The town of Lockport lies to the west of Macedon by about 75 standard miles along the canal. Like many canal towns it has a rich history of New York’s youth and especially the construction of the canal. It is just one of many towns you may wish to stop in or stay over at during your houseboat rental and here are the reasons why:

Flight of Five

For those unfamiliar, the Flight of Five is a lock system now out of use, consisting of twin sets of five locks set one after the other to accommodate a dramatic change in the elevation over a short distance. The historic locks were completed in 1840. Today the Flight of Five locks can be seen adjacent to the current lock system there, which now consists of two locks, E-34 and E-35. The old locks, 67-71, serve as a spillway for the modern locks, with water continuously moving through this system, it is a marvelous sight to see!

Photo by Flickr User Alex Ranaldi

Winery

The nearby Flight of Five Winery, is located in the Old City Hall building. The winery is part of the Niagara Wine Trail and has a tasting room, occasional events, and a signature line of wines named after each lock in the original Flight of Five. Their grapes are grown in local vineyards along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes.

Underground tours

Under the Flight of Five, and into downtown Lockport, you can walk through some of the old drilling tunnels and natural caves that also occur there. Inside the caves you may see the ruins from worksites used during the construction of the canal, tools, and more. A boat tour can be taken into parts of this underground tunnel and cave system to see and learn more about it. Seasonal events such as lantern tours and ghost tours also take place there. In 2016 the same cave tour company began offering a zipline over the canal also.

Photo by Flickr User IH

The Erie Canal Discovery Center

Located in a historic canal building next to the Flight of Five is the Erie Canal Discovery Center. There is a Visitors Center within with a brief film of the local history and also interactive displays where visitors can operate miniature locks. Exhibits change from time to time but a permanent one of Niagara county artifacts can be seen there as well.

Tiffany Windows

The First Presbyterian Church in Lockport houses a unique collection of Tiffany stained glass windows. There are a total of twelve windows, six made of Tiffany glass, and six that are original Tiffany windows made by the Tiffany company. The amazing style includes layering different colors of glass and dry brushing atop of glass to make one-of-a-kind works of art. Tours are given year-round, but check the schedule ahead of time as they also have church services and events.

Photo credit Bubba73 at English Wikipedia

Lockport Events

Being home to so many historic landmarks and right amid the bustle of the canal, Lockport plays hosts to many annual events big and small. These festivals celebrate all things canal-related and usually include food and craft fairs, live music, family activities and more. You may want to plan a trip around the Keys to the Lock celebration in May or the Canal Splash in August or Locktoberfest in September. Whatever week you decide to houseboat the Erie Canal, visiting Lockport is always fun and educational!

The majestic Lake Powell sits bordering Utah and Arizona, spanning over 200 square miles with 1900 miles of shoreline. Towering red rock cliffs and twisting canyons offer endless opportunities for that coveted catch no matter if you're a seasoned angler or a novice. With an average depth of 130 feet, these clear waters boast spectacular fishing conditions all year round.

Striped bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill are common catches. Brown trout, rainbow trout and carp are also found in the area. The following are the most saught after catches in Lake Powell and tips to increase your chances:

Bass:

• Smallmouth fishing is good year round but the best time is in April, September or October when water is cooler. Fishing limit is 20.
• Largemouth fishing is also good year round, found in deep waters. Fishing limit is 5.

Striped Bass:

Best in summer months. No fishing limit.

• Use cut dead anchovies when shad are not available, but when shad are abundant after spawning causing "boils" (a surface feeding frenzy) between July-October use a shad imitating lure. Cast surface lures in the summer striper boils; striper tend to go deeper in the fall and winter. The average striper is between 3-4 lbs. Put them on ice immediately and filet ASAP.
• Trophy Striper are consistantly found in water that is about 64 degrees, and in depths of 60-90 feet. They feed at night, but the best chance to catch them is in the first morning light as they tend to be most active about 45 minutes prior to the dawn. Troll with down riggers and whole anchovies. Mid-April to mid-June are the best opportunities for daytime catches as spawning draws them to the surface.

Walleye:

Best in May or June. No fishing limit.

• Use bottom bouncing rigs with live bait such as nightcrawlers or a shad immitating minnow lure, anything that swims or flips. Walleye do not chase their prey but wait until they're in range before they strike. Consistent bottom contact is very important. Walleye are light sensitive so troll close to cliff walls; low light or in the shade is best.

Channel Catfish:

Best between June-October. No fishing limit.

• Catch these guys from the comfort of your houseboat's back patio in the summer months when they tend to be in shallow sandy beach areas. Sink baits, anchovies and table scraps (like a piece of hot dog) work best. Use a carolina or drop shot rig with a lightweight bait in 5-15 feet of water. The largest Catfish are in flowing water but are scrappy, the better tasting fish are caught in the summertime.

Bluegill:

Great summer fishing.

• Find them in shallow areas with brush or weeds in the spring, but as deep as 20-30 feet. Crickets are preferred bait, small red worms or crayfish are also suggested. Use a Micro jig (1/32 to 1/100) that imitate natural food and which are small enough to hook and hold these fish as they are generally light weight. You'll want to use a slip bobber (a bobber with a hole through the center).

The Waynes Words website is an extraordinary source for fishing at Lake Powell, with fishing reports, tips, and a wealth of knowledge about the area. See current fishing reports here: Lake Powell Fishing Report

Be sure to acquire a fishing license online prior to your arrival. A Utah state fishing license is required and will allow you to fish anywhere on Lake Powell, including Arizona waters. Get a fishing license here: Utah State Fishing License. It is also recommended that you familiarize yourself with all regulations including fishing limits: NPS Regulations. Or, if you prefer a guided service, click here: Glen Canyon Guided Services

Fishing equipment, tackle and bait are not available for rent at the marinas but are available for purchase in Page, AZ or at Wahweap or Bullfrog's marina stores.

See the following article for how to cook what you've caught, recipes sure to surprise and delight: How to Cook That Thing on Your Hook

Get planning your next houseboat adventure now! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and an agent will contact you to answer your questions and iron out the details.

Like any vacation, a houseboat vacation takes planning. The biggest question on our clients minds after they book is "what do I need to bring?" We'll help you prepare as much as possible. As inclusions/exclusions vary based on location and houseboat model, we include as many details as possible on our website or in your confirmation email.

The Essentials:

• Coolers/Ice
• Food & Beverages (more on meal planning below)
• Swimsuits, Beach Towels, Water Toys to float around on
• Hat/Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Water Shoes/Flip Flops
• Fishing Equipment and Licenses
• Fitted Life Vest for Small Children
• Sheets/Towels (if not provided)
• Toiletries
• First Aid Kit
• Camara
• Other Entertainment such as games, DVDs, music, puzzles, cards, and books.
• Any recreational items (ie kayaks, paddle boards, etc)

Things You Wouldn't Think to Bring but May Consider:

• Air Freshener for the bathrooms
• Disposable Plates, Utensils, Cups (optional, to save on dishes)
• Aluminum Foil or Pie Plates (to put on the houseboat lines to keep critters from boarding the boat)
• Ziploc Bags for any leftovers
• Battery Operated Fan
• Baby Gates and Playpen if bringing small children
• Camping Chairs

One of the biggest hurdles after you have reserved your houseboat is planning and distributing the meal responsibilities. What are you going to make, creating a shopping list, who's chipping in, who's doing the cooking, who's cleaning up? These are some of the questions that tend to come up, especially when coordinating with a large group or between a few families.

Meal Planning:

• Bottled Water and other beverages
• Spices, down to salt and pepper
• Condiments
• Tea/Coffee (filters typically provided with coffee maker)
• Marshmallow tines for s'mores
• Meal Planning Guide
• Houseboat Friendly Recipes

Whatever comes up, we'll help you along the way. Don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions. All of our agents are exprienced and knowlegable after having gone on our own houseboat adventures, we're happy to assist in any way we can. Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online to start ironing out the details of your own adventure today!

Sometimes it is easy to forget Las Vegas has a lot more to offer than busy casinos and flashing lights! The Nevada desert is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the country. Just 45 minutes frm the Las Vegas Strip lives the magnificent lake Mead. Lake Mead is over 112 miles long and has over 500 miles of shoreline, allowing you explore hundreds of coves and inlets while fishing for the stripers this great lake has become famous for!

Stripers are not native to the west. During the 1960's the Californial Fish and Game introduced stripers to lake Mead in hopes of providing anglers with an easy-to-catch sport fish. This voracious predatory fish successfully reproduced and rapidly flourished in just a few short years. Unlike Largemouth bass, which tend to be solitary predators that lie and wait for their prey near cover, stripers tend to be found in large schools and roam the open water. They typically target schools of young fry, newborn fish such as threadfin, gizzard and even stripers themselves; then push them to the surface for slaughter. Striped bass is a delicious fish that is a happy medium between flaky and meaty. Its texture lies between cod, sole, swordfish and tuna, but can depend on where it was caught and what it was eating.

How to catch stripers

Trolling for Boils. Trolling is a fantastic option for catching stripers if you don't feel like venturing to a specific "hot spot." Boils are a great way to find schools of 500 plus stripers that are pushing and feeding on baitfish all over the lake which can happen at anytime of the day and result in multiple catches per boil. Boils can occur over deep open water but often happen where stripers can trap shad along breaklines, blufs and shorelines. Simply drive around the lake, have a shad immitating top water jerk bait on the line, and toss in the water when you get close enough to the action! Keep your eyes out for flocks of circling birds and surface activity. Make sure your grip is tight because a striper strike feels monstrous at 14-16 inches in length and 1-2 lbs. Some of the best striper fishing occurs in June through October.

