Norris Lake, Lake Cumberland House Boat rentals

[Booms]

I have a few questions for you guys. We are looking to go to Norris Lake or Cumberland with another family. There would be a total of 9 people. We are thinking of renting a house boat and do not know where to go. Norris Lake or Lake Cumberland. The reason we are looking there as it is about a 12-14 hour drive from northern WI.

Have any of you been to either of those lakes?

Have you rented house boats on those lakes?

I saw floating houses that can be rented on Norris Lake, is that better than a Houseboat?

I am thinking of trailering our 08 RZ2 there, should I have any concerns?

Thanks for the input.

[jrj701]

We have a place on Cumberland and love it. Also been to Norris a few times and it's a beautiful lake as well. We have rented many houseboats over the years at Cumberland and there are are about 8 marinas that rent them. We usually use Burnside since we are within a couple miles of there, but have also rented from Beaver Creek. We have also rented a floating house at Norris and while pretty cool, you are stuck right outside a marina. On the house boat you can go find your own piece of heaven. This year Cumberland has been brought back up to full pool after 7 years of dam repairs, but to be honest the lake was plenty big enough even 40' down. If you should decide on Cumberland let me know, and if you rent up at our end we can try and hook up if we are there.

[NHarp1]

Our family has been going to Norris Lake TN for the past 7 years. We have been all over the huge lake. The water is virgin flat most of the time due to the surrounding mountains. The part of the lake we like the most is by Twin Cove Marrina or Flatt Hallow Marina. The water is the best and away from the heavier boat traffic.

Most private house rentals are picked over by now for this summer. However, The Willows Twin Cove seems to have openings.
http://www.thewillowsattwincove.com

Flatt Hallow has houseboats in a fantastic part of the lake.

http://www.flathollowmarina.com/new_houseboats.php

Enjoy!

[tktige']

State dock Lake Cumberland is good, lake levels are back up I think, you should be able to get into all the party coves. We brought tents and set them up on the roof for a little extra space. Its a great vacation

[bigpappa]

Both of the lakes are great but if you looking to rent a houseboat, Cumberland is the way to go. There are many more deep secluded coves to tie off a houseboat than Norris Lake. If you a looking to rent a house then it is Norris hands down.

[CarFanatic]

Norris, is a better calmer lake then Cumberland. If you wanna do water sports go to norris. Most everything books up fast down there depending on where you go. Shanghai marina has hands down the nicest house boats. They are decked out. Springs dock is the cheapest if you want to save money. There are also plenty of houses and floating homes. You want to stay on the north side of the lake so look for things places in jacksboro, or lafollette area of the lake.

[Booms]

Thanks for all the great advice. You are not helping as it is about 50/50. Sounds like we can't go wrong with either lake.

We are planning a Monday to Friday stay. Is that too long?
The wives have told us that they would like a lake where there are lakeside restaurants so if we get tired of cooking, we can hop into our boat and go. Which lake is better for that?
In mid August what should we plan for weather?
If we do Norris Shanghai is top of the list, even though they are the most expensive.

Thank you again.

[CarFanatic]

Norris has lots of restaurants. In fact I think all the marinas, have a restaurant. I have a house on norris, trust me you will like it better then cumberland. Shanghi's restaurant has great food too, Its probably my favorite restaurant down there, Especially if you like good draft beers!

August will be nice and hot! maybe spotty quick shower here and there.

a week is not long enough!

[ajnesbitt]

I would put in my vote for Norris. We've rented floating houses at Flat Hollow Marina for the last few years and have been renting lakefront homes at Norris for 20 years. If you don't require a private cove, the floating houses are great. No steps to climb and the boat parked off the front porch. More room than a houseboat for less money. The drawback is that you can't move it around the lake.

[Booms]

Thanks for all the great info. I just booked with Shanghai marina on Norris Lake for the week of August 11th.

Now it is time to get the trailer checked out for the drive, buy a spare tire and a trailer jack, and lots of beer!

If you are around that week look us up.

[CarFanatic]

awesome! Should try and hook up. Usually there on the weekends. You will love that house boat!

[Bedwards]

Thanks for all the great info. I just booked with Shanghai marina on Norris Lake for the week of August 11th.

Now it is time to get the trailer checked out for the drive, buy a spare tire and a trailer jack, and lots of beer!

If you are around that week look us up.

Boom- please post how everything went. After seeing you're post I'm interested in taking the same trip next year.

[Booms]

Any boating laws I should be made aware of in TN. Like kids always have to have a life jacket on, down skier flag, blow horn, flares etc.

Thank you.

Bedwards - I will be documenting this and will share when we get back.

[sandm]

stop thru here on the way and pick us up as well

[CarFanatic]

Kids life vest. That's it really besides basic boat laws