all directions, making a get-back-to-nature experience very easy here.

By the time you reach the camper check-in station, you realize that you are out in the boonies, and you may be beginning to wonder if you left anything behind. Supply runs are long at Dale Hollow, so come prepared.

Enter the very large camping area, comprising 148 sites, and reach A Loop. This is typical of the campsite design here: The loop resembles a wheel, and each of its campsites is a spoke. Each loop has eight sites. You have a mix of sun and shade here; grass grows around and under the trees. Some of the campsites are a little small to have so much room to work with, but discerning campers can easily find a site. В Loop is laid out much the same as A and is overlain on the rolling landscape. С Loop and D Loop each have their good sites—and less-than-good sites. This is one of those places that requires a few circuits through the campground to find your ideal site. You may feel a little sheepish driving by already-planted campers three or four times, but soon enough you end up planted at your own site. Loops E and F are near the restroom. F is a little too open to the sun but is also near the amphitheater, where nature programs are held in the summer. G Loop is in a little flat near a playground and is interspersed with many planted pines. You will notice that many of the sites are a little close to one another, but, with so many sites, campers naturally spread themselves out. H Loop is in a mix of rolling fields, woods, and hills. This attractive setting continues, and you are just waiting for deer to come running through the campground. And they do from time to time. Loops I, J, K, L, and M are in a flat and are laid out in the same eight-site wheel-and-spoke design. Then begin cruising up a hill, passing N. Loop О is on top of the hill.

Here, you can look down upon the rest of the campground. The final three loops, P, Q, and R, the horse-camping sites, are a good distance away. This is the only part of the campground open in winter; during this time, nonequestrians camp here. The campground as a whole fills only on summer holiday weekends.

With so much nature to work with, Dale Hollow has trails aplenty to explore, 15 miles in all. You can actually hike from the campground to about anywhere in the park. Most trails are open to mountain bikers as well as horses. The Boom Ridge Trail, which extends farthest out in the peninsula, is the backbone trail of the entire system. It is 8 miles long and reaches into Tennessee (the very tip of the park peninsula is in the Volunteer State). The Ranger Loop Trail is 3.5 miles long and starts near Loop P. This is a good starter hike. Many spur trails lead off the Boom Ridge Trail and extend down to the shores of Dale Hollow Lake. Eagle Point is the best of these trails, named for the eagles that stay on the lake during winter. You can also walk from the campground to the park lodge and enjoy a nice meal. If you want to be on the

water instead of looking at the water, the park has a boat launch and marina. Dale Hollow is known for its exceptional clarity, so much so that lake visitors dive here and spearfish. If you want to learn more about the area, enjoy the popular interpretive programs the park offers daily in summer. Check at the campground entrance station for the latest offerings at this quiet peninsula on the prettiest lake in the South.

From Burkesville, take KY 90 East to KY 449. Turn right on KY 449, and follow it south for 4.7 miles to reach KY 1206. Turn left on KY 1206, and follow it to reach the state park.

GPS COORDINATES   N36° 39.209'   W85° 17.555'

ADDRESS: 6371 State Park Rd., Burkesville,KY42717

OPERATED BY: Kentucky State Parks

CONTACT: 270-433-7431, parks . ky . gov

OPEN: Main campground, April-October; equestrian camping area, year-round

SITES: 124 standard sites, 24 horse-camping sites

SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, grill, lantern post, electricity, water; some have sewer

ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation

REGISTRATION: At campground entrance station

FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, laundry between April and October

PARKING: At campsites only

FEE: $22-$28, $30-$35 sites with sewer

ELEVATION: 900 feet

¦ Pets: On leash only

¦ Fires: In fire rings only

¦ Alcohol: Prohibited

 Vehicles: Must display park pass or car pass

¦ Other: 14-day stay limit