For this type of topwater excitement, it is hard to beat walking baits like the Heddon Zara Spook or Sebile Flat Belly Walker. In the swimbait category, the A.C Plug remains a popular option. Also try soft-plastic swimbaits rigged on jigheads in the 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz range. Other effective lures include spoons and bucktail jigs in shad colors such as white and silver.

When Stripers Go Deep

From winter until the spawn, which typically occurs in mid April-May, stripers can be found appriximately 25-50 feet deep, which calls for jigging and trolling presentation. Vertically jigging with spoons and jigs baited with shad, sardines or anchovies is often the best way to get baits in front of deep stripers. Try bucktail jigs in the 3/8 oz-3/4 oz range tipped with baitfish or bullethead jigs with a soft plastic fluke or swimbait. You will want to experiment with bait depth from just at the level of the stripers to just above them working the jig with hops and pauses. While still holding the bait, let it subtly rise and fall with the wave action on the boat which will often trigger stripers. Trying a partially inflated balloon on the line works like an oversized float, keeping baits away from the boat at a specific depth. They are inexpensive, offer adjustable buoyancy and position on the line, in addition to being easy to see. Downriggers are unbeatable for stripers suspending deeper than 30 feet. Use cannonballs from 8-12 lbs and set lures from 50 to over 100 feet behind the cannonball. Set downriggers at the depth stripers seem to be holding; then adjust the weight as needed.

During the heat of summer, stripers often move to deeper and cooler waters during the day and then may move to shallow waters at night. Night fishing is a great way to beat the heat; try using lures or bait such as shad, sardines or anchovies. (See fishing rules and regulations at Lake Mead)

A few hot spots for Stripers

Should you wish to explore the lake a little bit, here are some notoriously hot locations for catching stripers. All of these locations are accessible by houseboat.

Overton Arm-You can go as far as Glory Hole which is just past Echo Bay. There will not be any services on the water at Echo Bay any longer such as fuel, so you will need to plan accordingly.

Virgin Basin-Central to the lake, large open area. You will not be able to beach your houseboat here overnight due to high winds and little protection. Lots of coves and inlets to moore your houseboat towards.

Temple Basin-This less populated area located near Temple Bar marina is known for its incredible rock formations, beautiful scenery and its 20 mile long stretch of calm waters. Excellent striper fishing.

Las Vegas Bay-Located in the large Boulder Basin near Callville Bay marina, this area offers coves and inlets that are prime for fishing and close to your houseboat pick-up/return location.

Call Houseboating.org for help in planning your next houseboat fishing trip to Lake Mead! 1-888-454-8825!

In my previous blog, "Houseboating with Infants- You can do It!," we went over some do’s and don'ts regarding houseboating with infants. This year, our infant turned into a toddler and the houseboating game changed up a bit. Actually, it may as well have been a completely different child that I took on this vacation, because things change dramatically when going from a 10 month old to a 22 month old! Such changes include: mobility, naps, attachment issues, entertainment, tantrums...to name a few. Here are some of the changes we adapted to, things that worked, didn’t work, and some things we learned along the way.

Non Mobile vs Mobile

If you thought it was a challenge to houseboat with infants, think again! As toddlers, they are faster, feistier, and are basically going to call all of the shots and dictate how your will be planned out. Now I have an escape artist on my hands who can disappear in an instant. I was worried that I would not be able to enjoy this trip, which was not the case. It was slightly different, but still a tradition that I am hoping to continue every year.

Safety

The upper deck of our 59’ Discovery XL did have a gate and latch to block off the slide, but not the stairs. We had to move a few things around to block off that area. Some helpful items in this instance would have been to bring a baby gate or two to help you block off any dangerous areas. Another helpful tip would be to toddler proof the cabinets like we do at home. She had free reign to snatch any and all snacks which was more difficult to regulate. This is a very easy fix and you wont have a toddler that has overdosed on cookies. Both sliding glass doors in the front and back of the houseboat had latches to lock and secure the door. We pushed a cooler in front of the sliding glass door at the back of the houseboat for some additional security making it harder for her to get out should I have turned my head for a minute.

Fun

This is pretty universal. Water + sand = fun. She absolutely loved being able to run around on our large beach area and play for hours at a time with her cousins. Our beach was just past Camel Rock at about mile marker 27. It was very large, sandy and offered both sun and shade which is ideal. The beach had thousands of white shells the kids gathered and played with in their sand castles. The best part for my daughter was getting dirty! She was covered in sand and it was great. She had more fun playing on the beach than in the water but occasionally we would put her in her innertube floatie and take her for a little swim, allowing us to give her a quick and much needed rinse as well. We used all sand pails, buckets and shovels, plastic cups, you name it! We also opted for a 19’Triumph Speedboat and brought along a three person tube. Although she was too young to ride, she got a kick out of her cousins laughing and crying with joy as she watched from the boat. Even I took a turn and was laughing so hard, I thought I cracked a rib. The kids loved it and was definitely one of my highlights.

Items I will consider bringing next year

1. Download DVDs- As someone who doesn’t like to rely on technology when they are on a houseboat vacation, I would consider bringing a Kindle and downloading as many DVDs as possible. This will free up the main TV for the rest of the group. I mean, everybody loves Peppa Pig, but the one DVD I purchased on Amazon I failed to realize only had 2 episodes on it (This is amazing it didn’t get thrown overboard). *Just a reminder, there is no internet service on the lake so complete all downloads prior to arrival!

2. Bring more (non BluRay) movies for everyone- The few movies we did bring were BluRay which was not viewable on this particular player, so make sure you pack your disks accordingly.

3. Blow up pool- I would like to toy with the idea of bringing a blow up pool for her to have on the beach filled with a little lake water. This could help quarantine her yet still allow her to play in the water without having to walk back and forth from the beach to the lake (this can go on for hours).

4. At this age, she wanted her mama...and ONLY her mama. Next time I would bring a few more items to entertain myself while laying her down, napping, or while she played inside with her toys. These items would include; books, a movie I may enjoy, possibly working on her baby book, or documenting our memories in a journal, etc.

5. I would also consider more activities we could do together- Coloring books were a must and got used frequently. I would try to bring more crafts that she could work on, washable paint, playdough or a treat for everyone we could make together in the kitchen.

One thing I will try to consider is NOT bringing so many clothes. I over packed last year, and did it again this year. Next year I will reduce my packing by about half. Click here to view packing list.

Our houseboat trips will change each year our children grow older and truly can't wait to go again next year!. I hope this helps shine some light on some things that you may want to bring along...or leave behind on your houseboat vacation with your toddler!

It is always the little things that create big memories! When I think back to my most memorable vacations as a child, I don't remember what I wore, what I ate, or the big fight that crazy Uncle Joe got into with crazy Uncle Tom. I remember the time we spent together. The things we laughed about. The songs we sang. The silly carefree behavior that my parents displayed when in paradise instead of work mode. Here are some activites to consider that made our special and unique trips magical ones! You certainly don't have to go overboard with ideas, as these little activites packed a pretty big punch in my memory bank.

Star Party

When you are so far away from light pollution from the city, the night sky is something to worship. You will see more stars than you have ever dreamed of! These days you can purchase a telescope on Amazon for as little as $26 dollars which will do the trick for your houseboat star party. Print off or purchase a map of the night sky with constellations or planets to view while stargazing on the beach or on the top deck of your houseboat. Bring some glow sticks, glow necklaces and bracelets for a little extra ambiance. Wrap yourself up in a blanket and grab your hot cocoa to keep warm!

Movie on the Rocks

Change it up a bit and set up a movie night under the stars. Find a surface that you can display your movie. Whether you have the perfect rock wall setting to view your flick or whether you have to prop up a white sheet in the sand held up by brooms, either way works! Pop some popcorn, lay out blankets in the sand or set up your chairs and loungers, grab a blanket and enjoy the show! Hand sized movie projectors are available for purchase that simply plug in to your device that will display your downloaded movies.

Laser Show

Movies or books about the outdoors always inspire us. More often than not, the stories that unite us as a family or group of friends are those of something unplanned happening. Sometimes things go terribly wrong and it ends up being humorous, sometimes the story is one of moral courage, adventure, and survival. Whatever it is, these are the stories that get retold at family occasions.

We’ve compiled a collection of movies and books that in some way or other make us want to plan our next family vacation or trip or do the research—where was that filmed? You may recognize some of the locations and recall what made you want to go there first or you’ll be adding them to your Pinterest boards or bucket lists before you know it.

Here is our list of some of the books and movies that make us want to take our houseboat vacation there or help us learn the history of an area or tell a humorous, but cautionary tale:

"What About Bob?" This 1991 comedy starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss features a therapist’s family vacation at the lake and a patient who ends up joining them. Though it takes place at Lake Winnipesaukee, it was filmed at our beloved Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia! We love it when Bob teaches the therapist’s son to dive.

"It’s a Wonderful Life" This Christmas classic with Jimmy Stewart takes places in the fictional town of Bedford Falls, which turns out to be Seneca Falls, New York. Seneca Falls is just one of the many towns you may visit during a houseboat trip on the Erie Canal! You can explore more of the town’s history and it’s iconic Trinity Episcopal Church among many other towns on the canal.

"Lake Placid" A horror movie about a lake monster doesn’t entice us to visit, but the theme is so common that we can’t ignore it. How many lakes are rumored to have monsters? Well, Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania has named their monster ‘Raystown Ray’ and they even have a song about him!

"Grumpy Old Men" A comedy about two old men that are sometimes friends and sometimes not, and happen to sometimes go fishing together is something I can imagine happening on plenty of houseboat trips! Plenty of our customers are groups of gentlemen that want to fish, and we have fishing at all of our locations! Our Kentucky lakes and Minnesota lakes are well known for fishing tournaments, but don’t count out other locations too!

And speaking of fishing, "Gone Fishin’" features a pair of friends who win a fishing trip in Florida. Their boat gets stolen and they keep getting into deeper and deeper trouble, but as most comedies go, there’s humor and survival in the story. We could imagine some of these scenes on the St Johns River in Florida or the Suwannee River.

