Six Best Lake Cumberland Houseboat Rentals
Rent a houseboat in style on Lake Cumberland by climbing aboard any one of these six floating hotel finds.
With over 1,200 miles of scenic shoreline—complete with private coves, rugged beauty and water sports galore—Lake Cumberland remains one of the largest and most exciting dam reservoirs in the country. It’s no wonder many vacationers choose to enjoy Kentucky’s Southern Shoreline region, aka the “Houseboat Capital of the World,” entirely on the water.
Rent a houseboat and spend your days waking up on the lake, exploring the miles of coastal woodland, swimming, riding watercraft and soaking up the rays. Get your fill of fishing, hiking, grilling, catching spectacular sunsets over the shoreline and stargazing the clear southern skies. If you’re ready and rearing for a unique, unforgettable experience, houseboating in The Kentucky Wildlands is it.
Where to Rent a Houseboat on Lake Cumberland
Though the Lake Cumberland State Dock Marina holds record as the world’s largest single fleet of houseboats, it’s not the only place to rent houseboats on Lake Cumberland. Because of its growing popularity, many houseboat manufacturers and vacation rentals beyond State Dock have emerged.
You can also rent boats at Safe Harbor Beaver Creek, Jamestown Resort & Marina, Lee’s Ford Resort Marina, Wolf Creek Marina and Burnside Marina. If you’re planning a holiday on a floating home-away-from-home, here is a list of some of the best Lake Cumberland houseboats for rent to cruise into vacation mode:
Six Houseboat Rentals to Consider
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77' Presidential Houseboat
Jamestown Resort & Marina, 3677 KY-92, Jamestown, KY 42629, 270-285-0444
Enjoy all the amenities of the luxury Presidential—including a sundeck/sun canopy, an outdoor gas grill, a large tubular slide, an optional hot tub, a swim platform and all the comforts of home! This floating escape includes six private cabins but can sleep up to 12 people.
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The Blue Tiny Houseboat
Lake Cumberland Marina, 2108 State Hwy 1383, Russell Springs, KY 42642, 270-866-6616
For a more intimate stay with a small group, perhaps a pair of couples looking for a romantic yet fun getaway, this 52’ loft-style houseboat is the perfect retreat. Built initially for an HGTV show about “tiny houseboats” enjoy the comforts of a “tiny home” with two cozy staterooms, a rooftop deck, hot tub, slide and modern farmhouse interior/decor. Five other tiny houseboats, aptly named by their exterior paint color, are also available at this marina.
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The Serenity Series 900
State Dock, 6365 State Park Rd, Jamestown, KY 42629, 207-344-LAKE
This luxurious rental certainly calls for a big celebration—featuring seven bedrooms, two full baths, a fully furnished kitchen with stainless steel appliances and central air conditioning for your comfort. Big parties will love the tube slides, a 12-person hot tub, entertainment equipment, Y-shaped bar, sun loungers, an oversized grill and a fiberglass party top!
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78’ Dream Houseboat
State Dock, 6365 State Park Rd, Jamestown, KY 42629, 207-344-LAKE
With a whopping capacity of 16 people and six staterooms with an open floor plan, large groups love the sunken salon in the mid-ship section—complete with a built-in cooler, entertainment center and bar. Two slides and a large flybridge also make for a great vacation full of wet and wild fun while the 750 engine powered by two diesel engines makes for comfortable cruising and handling ease.
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80’ Fantasy Houseboat
Safe Harbor Beaver Creek, 8929 KY-92, Monticello, KY 42633, 606-348-7280
This stately 80’ cruiser sleeps 12 in comfort and style, featuring six separate staterooms, two private baths, a main salon/living room, top deck bar with rope lights and a bimini top, an outdoor shower and gas grill, an aft deck locker, flybridge, central heat and air, tunnel style slide, optional hot tub and so much more for large groups to enjoy an epic vacation on the water!
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62’ Voyager Houseboat
Safe Harbor Beaver Creek, 8929 KY-92, Monticello, KY 42633, 606-348-7280
For smaller groups, perhaps two families with kids, the Voyager is a great, newly upgraded boat with four bedrooms, a huge salon and galley area, as well as a large open back deck. It also boasts a new catamaran hull design exclusive to State Dock, which provides increased cruising speed, improved stability and handling, plus arrow-straight tracking.
Requirements to Rent & Things to Consider
Renting a houseboat on Lake Cumberland is a piece of cake. Someone in your party simply needs a driver’s license and to take a quick boating lesson/tutorial to ensure safety on the water. No special training or skills are required to operate a houseboat.
If you’re not sure which area of Lake Cumberland to explore, or which of the six marinas to rent from, find the right houseboat to book that best suits your style and needs, while accommodating your group size and budget. Once that’s squared away, it’s as easy as undocking and anchors away!
When to Book a Lake Cumberland Vacation
It’s no surprise that Kentucky’s high season remains in the summer—with hot, sunny days and highs of 80 degrees spanning the months of June, July and August. For this reason, houseboat rental prices do tend to peak in the summertime. However, this is when you’ll enjoy warmer waters, trophy-sized fishing and signature events such as Lake Cumberland Raft Up in August and the Poker Run in September.
This isn’t to say you can’t plan for an amazing houseboat vacation on Lake Cumberland in the off-season as well—with discounted off-season prices to boot! Some renters much prefer the cooler spring months anyway, from March through May. Looking for a fall break? After Labor Day, getaways well into October and November are incredibly beautiful with the changing of the leaves on the lake.
No matter the time of year, Lake Cumberland is the perfect excuse to get out on the water for an off-grid adventure with family and friends!
