Tennessee / Clay County

Pleasant Grove Recreation Area

Closed — This is a day-use facility only; no overnight camping is permitted. A $5 day-use fee per vehicle or $2 per walk-in applies. Credit card payments only at the automated pay station.

About

Pleasant Grove Recreation Area is a day-use facility located along the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee. The area offers a large group picnic shelter with five picnic tables and grills, flush toilets, and drinking water. A boat ramp provides convenient access to Dale Hollow Lake's 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline. Dale Hollow Lake is renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly for trophy smallmouth bass and the world record smallmouth caught here. The Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are popular activities on the expansive lake. The picnic area is situated on a beautiful peninsula with exceptional views of Dale Hollow Dam. Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943 for flood control and power generation, and now serves as a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors annually. Surrounded by thick forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning backdrop for water and land activities. In late fall through early spring, the American Bald Eagle can be spotted flying overhead, as Dale Hollow hosts the second largest wintering eagle population in Tennessee and Kentucky. The nearby Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, is open to visitors daily.

Directions

From Celina, Tennessee, turn northeast on Route 53 and continue for 4 miles. Turn right on Old Route 53 at the Cedar Hill/Pleasant Grove exit and follow signs to the park. It is recommended that visitors do not rely on GPS or Mapquest to reach the park.

Nearby Campgrounds