Lake Powell on the Utah/ Arizona border has been featured in a number of movies, you can read about those here: Lake Powell in the Movies

The books "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twainboth have numerous scenes taking place along the Mississippi River. Our houseboat rentals on the Mississippi are along the Great River Road in Wisconsin, with several towns you can stop at and create your own adventure!

The Colorado River is featured in so many adventure stories that there are a ton of fun media sources to explore! A recent favorite read is "The Emerald Mile" by Kevin Fedarko, telling the tale of the fastest trip ever through the Grand Canyon that took place in 1983 in a wooden boat. The length is the stretch between Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

If you’re interesting in learning more about the Erie Canal, you might pick up a copy of the book "Heaven’s Ditch: God, Gold, and Murder on the Erie Canal" by Jack Kelly that just came out in the last year. No doubt you’ll be more engrossed in each town you visit during your houseboat trip.

The book "Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West" by Stephen Ambrosecan lend a deeper appreciation to a houseboat trip on Lake Roosevelt in Washington as you learn about their trip through the northwest to reach the Pacific ocean. Wildlife encounters, Native American encounters, and the beauty of the wild, rugged terrain all are encompassed in this story.

The more you know about a destination, the more you are able to appreciate the experience! Let us know what stories inspire your family to get out together! And of course we hope your trip will be free of any mishaps and full of all the fun you can imagine!

Ever heard of the 3 Day Effect? It boils down to this: your brain needs a break from technology and every day stresses; it takes 3 days in nature for your brain to relax. Because science.

The "3 Day Effect" is a term coined by Utah bookseller/river runner Ken Sanders, who noticed a significant shift in group members on a three day rafting trip.

David Strayer, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Utah has had similar experiences: "When we slow down, stop the busy work, and take in beautiful natural surroundings, not only do we feel restored but our mental performance improves too." Strayer illustrated his point with a group of participants who did 50% better on problem solving tasks and word games after three days on a backpacking trip.

"On the third day my senses recalibrate - I smell things and hear things I didn't before." Strayer goes on, "If you can have the experience of being in the moment for two or three days, it seems to produce a difference in qualitive thinking." It's believed that being in nature allows the prefrontal cortex (the brain's command center) to rest like an overused muscle.

Countless research studies around the world found that immersion in natural surroundings decreased anxiety as well as an improvement in mood, attention, memory, and creativity.

Imagine what good a houseboat vacation can do for you. Waking up with the sunrise, spending the day in the water, catching up on a good book on the beach, catching fish from the back deck, hiking to natural rock arches or spectacular overlooks, and ending the day relaxing from the hot tub on the top deck while the sun sets. Your stress level decreased as you were reading that didn't it?

Nothing recharges your batteries as well as escaping to nature and enjoying the simple things: sunrise or sunset, stargazing, swimming, fishing, laughing with friends or family around the campfire, playing cards, you know where we're going with this. Leave the spreadsheets, traffic, and internet behind for a few days. Restore valuable connections with loved ones, wind down, relax, and experience the sense of awe that nature consistently offers.

Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and an agent will contact you; we're looking forward to helping you plan your getaway.

Sources:

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams

https://www.oars.com/blog/why-our-brains-need-multi-day-wilderness-trips/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/01/call-to-wild/

Kentucky's Lake Cumberland area offers many impressive natural wonders with a surprising abundance of waterfalls! Here is a list of some of the area favorites.

1. Seventy-Six Falls- Named after the first town established in the 1800’s called Seventy Six, KY. You can locate this fall along Country Club Road in Albany 42602 and is an easy houseboat accessible attraction only 7 lake miles from Wolf Creek Marina and a mere 10 lake miles from Beaver Creek Marina. Rocks can be slippery at the top and are not safe for jumping. Several crosses line the area in remembrance of those who have passed attempting the dive.

2. Yahoo Falls- This modest waterfall is at the top of a moderately rated 4.2 mile hike that will lead you to Yahoo Falls. What the waterfall lacks in volume it makes up for in beauty and serenity. Located by Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area on 4564 Leatherwood Road in Whitley City, KY.

3. Cumberland Falls- Walk a short distance to view a magnificent waterfall! Referred to as the Little Niagara of the South, Cumberland Falls is located at 7351 KY-90 in Corbin, KY. This 60 foot tall and 125 foot wide wall to wall veil of water is magical day or night. Plan your trip during a full moon to experience a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the western hemisphere; the moonbow!

4. Bad Branch Falls- Located off KY 932 in Eolia, this waterfall is your well-deserved reward to your moderately rated 3 miles out and back waterfall adventure. In 1985 the preserve began with 435 acres and has grown to over 2600 acres. Rare wildflowers, black bears and Kentucky’s only known nesting ravens are all that encompasses this rich ecosystem. A 60-foot waterfall tumbling over sandstone cliffs will appear on the south face of Pine Mountain.

5. Anglin Falls- Perfect for a short day trip, this .07 mile out and back trail will be perfect for anyone looking for a short and easy hike but still offering a slight incline to get your heart rate going! Located in the John B Stephenson Memorial Forest and State Nature Preserve off of Anglin Road in Mckee. This 75-foot narrow waterfall will be surrounded by lush green, uneven forested terrain.

Photo Credit: Flickr user Karen Roussel

7. Broke Leg Falls-As you drop into a charmingly beautiful gorge and carefully descend down a slippery staircase of rocks, it will leave nothing to your imagination as to why they call this site Broke Leg Falls. Located on 508 Hwy 460 in Wellington, this waterfall is easily accessible from the roadside via a staircase.

8. Flat Lick Falls- Located in Flat Lick Recreation area in Gray Hawk, Kentucky, Flat Lick Falls is a cool 40-foot drop surrounded by a kaleidoscopic array of colored rocks and trees and is easily accessible by a short walk on a combination paved and dirt trail. This enchanting site offers a nice picnic area with a gorgeous view. Hiking and camping are enjoyed in the area as well.

There are literally hundreds of waterfalls in the beautiful state of Kentucky and way too many to mention here. Make sure to include enough time on your houseboat adventure to enjoy these majestic beauties. Give Houseboating.org a call at 888-454-8825 to get started on your planning!

The Erie Canal stretches over 500 miles along upstate New York and is known as one of the United States' greatest feats in engineering. Stone locks, lift bridges and guard gates used in the 1800's are still used to operate the canal today. The Erie, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals are filled with history, architecture, hundreds of miles of scenic waterway with charming canal towns and trails for exploring. There's so much to do (and all too often on vacation, so little time.) One fo the many great things about a houseboat vacation is taht your vacation is tailor made to your preferences. You set the pace and the route!

You will begin your Erie Canal adventure at Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing marina in Macedon, New York where you can venture either East or West on the Canal.

The following is an example of a 7 day houseboat itinerary heading East from the marina in Macedon.

Day 1: to Palmyra

• Arrive at Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing at approximately 1;30pm. Your orientation will begin at 2pm. The orientation takes a few hours and ends at Lock 30 in Macedon where staff will guide you through your first lock. After your orientation, head east to Palmyra. Explore Aqueduct Park then dock for the evening at the canal basin located in the center of town.

Day 2: to May's Point

• Enjoy the rural scenic communities of Newark, Lyons and Clyde. Newark offers a great docking facility along with many shops and restaurants. Lyons has a nice park perfect for a lunchtime picnic and a nearby grocery store. Clyde, at Lock 26, is possibly the most secluded and beautiful lock in the system. Continue to Lock 25 to May's Point in the heart of the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, which contains over 9800 acres that provides resting, feeding and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Arrive early and take a long walk or bike ride along the back roads. There are many scenic pull-offs to explore the refuge. Lock 25 is a nice quiet place to stop for the night, great for stargazing!

Day 3: to Cayuga-Seneca Canal

• The Montezuma area is a great place for bird watchers. Keep an eye out for a bald eagle! Turn south at the junction with the Cayuga-Seneca Canal to head toward Seneca Falls. Seneca Falls has a set of 50 foot double locks and is home to the National Women's Rights Museum as well as the picturesque Trinity Church. There's a municipal dock in town, take time to stop and explore. There's a car rental nearby if you wish to tour wine country. Or continue to Seneca Lake State Park, east of Geneva. There is a fee for overnight docking and limited available space at the park; be sure to call ahead for availability.
• More on wineries in the area here: Wineries in the Cayuga-Seneca area

Day 4: to Newark

• Head back west toward Newark. Remember the grocery store in Lyons, it's a great opportunity to restock. Dockage is good in Newark, there is shore power and laundry facilities as well as shopping and docking. There's even a movie theater a mere block away from the canal port.

Day 5: to Pittsford

• West of Newark, you'll pass through Palmyra and Macedon. Just before Lock 30 (Macedon), stop at Old Lock 60 and see the remains of a lock from 1862. Fairport and Pittsofrd are two great stops, especially for shopping. Both are busy villages with great dockage. Enjoy the evening with some fine dining.

Day 6: to Brockport

• Cruise through the Rochester area, and look down as you cross the Grand Embankment at Bushnell's Basin where the canal si 70 feet above ground! West of Rochester is an area of lift bridges. Radio the bridge tender to have the bridge raised in order to pass. Brockport is a busy college town during the school year. Meander through town and dine at one of the restaurants, or come back to the boat and enjoy a BBQ in Harvester Park.

Day 7: to Fairport

• Head back through the Rochester area. If time allows, you can make a turn to the north on the Genesee River, which is navigable through the Corn Hill section of Rochester. Continue on to Fairport where you can enjoy a walk around town. There is a small charge to overnight, so see the dock master when you arrive. It'll take about an hour to get back to Macedon, so you'll want to get an early start in the morning to return the boat by 9am.

