Frequently Asked Questions

Houseboat Questions (17)

Do you need to have a special license to drive a State Dock houseboat?

No. We instruct the driver in the operation of the houseboat before you leave the marina. You do need to be 21 to reserve a houseboat.

Are there anchors on the houseboats?

No. Because of the depth of the lake (90 feet average), it’s really too impractical to use anchors. We do supply tie up ropes that you can use to tie up to the shoreline.

Do you allow pets on the your houseboats?

YES, WE DO! We are now pet friendly. However, we do require a $300 non-refundable deposit.

What does the T or F stand for next to the houseboat names?

The letter stands for the days that the boat leaves the marina. For example, a 900T begins its trip on either a Thursday or Sunday and a 900F begins its trip on either a Friday or Monday.

Do life jackets come with the houseboats?

Yes, all houseboats are equipped with life jackets. Of course, if you would like to bring your own, you can.

If we pick up the houseboat late, say 7 or 8pm, can we still take our boat out?

All houseboats must depart from the dock by 6 PM Central Time as per our updated policy.

Is there a late charge for returning the houseboat after the scheduled check-out time?

Yes, a minimum of $100 for every 15 minutes past your return time.

Are there holding tanks on the houseboats?

State Dock houseboats are equipped with U.S. Coast Guard certified toilets and type one Marine Sanitation Systems. All toilets and treatment systems are top quality Crown or Atlantis units manufactured in the USA by the Raritan Engineering company under strict USCG guidelines.

What form of payment is acceptable for rentals?

Personal check is accepted 60 days prior to arrival. Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, cashier’s check and money orders are acceptable forms of payment as well.

How much is fuel at State Dock?

Fuel prices change often, a good estimate for fuel usage on a houseboat is approximately $100-$150 per night.

What items do you supply with your houseboats?

Sheets, blankets, pots & pans, pillows, pillow cases, towels, washcloths, dish towels, silverware, cooking utensils, skillet, cutting board, dishes, can opener, toaster, coffee maker, salad bowls, stereo, cooler, deck chairs, lounge chairs, broom, television, mattress covers, air conditioning, GPS, full-size fridge, life vests, tie-up ropes.

Is there a charge for extra linens?

No, but we do ask that you bring back your dirty linens before we give you clean ones

Do your houseboats come equipped with marine radios?

Yes. We monitor the radio 24 hours a day.

Do we have to rent an additional fishing boat with our houseboat like other marinas?

No, we don’t require that.

Can we pull a ski-boat or Waverunner behind the houseboat?

Yes, we suggest towing your boat behind your houseboat instead of tying it to the side. We will provide specific instruction on how to do so once you arrive.

Why are the check-in days different for the houseboats?

To alleviate congestion on the marinas, we stagger our check-in days so that half the fleet leaves on one day (Thursday & Friday or Sunday & Monday) and the other half leaves the following day.

Can we run a tab against our deposit for gas, ice, etc.

At this time, we don’t offer that service.

QUESTIONS ABOUT LAKE CUMBERLAND & STATE DOCK (20)

How big is Lake Cumberland?

The lake is 101 miles long, has 1255 miles of shoreline and 66,000 surface acres.

How deep is the lake?

The average depth of the lake is 90 feet.

What kind of fish are in the lake?

Largemouth bass, small mouth bass, white bass, Kentucky bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Catfish, Walleye and Striper Bass.

What is the average temperature?
Water Average Air Temp
Jan 48 42
Feb 44 48
Mar 48 57
Apr 55 68
May 66 75
Jun 76 84
Jul 82 88
Aug 84 88
Sep 79 81
Oct 70 70
Nov 58 57
Dec 51 48
When was Wolf Creek Dam built?

Construction on the dam began in 1941 and was completed in 1950.

How far is it to Wolf Creek Dam?

It is 8 miles south past the State Park entrance by road.

When is the best time to see fall colors?

Mid September to mid October is the best time to see fall colors.

When was Pumpkin Creek Lodge built?

1952

Where do you go to feed the animals?

Behind the dining room in Lure Lodge is a patio where animals (mostly raccoons) gather to be fed.

How large is the State Park?

It is approximately 3,400 acres.

Where should rental customers park?

There are parking spots on the hill down to the marina. There are also several parking areas available for customers to park. The marina has a shuttle that will drive people down to the marina.

Where can we launch our boats and where can boat trailers be parked?

A public launching ramp is located in the park about one mile away from the marina. There is usually plenty of parking for your trailers. There is no charge for launching your boat. We can also provide you a ride back to the marina.

Does the State Dock run a shuttle to and from Jamestown Marina?

Yes, we can provide shuttle to Jamestown Marina during the summer months. Just ask the front desk for assistance.

Is the State Dock privately owned?

Yes, the marina is an entity of Suntex Marinas located in Dallas Texas. The name “State Dock” often gives the impression that it is a state run facility. It is actually a privately owned business. The Dock is a licensee of the Kentucky Department of Parks.

How late does the State Dock stay open?

Our current store hours are from 9am – 4:30pm daily.

During the summer months, the shipstore is open later. It is recommended that if you come to the dock after hours, you check in with the night watchmen on duty.

At what times does the Lodge dining room serve meals?

Breakfast 7:00am – 10:30am
Lunch 11:30am – 2:20pm
Dinner 5:30pm – 9:00pm

Where is 76 falls?

To the left of the dam, at the very end of Indian Creek.

Can people fish from the dock?

Sorry, but no. For the safety of other people, we ask that people who want to fish close to the marina go to the shoreline.

Where can scuba tanks be filled?

Beaver Creek Marina has the facilities to fill tanks.

How far is it to Cumberland Falls?

It is approximately 81 miles, by way of the Cumberland Parkway, then Hwy 27, then Hwy 90.