Kentucky's Houseboat Capital Awaits
Why Rent On Cumberland River - Pulaski County
Lake Cumberland in Pulaski County stretches across more than 1,200 miles of Kentucky shoreline and is home to the largest fleet of rental houseboats in the entire country. With over 65,000 acres of water, wooded coves, and rocky cliffs, this lake offers a scale of recreation that is hard to find anywhere in the eastern United States. A vacation rental near Lake Cumberland gives your family a beautiful home base for one of Kentucky’s most celebrated lake destinations.
Lakehouses, Cabins, and the Option to Live on the Water
Vacation rentals near Lake Cumberland include traditional lakeside cabins and large lakehouses with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, private docks, and hot tubs. Many pet-friendly properties are available, and the lake’s well-developed rental market means properties ranging from cozy weekend retreats to luxury homes sleeping 20 or more guests are all accessible. The houseboat rental option adds a uniquely memorable layer to any family trip here.
Fishing, Water Sports, and Cumberland Falls
Lake Cumberland is renowned for striped bass, trout, and crappie fishing that draws serious anglers from across the region. Ski boats, fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are all available for rent. Cumberland Falls, known as the Little Niagara, is a stunning natural waterfall on the nearby Cumberland River that is genuinely one of the most impressive natural sights in Kentucky, with whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking available below the falls.
Seventy Six Falls and Wolf Creek Dam
Seventy Six Falls, a 76-foot waterfall along Indian Creek, is accessible by houseboat and one of the lake’s most memorable destinations for exploring families. Wolf Creek Dam, over 5,700 feet long, is a remarkable engineering structure worth seeing. The Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown adds miniature golf, horseback riding, and dining at the Lure Lodge restaurant to the broader activity menu.
Kentucky’s Most Complete Lake Vacation Destination
Lake Cumberland is genuinely one of the best lake vacation destinations in the entire eastern United States. The scale, the fishing, the houseboat culture, the waterfalls, and the natural beauty of the southern Kentucky landscape combine to create a trip that delivers at every level. A vacation rental here, on land or on the water, is the smartest investment you can make in a Kentucky family trip.
- Surface area (mi)
- 164.79
- Max depth (ft)
- 196.85
- Elevation (ft)
- 734.91
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 0.62
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Marinas on Cumberland River - Pulaski County
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Cumberland River - Pulaski County has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
No, swimming is not recommended in the Cumberland River in Pulaski County. Officials often issue swimming advisories for several stretches of the Upper Cumberland River due to safety concerns. It is best to avoid swimming and other recreational contact with these waters.
-
Cumberland River – Pulaski County is a popular destination because of its diverse outdoor activities. The area offers whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Cumberland River, as well as the scenic Cumberland Falls. Additionally, Lake Cumberland provides extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking along its 1,200 miles of shoreline.
-
Yes, you need a trout permit to fish in the Cumberland River from Wolf Creek Dam to the Tennessee state line. All licensed anglers in this area must have a trout permit, even if they do not plan to keep the trout. This permit is required for the river and its tributaries up to the first riffle, as well as Hatchery Creek.
-
The beach at Pulaski County Park is best for families. It offers a lake beach, swimming, playgrounds, and various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. The park also has rental cabins, RV and primitive camping, and hosts family-friendly events.
-
Towns near the Cumberland River in Pulaski County, Kentucky, include Somerset and Burnside. Somerset is the county seat and a major town in the area, while Burnside is another notable town along the river. Both towns are situated near Lake Cumberland, which is formed by the Cumberland River.