See what the Canal holds West of Macedon here: Erie Canal Houseboat Itineraries: West of Macedon

The Erie Canal stretches over 500 miles along upstate New York and is known as one of the United States' greatest feats in engineering. Stone locks, lift bridges and guard gates used in the 1800's are still used to operate the canal today. The Erie, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals are filled with history, architecture, hundreds of miles of scenic waterway with charming canal towns and trails for exploring. There's so much to do (and all too often on vacation, so little time.) One fo the many great things about a houseboat vacation is taht your vacation is tailor made to your preferences. You set the pace and the route!

You will begin your Erie Canal adventure at Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing marina in Macedon, New York where you can venture either East or West on the Canal.

The following is an example of a 7 day houseboat itinerary heading West from the marina in Macedon.

Day 1: to Fairport

• Arrive at Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing marina at approximately 1:30pm. Your orientation will begin at 2pm. The orientation takes a few hours and ends in Lock 30 in Macedon where staff will guide you through your first lock. After your orientation, head out west to Fairport, a bustling canal town with a Farmer's Market, and home to Fairport Brewing Company. Enjoy your first night in Fairport at one of the local restaurants. Don't miss the slanted lift bridge.

Day 2: to Brockport

• Cruise through the Rochester area, and look down as you cross the Grand Embankment at Bushnell's Basin where the canal is 70 feet above ground! West of Rochester is an area of lift bridges. Radio the bridge tender to have the bridge raised in order to pass. Brockport is a busy college town during the school year. You can enjoy your time in the area at Timber Ridge Golf Club, antiquing, local wineries and breweries, or simply taking in the atmosphere and architecture. Take a walk into town and dine at one of the restaurants, or come back to the boat and enjoy a BBQ in Harvester Park.

Day 3: to Lockport

• Keep traveling west through charming canalside villages. Take a few breaks to explore Holley, Albion and Medina. In Medina, look down over Oak Orchard Creek.
• You'll reach Lockport in the evening. Dock just beyond the set of double locks, which is one of only two sets of double locks in the state of New York. Explore the set of five locks from the original Erie Canal. Be sure to visit Lockport Cave (they have underground boat rides); there are also several wineries and vineyards nearby. The town of Lockport also offers several dining and shopping opportunities.
• Read more about Lockport here: Lockport: Hearth of the Erie Canal

Day 4: to Middleport

• Lockport is very close to Niagra Falls. You can rent a car in Lockport and spend a few hours at the Falls, only a 30 minutes drive. It's time to head back east in the afternoon. Depending how far you get, you may want to spend another night in Lockport or head on to Middleport.

Day 5: to Spencerport

• Make a point to meander through Medina and Albion to appreciate the unique architecture. Stop at Culvert Road, just east of Medina and wait for a car to pass beneath the canal. Built in 1923, it's the only road to pass under the canal. The Canalway Recreational Trail is also in the area, running along the north side of the canal. It's a great place to ride the bikes that are included with your houseboat rental. You can even drop some of your party off in one town and pick them up in the next, watching from the boat as they bike along the path. Cruise to Spencerport and enjoy the shops and restaurants.

Day 6: to Pittsford

• Cruise back through the Rochester area and make a northward turn onto the Genessee River, which is navigable through the Corn Hill section of Rochester. Enjoy the city sights including High Falls, a natural water fall; or the Susan B Anthony House, a museum with artifacts in the former home of Susan B Anthony and the site of her 1872 arrest. Both are a short taxi/uber ride away from the Corn Hill area. Continue on to Pittsford for the night, a busy little canal town with shops and dining facilities.

Day 7: to Palmyra

• Your last day of cruising, slide right past the Macedon marina and head to Palmyra. Stop and explore the remains of the 1860's Lock 60. You'll want to stop just before Lock 29 and take a walk around Aqueduct Park. Just east of Lock 29 is Palmyra's new canal basin. The basin is near the center of this historic village that is full of historic sights and museums. Enjoy your final evening aboard the Lockmaster. It's about an hour back to Macedon, so you'll want to get an early start in the morning to return the boat by 9am.

See what the Canal holds East of Macedon here: Erie Canal Houseboat Itineraries: East of Macedon

Are you looking for a vacation spot that offers the best of nature, relaxation, and adventure? A romantic weekend or a week of family fun? Shasta Lake has all of that and so much more.

First, let's start with a houseboat. Choose from 16 different models at either Silverthorn, Jones Valley, or Bridge Bay Marina. Then picture yourself relaxing on the deck of your houseboat, holding a nice glass of wine, while gazing at the astonishing view of Mount Shasta’s 14,180 ft snow-capped peak. Then just give us a call and we will take care of the rest!

Located in Redding, California, Shasta lake has plenty of room for privacy with over 370 miles of shoreline. Steep mountain hills, dense green pine trees and forests, waterfalls, secluded creeks and hundreds of coves to claim makes Shasta a must go destination. Nestled in the magical Trinity National Forest this lake earns the spot of California's largest man-made reservoir.

Here are a few other activities to consider while visiting Shasta Lake:

Fishing- Drop your line in the #1 fishing destination in California!

• There are more than 20 species of fish including Landlocked King Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout, Small and Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Catfish, Panfish, and even Sturgeon, to name a few.

Hiking- A great way to experience the lake!

• Clikapudi Trail- An 8-mile loop which begins and ends at the Jones Valley boat ramp. The trail climbs through a forest of black oak and offers great views of the Pit Arm of the lake.
• Bailey Cove Trail- A scenic hike along the lower McCloud Arm which circles what used to be a mountain.
• Packers Bay Trails- Four trails ranging from short 0.4 mile overlooks to longer 2.8-mile loops. The overlook trail is a short hike to a view of the Sacramento River Arm of the lake.
• Samwel Cave Nature Trail- Beach your houseboat at the trailhead, 1 mile south of the McCloud Bridge campground. A large opening in the cavern is accessible to all, while permits are required to explore the smaller portions of the cave.
• Greens Creek Trail- A 5.85-mile hike each way starting at the Greens Creek boat-in-campground. Here you can climb a ridge of limestone formations that divide the McCloud Arm and Squaw Creek Arm, providing excellent views and ending at the old mining location Bully Hill along the lake.

Bully Hill Mine Ruins- Ruins of the Copper mines from usage between 1905 and 1925. All other mining towns are now underwater except for Bully Hill, on the Squaw Creek Arm of the lake.

Shasta Caverns- 20359 Shasta Cavern Rd, Lake Head, CA 96051, Phone: 800-795-2283, (530-238-2341-This cavern can be reached by car or boat. Boaters will head north on the McCloud River Arm

Whether you are yearning for highs of 96 degrees in July or August, or cooler temperatures in the Spring and Fall, there is always something here for you on Shasta Lake! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 for more information.

If you are looking for a desert houseboat location with gorgeous water and breathtaking rock walls, we’ve got just the place for you. Actually, we have 2 of them! Choose between Lake Mead and Lake Mohave in southern Nevada and experience 2 of our jewels of the desert.

Thanks to the Hoover Dam, 9 trillion gallons of water, and four separate basins, Lake Mead exists as a red rock desert oasis. Located only 45 minutes from Las Vegas and boasting 759 miles of shoreline, Lake Mead is twice the size of Rhode Island making it the largest reservoir in the United States and a popular houseboating destination. With endless coves and beaches, boaters, canoers, and kayakers can always find a secluded cove to explore, even during the busy season. If fishing is your game, then pick a cove. Lake Mead is notorious for its wealth of Striped Bass amongst other fish such as; Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Black Bass, Crappie, and Tilapia. If you are feeling like stretching your sea legs, then take a hike on one of Lake Mead's paved or unpaved trails.

If you have reached your sunning limit, try scuba diving at one of the top freshwater lakes in the world for scuba. Depths range allowing diving for both novice and intermediate divers. There is truly something for everyone at Lake Mead.

If you are looking for something smaller, lesser-known and more serene, Lake Mohave is your destination. Located on the Colorado River and less than an hour and a half from Laughlin, Lake Mohave lies between the Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. Lake Mohave is part of the Lake Mead Recreation Area and is administered by the National Park Service. Shallow and narrow compared to Lake Mead, the majority of Lake Mohave’s length lies within the steep, narrow walls of Black, Eldorado, Painted, and Pyramid canyons. The northern end of the reservoir is constrained by the steep rock walls of Black Canyon. Hundreds of white sandy beaches can be accessed by houseboat to ensure the utmost of privacy. Known for Rainbow Trout, the U.S Fish & Wildlife Service hatchery at Willow Beach will release them every Friday! Striped and Largemouth Bass are good throughout the lake with Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish and Catfish being more lucrative in the upper Overton Arm. Named for the Mohave Indians who previously inhabited this region of the Colorado River Valley, Lake Mohave offers a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, sightseeing, relaxing and more!

Either location will offer houseboating, fun, and a relaxing vacation you enjoy to the fullest.

The pristine Dale Hollow Lake, located on the Tennessee state line, offers 620 miles of white sandy beaches, dense forests and hosts over 3,000,000 people each year.

Choose your houseboat from one of 3 marinas on Dale Hollow Lake! Holly Creek Resort in Celina, TN and Eagle Cove Marina in Byrdstown, TN will offer 5 models of houseboats ranging from a 6-sleeper to a 12-sleeper. Sunset Resort and Marina in Monroe, TN will offer 3 models of houseboats; a 6-sleeper, 10-sleeper and a 12-sleeper. Most people will choose the houseboat based off of location, availability and their houseboat of choice.

Now that you have chosen your houseboat; let’s talk about the lake! In the past, most people heard the words Dale Hollow Lake and associated it to flood control and hydroelectric power. That all changed in 1955 when the World Record Smallmouth Bass was caught by David L. Hayes weighing in at 11 lb. 15 oz. Dale Hollow is known for many things: Houseboating, hiking, camping, horseback riding, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, rustic beauty, and unsurpassed water purity, however, Dale Hollow Lake is known most for one thing- FISHING!

