Pleasant Grove Recreation Area

Overview

Pleasant Grove Recreation Area is a day-use facility, located along the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee.

Recreation

Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being known as a trophy smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing.

Boating and water skiing are also popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for visitors to explore the lake. A boat launch is provided.

Pleasant Grover also offers a picnic area with a reservable shelter, located on a beautiful peninsula with exceptional views of Dale Hollow Dam.

Facilities

Pleasant Grove Recreation Area offers a large group picnic shelter with five picnic tables and grills. Flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.

A boat ramp provides convenient lake access.

Natural Features

Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year.

The dam is located on the Obey River, about 3 miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities.

In the late fall through early spring, the American Bald Eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.

Nearby Attractions

The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is adjacent to the dam. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, producing 1.5 million trout annually. The hatchery is open to visitors daily.

Charges & Cancellations

Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies 

• There is no fee to make a reservation.
• Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation (picnic shelter) less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
• No-shows forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility.
• Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change.
• No refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the campground.

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.