Dale Hollow Lake has earned the nickname of "Smallmouth Bass Capital of the World," holding the current World Record for the three largest Smallmouth Bass catches in history in addition to Tennessee’s state record for Lake Trout. The Obey River, just below the dam, holds the state record for the largest caught Rainbow and Brown Trout. Dale Hollow lake encompasses several other species such as Muskie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, and Catfish, amongst others including Spotted Bass, Rock Bass, Bluegill and Sunfish. The best time of the year for a good catch is between September and May.

Thanks to the Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, 1.5 million trout are produced annually which supports a significant recreational fishery generating a substantial amount of economic activity for local and regional economies. The aquarium/visitor center is the focal point of the hatchery's public use program and features various displays which interpret the mission of the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish Hatchery System as well as hatchery operations. Located approximately 40 miles north of Cookesville, Tennessee and 2 miles east of Celina, just off of Tennessee State Highway 53, the visitor center is open daily.

Whether you are visiting Dale Hollow Lake to sit back and enjoy the view off the deck of your houseboat or to drop a line off of it; either option is a good one! Call your houseboating agent today for help in planning your next vacation to fishing utopia.

"If I could have, to hold forever, one brief place and time of beauty, I think I might choose the night on that high lonely bank above the St. Johns River."
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Explore the St. John's River aboard one of our houseboats and you will experience Florida light years removed from the glitter of Disney World. A cruise upon the St. John’s is a return to original natural Florida, appearing much as it did when Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings explored the St. John’s in the early 20th century. She and Dessie Prescott traveled the river in a small motorboat and camped on the river bank at night. In a chapter of Cross Creek, she wrote about her experience.

Scenery along the river varies with the elevation. Pine flatwoods occur on the higher areas, while palm, oak hammocks, cypress swamps, and marshes variously border the river and its tributaries. Much of the land bordering the river is part of the Ocala National Forest and will never be developed. Wildlife is abundant. You will see Great Blue and Little Blue Herons as they pose among the thick clusters of moss-draped live oak and palmetto. Egrets dip for fish while Osprey and Eagles soar in the sky above you. Alligators and turtles bask in the sun on the banks. Bring your fishing equipment and fish for Crappie, Catfish, and Perch. At one time the St. John’s was locally dubbed the Bass capital of the world. It is very common to come upon deer crossing the river. Raccoons have been known to raid garbage cans on the front decks of houseboats tied up to the bank of the river at night.

Just one-half hour by houseboat south of Holly Bluff is Blue Springs State Park, which is the heart of the manatee protection area. Every winter the manatee travel to our area to winter in the warm water spring which has a constant water temperature of 72 degrees. Slow speed zones are in effect for most of the river so that the "sea cows" have time to avoid the propellers. The river features scattered pockets of civilization with small communities, fish camps, and boat docks. Many fish camps have restaurants that serve fresh Atlantic blue crab or alligator tail, delicacies not found in big city restaurants. Life is casual and laid back on the river. You do not need dress clothes so pack light.

Your river experience will not soon be forgotten. You can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the river’s timeless beauty from inside the climate-controlled cabin or outside on the outer and upper deck. Chart your own course and see tropical birds, lush foliage, and lazy alligators while the river unfolds for your enjoyment. Occasionally a pleasure boater will hurry by you and wave while you cruise on savoring the serenity afforded by your private rendezvous with unspoiled Florida. Enjoy the sunset from the loungers on the top deck while sipping your favorite beverage. Prepare savory meals on the gas charbroiler and dine under the stars. Then let the gentle movement of the river rock you to sleep in your boats comfortable cabin.

Enjoy your adventure on the legendary waters of this tropical river. Call 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online for assistance in planning or booking your trip.

Maybe you’ve seen pictures of Lake Powell, or even hiked nearby areas...but if you haven’t gone houseboating on Lake Powell, you’re seriously missing out- it’s the ultimate vacation jackpot! The question is how do you hit the jackpot without breaking the bank? Our money-saving secrets will help you do just that.

Cost is at the forefront of everyone’s mind when planning a houseboat vacation (which is understandable and we’ll get to that later) but the most commonly overlooked currency is time. The goal of a vacation is to spend the maximum amount of time exploring, relaxing, and having fun. This brings me to the first saving tip:

1. Spend your time wisely! Save time by getting on the boat early. Bullfrog, Wahweap, and Antelope Point marinas all offer early boarding for an additional cost. This option gives you access to your houseboat the night prior to departure. Use this time to load groceries and personal items onto the boat and get settled in. You’ll sleep on the boat at the marina and be ready for orientation first thing in the morning. Opting for early boarding is also a great way to gain a few extra hours on board to finish up any meal prepping you have left. Chopping veggies, marinating meat and simply planning out your meals in advance can spare your precious vacation hours. Check out a few of our favorite houseboater-approved tips and tricks to make mealtime easier.

As promised, let’s talk money! Vacation expenses can add up quickly once you factor in dining, lodging, and entertainment but houseboating is a great way to get a fantastic trip without overspending. I mean, what’s better than getting your lodging and entertainment for one price? With 20 houseboats to choose from and endless fishing, hiking, and swimming opportunities, houseboating is a great way to cut back on standard vacation costs.

2. The next piece of advice for economical houseboating is toask your reservations agent about discounts. These change throughout the year and are often marina or season specific. Our team is incredibly knowledgeable and would be happy to answer any questions about pricing- just ask! For 2019 and 2020 Antelope Point marina is offering several discounts:

• The Hero Discount saves EMTs, firefighters, police, active military, and veterans $200 off houseboat rental prices and 10% off small boat rentals.

• $300 off early boarding or a $300 credit to be applied to your houseboat rental.

• Discounts between $75 and $150 per day on select boats when booked for a minimum of four days.

Check out our specials page for details.

3. Invite your friends! Houseboating is a great way to experience new adventures and make memories to last a lifetime. Little do your friends know, they’re also helping you save money. For example, the 48’ Navigator sleeps 10 people. However, if you bring an air mattress or camping cots, you can sleep two additional people on the upper deck. This would bring your cost from $552.18 per person to $460.15- that’s almost $100 in savings! For larger boats, please note there is a 12 person max capacity while in motion. Once moored to shore you can have more than 12 people on board.

We suggest renting a speedboat or personal watercraft (PWC) to move additional people. These options add high-speed action to your vacation and are great ways to see exclusive areas of Lake Powell that aren’t accessible by houseboat. You can often save money on speedboats and PWCs when adding them to your houseboat rental. Ask your reservations agent about details or give us a call at 1-888-454-8825.

Lake Powell is stunning year round and can be visited during any season. If you’re looking to catch a price break and still have a fantastic vacation, travel during the off-season. September, for example, is our favorite time to go! During the day temperatures can climb upwards of 90 degrees cooling into the 60s overnight. Not to mention water temperature is still in the 70s which is great for swimming. Check average monthly air and water temperatures and make sure to pack accordingly!

Lake Powell showcases 1900 miles of shoreline, sandstone slot canyons, and clear water that’s sure to keep you coming back year after year.

Planning a vacation doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Use our insider tips to save money without sparing any fun. Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online, we’ll find you the perfect houseboat for your next Lake Powell adventure!

Located at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula within the Everglades National Park, your houseboat adventure at Flamingo marina awaits you!

Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million acre wetland preserve on the southern coast of Florida where freshwater meets salt water and whose tropical and subtropical habitat offers one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Often referred to as a "slow moving river", the Everglades are a network of wetlands and forests originating in Lake Okeechobee, fed by the Kissimmee River, and flows .025 miles per day into Florida Bay.

We'd like to welcome Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada, to the Houseboating.org family!

Deemed one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, the Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and the only canal from its era that is still operational. In 2007, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing it as a work of "human creative genius."

The name Rideau — French for "curtain" — is derived from the curtain-like appearance of the Rideau River's twin waterfalls where they join the Ottawa River. The canal system uses sections of two rivers, the Rideau and the Cataraqui, as well as several lakes. Winding 202km (that’s 125 miles, for those of us who struggle with the metric system) from Ottawa to Kingston, the Rideau Canal is filled with new experiences waiting to be explored.

Along the canal, there are 24 lockstations and 47 locks. A lock in a canal is essentially a dam, and it keeps the water at the top and bottom from flowing too fast. Each lock on the Rideau Canal has 3 to 4 staff members ready to help out in any way they can as you pass through.

Your group will cruise in comfort as you enjoy Le Boat’s fleet of Horizon houseboats. Each model has a slightly different cabin layout to accommodate up to 12 people, but all boats offer a spacious sundeck with a BBQ grill and sunbathing area. The light and open salon and fully equipped kitchen have large, oversized windows and opens up to a rear seating area through sliding glass doors.

You have your choice of two marinas to depart from: Seeley's Bay in the north, or Smiths Falls further south.

For the fishermen and women in your party, the lakes and rivers of the Rideau Waterway offer fantastic opportunities for catching Largemouth Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie and Walleye. The nature lovers in your group will enjoy spotting the many species of wildlife that reside in the region. Beavers, Otters, Turtles, Ospreys and the famous Canada Geese are just some of the creatures you might spot while you drift gently along the Rideau.

Whether you’re looking to spend three nights on the water or 10, there is so much you can see along the Rideau Canal. Ready to start exploring? Give us a call today at 888-454-8825!

Just an hour's drive north of Laughlin, NV sits a 67 mile stretch of the Colorado River called Lake Mohave. A family friendly destination with some of the best recreational opportunities around.

Three of America's four desert ecosystems converge here: the Mohave, Great Basin, and Sonoran Deserts meet in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. As a result, the seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals. Big horn sheep and wild mules can be seen roaming the shoreline; hawks and owls can be spotted soaring above. Explore the upper part of the lake where you might be able to spot nesting sites of Bald Eagles.

Park your houseboat on one of the countless white sandy beaches that you'll call home during your stay. Lake Mohave is a year round destination. The water will get up to 80 degrees in the summertime, great for any water sports you can imagine: boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jetskiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. Windsurfing and kite boarding are also popular in this area.

We recommend bringing or renting a smaller boat such as a powerboat to be able to explore narrower areas of the lake. Black Canyon on the northern end of the lake is not to be missed and a prime location for kayaking.

Fishing:

The bass are plentiful, with Largemouth, Smallmouth and Stripers. Prime time for catching Stripers is in April/May and again in September-November. They average at about 8-9 lbs, but can reach up to a record 60 lbs! Rainbow Trout, Crappie, and Catfish can also be found in cooler waters at the northern end of the lake. Rainbow Trout are released on Fridays in the Willow Beach area; they like cheese and marshmallows so be sure to come prepared. You will need a Nevada or Arizona state fishing license to fish on Lake Mohave. **Note: if you have an Arizona license, you must have a "use stamp" from Nevada, and vice versa.

Hiking:

Hiking is especially unique on Lake Mohave. See ancient Indian petroglyphs and take in the desert scenery that brings hikers from all over. October-May is more favorable hiking weather due to cooler temperatures, but a summer hike is sure to inspire you. Just be sure to take enough water, sunscreen, and dress accordingly.

Start planning your Lake Mohave getaway today! Call your friendly houseboat agent at 888-454-8825, we'll be happy to help you with the details.

Lake Roosevelt is a 130 mile stretch of the Columbia River that sits nestled between the Okanogan Forest and the Selkirk Mountains in Washington state. Surrounded by pine forested mountains and dozens of trails for hiking, biking and exploring, it's no wonder it's a favorite for houseboating and recreation enthusiasts.

Seven Bays Marina is only about an hour's drive from Spokane, WA. The draw to Lake Roosevelt is that it's a fairly undiscovered lake. It's not overly crowded, it's easy to find solitude in one of the hundreds of coves or sandy beaches.

The best way to experience the lake is by boat. Park your houseboat on a secluded beach and make it your home during your stay. Slide off the top deck and splash into the refreshing aquamarine water, or take a couple of kayaks to explore your surroundings.

With diverse terrain, the northern part of the lake will offer densely forrested shoreline, and the south will have more cliffs. A popular attraction about halfway between Seven Bays and Keller Ferry Marinas is "Jumping Rock," a rock with different levels to jump from.

There are several waterfalls to explore. Running Bare Falls has a private cove for houseboats, and Hot Creek waterfall (about 15 minutes from Seven Bays) has a protected bay and room for several houseboats.

The wildlife in this area is spectacular; wild horses can be spotted on the reservation side north of Seven Bays, black bears roam the shoreline in September in search of chokecherries, and if you look close enough to the treetops you might spy an eagle.

Be sure to bring your fishing gear. There are over 30 different species of fish can be found in these waters, including Walleye, White Sturgeon, Kokanee, Rainbow and Bass.

We also rent at Kettle Falls Marina on the northern end of the lake. See a blog on their neck of the woods here: From the Waters of Lake Roosevetl: Kettle Falls Marina

Start planning your trip today! Call your friendly neighborhood houseboating agent at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and we'll reach out to you!

When you think of Bull Shoals lake I am sure you think about its unsurpassed beauty, crystal clear waters, serene and quiet coves and houseboating! Perhaps you think about fishing or water sports, laying out or catching up on a good book. But have you ever considered going outside of the box and taking it to the next level? Have you ever thought about exploring not only "the Caribean of the Midwest’s" surface and outskirts but its underwater beauty as well? If so... scuba diving may be the missing link in making your houseboat vacation everything and more.

No certification? No equipment? No problem! Bull Shoals lake boat dock will offer diving Instruction, Certification (P.A.D.I), sales, rentals and repairs. Night dives are also offered if you are feeling frisky.

Water temps are never freezing ranging from the 50’s in the winter to the 80’s in the summer and visibility is a minimum of 15-30 feet, making this a prime destination for scuba or snorkeling. The top 15 dive spots below will awaken your adventurous side and give you a glimpse into what possibilities await you.

1. Wreck of the S.S Minnow- 20 feet deep. Off the south side of Gilligan’s Island, swim south from the 2 willow trees to a depth of 20 feet. Turn east to the line and follow it to the wreck.

2. Destroyer Escort- 30 feet deep. East of Gilligan’s Island, near the clump of the willow trees, swim east to a depth of 20 feet. Turn north to the line to the wreck (careful of the live torpedo).

3. Iowa Farm- 35 feet deep. North side of Gilligan's Island. About the center of island find the line at 20 feet depth. Follow it to the tractor and combine.

4. Troop Transport and Escort- 45 feet deep. Sunk during World War II by German U-Boat still has a live torpedo on the port bow. (Be careful! It could go off!). There is a total of 3 boats. Near the Point 3 sign on the west side, find the line at a depth of 25 feet and follow to troop transport. Two escorts are just north of the main boat.

5. Bus Stop- 55 feet. Wreck of the Bull Shoals Express. From east point at the entrance of Sister Creek, swim in a southwest direction to a depth of 25 feet. Follow the line to the bus.

6. Bermuda Triangle- 25 feet deep. Near the west side of Sister Creek, swim at 30 feet to line. Follow it to boats.

7. Spanish Wrecks- 20 feet deep. Just inside of cove. Find the line in 15 feet of water and follow it to boats (any gold found must be turned in to dive shop).

8. Key Hole- 50 feet deep. Wall dive and then swim through a large hole as you descend. A second hole is 30 feet deeper.

9. Rotortiller- 25 feet deep. A good search and recovery tool used to teach liftbag techniques.

10. Frost Wall- A good wall dive.

11. Shear Terror- A good wall dive with overhangs.

12. Alien Landing- 20-40 feet deep. From the east Point 7 sign, swim in a westerly direction at a depth of 20 feet. Follow the line to the space ships. (Can you figure out what the writing says on the ships?).

13. Pirate Longboat Frost Point Wall- 85 feet deep. Legend has it that the notorious pirate "Jeff the Bloodthirsty" hid his treasure along the shore here. Afterwards, he murdered all four of his crew then sank the bodies with the longboat in order to keep the location secret.

14. Russian Submarine- 25 feet deep. Follow the line from Rototiller.

15. Sailboat- 45 feet deep. Go west from Russian Submarine.

If you are excited about trying new things or revisiting a love from the past, this is just the activity for you! Give Houseboating.org a call and we can help you plan your houseboat and diving trip! 888-454-8825

When you think of taking a houseboat vacation, I’m sure you’re imagining long summer days and hot weather. While you’re not wrong, summer certainly is the most popular season for houseboating, you’ll be missing out if you overlook the days after Labor Day.

Milder temps, fewer crowds and lower prices are just a few of the benefits of waiting to take your trip until most of the summer crowd has packed up their bags and headed back to work and school.

Called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains," Smith Mountain Lake— or SML as it’s locally known — is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia. Spanning 40 miles and offering 500 miles of shoreline, it's also surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the most popular and scenic destinations in Virginia.

The houseboat season at Parrot Cove Marina runs through the end of October, and believe us when we say there is still plenty to do in those last couple of months! In fact, some of the biggest events on SML take place in September and October.

Below are just a few of the most popular events happening on the lake this year:

30th Annual SML Chapter ACBS Antique Boat Festival & Show

When: Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2020
What: Classic and antique boat enthusiasts from across the country descend on SML to show off their vessels. Also featuring craft and food vendors, kids’ activities and more.

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. September 26 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 27, 2020
What: The SML Wine Festival takes place the last weekend in September every year and regularly draws crowds of more than 11,000 to the area. In addition to almost 30 Virginia wineries, SML Wine Festival visitors can peruse the booths of dozens of artisans, craft and food vendors. Both days feature live music with plenty of room for dancing.

30th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour

When: October 9 to 11, 2020
What: Tour eight beautiful waterfront homes by land or water as they open to the public for the weekend to raise money for regional charities.

There's still time to get away this year! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 to start planning your trip today!

Dale Hollow Lake is known for many things; houseboating, clear water and its unaffected beauty. But Dale Hollow is known most for fishing-calling itself home to one of the most popular freshwater game fish in all of North America, the Smallmouth Bass. Don't be fooled by the smallie’s accessibility or their eagerness to snap at most lures, baits and flies- as they will give you a run for your money with one heck of a fight! Not only does Dale Hollow hold the World Record for Smallmouth Bass (and some other records through the years) but more trophy catches are caught at Dale Hollow Lake than any other lake in the world, and is home to two smallmouth fishing celebrities who caused quite the stir with their monumental catches!

David Lee Hayes takes the number 1 spot for the largest Smallmouth Bass in 1955, weighing in at an unbeatable 11lb 15oz. To this date, he has yet to be beat despite his temporary ousting of the record. On July 9th, David went trolling with his wife Ruth and their 6 year old son. He reported it to be a rather slow day, his family even retiring for a short nap. He thought his line was snagged, but then felt the fight on his hook and knew he had something big. After a 20 minute fight which he recalls "feeling like much longer," he woke his wife to help him net the beast. Not knowing he had a world record "smallie," he stowed what he could fit of the fish in his metal cooler and continued his day fishing. When fuel was needed, Hayes went into the marina where the dockhand insisted on weighing the fish to find it just under 12 lbs. Controversy struck when Hayes let the fish out of his sight and was accused of having tampered with it and weighing it down (unbeknownst to Hayes). During this time, John Gorman held the All-Tackle title for his 10 lb 14 oz smallie caught on April 24th, 1969. However, 9 years later, an investigation took place complete with an affidavit, witnesses, lie detector tests, polygraphs, and fish weighing formulas, which proved that the sworn affidavit that denounced the legitimacy of Hayes’ smallmouth had been falsified returning the title to Hayes.

With loads of bluffs, rocks, coves and nearly see through water; Dale Hollow lake is a fisherman’s wonderland. So add it to your "fish list" and call houseboating.org to set up your houseboating/fishing trip asap. The next Smallmouth Bass World Record holder could be you!

As your houseboat agents, we love houseboating too. So when we get a chance to take a team trip, we jump at it. With each new location, we gain insight on the unique experience each destination offers so we can better instruct you on what to expect on your own visits.

This time, we went to Lake Mohave, just an hour’s drive north of Laughlin, NV and part of the Lake Mead Recreation Area. Photos just do not do it justice; Lake Mohave is a beautiful desert oasis.

We arrived at Cottonwood Cove Marina and unloaded our belongings into handcarts to take down to the houseboat. We rented the 60' Eagle Houseboat, which was perfect for the 6 of us. Once the houseboat was loaded up, we cleaned down the counters and high-touch surfaces as an extra Covid precaution, and unpacked and organized all of our food and supplies. When we can, we always opt for the Early Boarding the night before as it gives us a head start the next morning.

We also rented a powerboat for the first day, to explore more of the lake than we could with a houseboat.

We didn’t have to go far from the marina to find some nice shoreline. We found an empty beach, pulled the houseboat to the shore, and drove the stakes into the ground to tie off. We did our best but the ground was too soft and the stakes didn’t hold for long. We decided to go further north to find another spot, and ended up at a beautiful secluded cove.

By the time we were secured to the shoreline again, it was almost time to return the powerboat to the marina. Luckily, they were able to find us a 26' Deck Boat to use for the rest of our trip, which turned out to be the best way to explore the next day.

We took the deck boat further north past where the houseboats are allowed and were surprised at the towering cliffs. This area is perfect for experiencing the lake at a slower pace: fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, etc. There’s a large open area south of the marina that is great for water sports. Since we are a more relaxed group, we appreciated the scenery. We even spotted some Big Horn Sheep stopping for a drink along the shore, and a coyote taking a stroll along the beach. We stopped in a cove on the way back to the houseboat for a snack and a swim to cool off, needing some relief from the mid-September 110 degree weather.

We kept mealtime simple with eggs and pancakes for breakfasts, sandwiches and chips for lunches, and grilled burgers and hot dogs for dinner. Stacy did lots of prep ahead of time that simplified packing and cooking time. We made a meal plan and a grocery list before we left, Stacy did some shopping for the things that wouldn't go bad ahead of time, and picked up the last minute things closeby. The nearest grocery stores to the marina are in Henderson, NV or Laughlin, NV (each about an hour from the marina.)

For more tips on planning a Lake Mohave getaway for you and your group, see the following article: Lake Mohave - Your Low Key Vacation Destination then give us a call at 888-454-8825 for available dates.

Along the Colorado River, Lake Mead lies about 45 minutes southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. The lake was formed by the Hoover Dam, it holds over 28 million acre feet of water, making it the largest reservoir in the United States measured by water capacity.

In a desert climate with temperatures that exceed 100 degrees in the summer time, Lake Mead offers cool relief in the crystal blue water. The desert temperatures bring the water temperature to the mid-80s making it comfortable for swimming and water sports through mid October.

Lake Mead sprawls across 247 square miles with 550 miles of shoreline, with countless arms and coves to explore. There are plenty of areas ideal for mooring your houseboat to call home during your stay. Look for coves surrounded by rock walls that provide wind cover as well as privacy.

One of the best areas to anchor your houseboat is on Boulder Beach, a one mile stretch of sandy beach. There are several easy hiking trails in this area.

For a more secluded feel, head to Temple Bar if you're looking for a more quiet and relaxing vibe among the colorful canyon walls. It's also a great place to explore shallower areas by kayak.

Lake Mead boasts a diverse range of warm water recreation: swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, water sports, fishing, even scuba diving. Explore the shoreline from the water by kayak or paddle board, plunge into the water from the houseboat's slide, drop a fishing line off the back of the houseboat patio or by fishing boat, or get an adrenaline rush by pulling a tube, waterski, or wakeboard behind a powerboat.

Head to Echo Bay if you're seeking a lucky catch of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or crappie. This area is what fishermens' dreams are made of.

With a shoreline of deep canyons, sheer cliffs, and rock formations, it's great for exploring on foot as well. You don't need a trail to experience the area, you can take off right from your houseboat. There are hiking trails nearby worth visiting before or after your houseboat vacation. Hiking is best in early summer or late summer when temperatures are cooler. Bring plenty of extra water, comfortable shoes, hat, and don’t forget your camera.

Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or submit your information online and an agent will contact you to answer your questions and help you plan your own Lake Mead Adventure.

Lake Cumberland, in south central Kentucky is a favorite destination for houseboaters and water recreation enthusiasts. It's well known for its tree-lined beauty, world class fishing, record breaking events, and sightseeing. With more than 100 square miles, and 1,200 miles of shoreline, there are endless possibilities of ways to enjoy this area.

We rent 36 different houseboats on the lake, between 5 different marinas. So how do you choose what kind of houseboat will be best for you and your group? Here are a few factors to help you narrow it down:

How many people are in your group?

• Consider how many private bedrooms or bathrooms you need
• If you have more than 12 people, you'll need to pick a houseboat from State Dock Marina. Other marinas have a maximum capacity of up to 12 people at all times.

Are your dates set, or you'd like to tailor your arrival/departure days? Jamestown and Beaver Creek Marinas have an open schedule, so you can choose which days to pick up and return; other marinas rent on a set schedule.

Don't want to drive the houseboat? Want more of a boatel experience? Rent one of the 'docked' cottage-style houseboats at Lee's Ford Marina.

Lake Cumberland is a top destination for anglers of all ages and levels of experience. You never know what could be on the other end of your line: Crappie, Largemouth, Smallmouth, White Bass, Sturgeon, Catfish, Striper, Trout, and Bluegill to name a few. There are many local guides that will take you out and show you the ropes, but you can have the adventure of a lifetime on your own by following a few tips.

• Bass: Smallmouth and Largemouths are a great catch in the springtime from late March to early May where they congregate in bays and coves. They tend to find deeper coves throughout the summer. Deep trolling is recommended in the summertime, but they will forage near the surface in early mornings and early evenings. Use crankbaits, spinner baits, or jigs. Cumberland is also famous for its spring run of White Bass. Catch with 2-3" minnows in late spring, or shad minnows near the surface in late summer/early fall with artificial lures and streamers.
• Trout: Brown and Rainbow are commonly found below Wolf Creek Dam where the water temperature remains somewhat steady throughout the season. Use corn, salmon eggs, spinner baits or spoons.
• Striper: aka Rockfish tend to hang out in the lower reaches of the lake in late April/beginning of May but will take water baits at dawn. They feed in deeper water in the summer, so it's best to use trolling or live baits. After about mid-September use live shad, as they are typically found at around 20-30' depths.
• Crappie: they frequent coves around brush, fallen trees, boat docks, and other cover. Use minnows or small jigs for a predictable catch.

Did you know that there is a waterfall on Lake Cumberland that is best viewed from your houseboat? Seventy-Six Falls is difficult to access from the shoreline, and dangerous to try and get a straight shot of it.

• You'll find Seventy-Six Falls south of the dam, at the every end of Indian Creek. There is speculation in regards to how exactly it received its name. Contrary to popular believe, it is not "76" feet high. More like 44 feet high and about 20 feet wide. It's believed it got its name from the 18th century town called "Seventy-Six."

Lake Cumberland is a great place for family fun, and a nice quiet getaway, but it's also a popular spot for party goers and some record-breaking lake-wide events:

• Raft Up: generally the first or second weekend in August, this event began in 2010 breaking the Guiness World Record for the most boats tied together in a single raft-up. The record was broken by more than 1,500 boats.
• Watch musical performances lakeside floating on an innertube, beer in hand.

• Poker Run: This event is a big deal, houseboat reservations typically book up a year in advance, so planning ahead is crucial! Poker Run takes place the weekend following Labor Day in September. It's a two-day event from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening. The idea is to visit at least 5 of the 9 marinas and collect a card at each to make up your poker hand. If you visit 8 of the 9 marinas, you receive an extra card. Winning hands win big-time prizes.
• Reminiscent of Mardi Gras with lakeside music and entertainment in a party-like atmosphere. Make all sorts of new friends and reunite with those from past events in this lake-wide party.
• The course is 110 miles, which concludes at Harmon Creek (aka "Party Cove") where people gather as the ultimate party spot.

Whatever you're looking for, you'll no doubt find it at Lake Cumberland. Start planning today! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or send an Online Request and an agent will get back to you shortly to guide you through the first steps of making unforgetable memories.

2022 is just around the corner and planning early is a must for your next vacation! Houseboating on Lake Powell is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and exciting things you will ever experience. Sparking water surrounded by red rock cliffs gives the impression of floating through the Grand Canyon. Meander for miles throught majestic sandstone rock formations, towering canyon walls and vibrant red rock buttes, all while surrounded in azure blue waters. The encounter often times feels completely unearthly.

Choosing which marina to depart from is usually determined by where you are coming from, however, either end of the lake will offer houseboats, speedboats, waverunners, amazing views, slot canyons, beaches, ruins, petroglyphs, hiking, fishing and more. Pick up a Stan Jones Map of Lake Powell Country for specifics and help with planning. Pick up your fishing license online before you arrive.

Dangling Rope marina located at mile marker 42 is now completely open and fully functioning offering fuel, water, ice, and a convenience store with souveniers, etc. If planning on traveling long distances, this stop could be a necessity to get more fuel and stock up.

With endless miles of water and shore lines, finding a big beach with privacy is very achievable. Sometimes you feel like you are the only person on the lake. The early chilly mornings, the stillness of the lake before anyone is awake, the excitement of a full day ahead of you, and the smell of feedom, peace and happiness is prevelant out there.

Call your Houseboating.org agent today for details!! 888-454-8825

Smith Mountain Lake, locally known simply as SML, is Virginia's largest lake, located about 25 miles southeast of Roanoke. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a spectacular backdrop to the crystal pure water of the lake. Formed by the damming of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers, Smith Mountain Lake covers over 20,000 acres and has more than 500 miles of shoreline. There are hundreds of coves to park your houseboat and make SML your shoreline home.

Things to Do on Smith Mountain Lake:

Fishing: the lake is stocked with trophy Striped Bass as well as Smallmouth and Largemouth bass. The lake is also home to Crappie, Catfish, Brook Trout, Sunfish and Muskie. SML is one of the most renowned fisheries on the East Coast.

Water Sports: Boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, jetskiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even sailing are popular activities. Of course, there's always the slide off the back of your houseboat.

Hiking & Biking: Smith Mountain Lake State Park, about 8 miles from the marina by water, has a number of trails for hikers and bikers to enjoy the hardwood and pine forests and impressive overlooks. There are 13 trails ranging from half a mile to three miles in length.

Things to Do Off the Lake:

Bridgewater Plaza, near the marina, offers several waterfront restaurants, an arcade, and mini golfing.

The Visitor Center at the Dam, just off VA-40 on Route 908, is full of hands on exhibits and interesting audio-visuals that illustrate how the lake was formed, including a scale model of the lake.

Just minutes away, be sure to stop at the popular historical Booker T Washington National Monument, located on Route 122 on the old Burrough's tobacco plantation. One of only twelve African American historical sites, the Booker T Washington National Monument was constructed in June of 1957. It offers a view of what slavery was like and how plantation systems ran. The site has slave quarters, a tobacco barn, smokehouse, tool shop, and lots of farm animals.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, "America's most scenic drive" follows the mountain crests through VA to NC and TN. It stretches 470 miles long, where there are restaurants, trails, waterfalls, overlooks, and beautiful scenery to take in along the way.

For the adults, there are several wineries in the area, some part of the Bedford County Wine Trail. Smith Mountain Lake hosts the SML Wine Festival on the last weekend in September each year; it's one of the lake's most anticipated annual events. Not into wine? The Sunken City Brewing Company in Westlake is not to be missed; be sure to ask about their signature brew: the Dam Lager.

Start planning your Smith Mountain Lake getaway today! Call your friendly houseboating agent at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and an agent will contact you.

Minnesota, nicknamed "Land of 10,000 Lakes," offers some of the most stunningly beautiful sights and natural wonders in the country! Nestled below Canada and surrounded by the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin, this midwest destination offers spectacular scenery, outdoor activities and our personal favorite, houseboating! Take a look at few of Minnesota’s gorgeous lakes below, and decide for yourself — which location is your favorite?

Lake Mohave is a 67 mile stretch of the Colorado River that stretches from the Hoover Dam south to Davis Dam in Laughlin, NV. Only an hour’s drive from either Laughlin or Las Vegas is Cottonwood Cove Marina, where your houseboating adventure begins.

Not as well known and about half the size as nearby Lake Mead, this hidden gem offers a variety of recreational opportunities: boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, hiking, scuba diving, and wildlife viewing. Most of the lake is nestled among the steep, narrow walls of Black, Eldorado, Painted, and Pyramid Canyons. Black Canyon takes up about 20 miles of its northern section that can get narrower than 300 feet in areas. Since houseboats can only go so far north, this area is a great place for fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Take a pontoon to explore, spot mountain sheep on the cliffs and fox in the brush.

Moor your houseboat in one of the many pebble lined coves for some solitude. Slip down the slide into the refeshing water for a swim, or throw a fishing line off the back of the boat. Cook your catch on the grill, then retire next to the campfire on the shoreline with some smores for dessert. Stargaze on the top deck and take in the great expanse of the universe. There are so many different ways to make the most out of your houseboat adventure, and not one is like the other.

Lake Mohave's desert climate extends the lake season with comfortable air and water temperatures through mid-October, but houseboating season is year round. Making it one of the few nationwide locations that doesn't shut down for winter.

We're currently booking for 2022! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or send an Online Request and a houseboat agent will contact you.

Nestled in the beautiful Trinity National Forest in Northern California is Shasta Lake; created by the Shasta Dam, the second largest manmade dam in the US. The majestic mountain and forest scenery is unmatched with the incredible backdrop of Mount Shasta, making Shasta Lake a top destination for water and nature lovers.

The lake is known for the glass like water that is perfect for any water sport imaginable: wakeboarding, water skiing, tubing, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, and swimming. Having a houseboat gives you an all-access pass to the lake. Use your houseboat home base as a starting point for your daily adventures, whether that's hanging out in the sun, throwing a fishing line off the back patio, or heading out to explore. This is YOUR lake vacation.

Shasta is the #1 fishing lake in California, as there are over 20 species of fish in these waters: land-locked King Salmon, Rainbow/Brown Trout, Small/Largemouth/Spotted Bass, Catfish, Panfish, and Sturgeon, being the most sought after catches.

One of the not-to-be-missed attractions on Lake Shasta is the Caverns. Park your houseboat on the shoreline near the courtesy dock up the McCloud Arm of the lake. Explore the limestone columns, stalagmites and stalactites that were formed by flowing water approximately 250 million years ago. Samwel Cave is also on the McCloud Arm, just south of the McCloud Bridge; it was believed to contain magic from the pools where Indigenous Medicine Men would bathe. (Note: the Samwel Cave trail is only accessible by land.)

Before the end of your trip, don’t forget to slow down, take a breath, and take in the sky of endless stars from the top deck of your houseboat.

We can help put together your next trip and make these Shasta dreams a reality! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and an agent will contact you.

Lake Billy Chinook sits in a canyon at the confluence of the Crooked, Deschutes, and Metolius rivers near the town of Culver, Oregon. Formed by the Round Butte Dam in 1964, the lake is just 45 minutes north of Bend, and 3 hours south of Portland. Featuring 72 miles of dramatic cliffed shoreline, Lake Billy Chinook is the perfect backdrop for houseboating and any other water activities your heart desires.

Cruise your houseboat between the towering volcanic basalt cliffs that rise 500 feet above the water. The deep and crystal blue water is perfect for kayaking, waterskiing, paddling, or just jumping straight off the houseboat for a swim.

Choose your houseboat from one of two marinas that we rent from:

Billy Chinook Marina is on the northwestern end of the lake and features an open shoreline. It adjoins the Warm Springs Indian Reservation where you can spot rock formations such as Balancing Rock.

Cove Palisades Marina is located on the southern end of the lake and offers a completely different experience and views. Billy Chinook Falls is just two miles south of the marina. If you take your houseboat to the end of the Metolius arm of the river, you may catch a glimpse of wild horses running along the beach, or look up toward the treetops for a chance to spot an eagle’s nest.

The fishing on Lake Billy Chinook is phenomenal. Known for record Bull Trout — the three largest in Oregon were caught here — you’ll also find Smallmouth Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout and German Browns. Crawdads/Crayfish can be caught in the Crooked and Deschutes Rivers.

If you're into hiking, don't miss the Tam-a-lau Trail, a 6-mile loop with a moderate elevation gain of 600 feet that starts at the Deschute Campground in Cove Palisades State Park. Don’t miss the Crooked River Petroglyph, a 2000-year-old, 10-ton engraved basalt boulder that was discovered three years before the lake was created.

Begin planning your Billy Chinook adventure today! Call us at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and an agent will be in touch with you.

There’s no better time to plan your next trip than when you’re gathered with family and friends over the holidays. The best gift is quality time together, and something to look forward to!

We rent at 25 locations in North America, so whether you want to meet at a central location, or stay close to home, we can help you look into options near and far. See all of our locations here: Houseboat Destinations

Rentals are already filling up for 2022 at several of our houseboat destinations, so try to choose a couple of time frames that work with everyone's schedule, and then contact us for availability.

We love helping you plan vacations you’ll talk about for years to come. Request Information Online and an agent will contact you, or give us a call at 888-454-8825 to start hammering out the details!

Wishing you a happy and safe Holiday season from your favorite Houseboat agents Holly, Stacy, and Heather.

Lake Cumberland, KY is one of the most popular destinations for houseboat vacations in the country. So when our team got the chance to visit, we jumped at the opportunity!

We flew into Nashville, TN and made the two and a half hour drive to Jamestown, KY. Over the course of the next couple of days, we toured each marina, met the staff, and saw the houseboats we represent.

Lee’s Ford Resort

• Cottage style houseboats with luxurious interior
• Stationary boat options *Be advised: it is a long walk to the houseboats at the stationary dock.
• Restaurant overlooking the lake. Houseboats (even from other marinas) can stop at the courtesy dock and come in for a nice meal on the water.

State Dock Marina

• New houseboat models to the fleet for the 2022 season!
• Houseboats with a capacity of more than 12
• Provisioning and beer boat

Jamestown Resort

• Water taxi to the ship store - don't forget to feed the turtles while you're there!
• Shuttle from parking to dock entrance
• New Tritoons! (Also at Beaver Creek Marina.)

On our final day, we went out on a pontoon to see the lake!

• We met, fed, and pet Billy, a goat that is often spotted in the Harmon Creek area. He's friendly and a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Be advised he is very stinky.
• Saw the famous "Party Cove" area
• We saw Seventy Six Falls where there was a camp of two houseboats with an impressive stereo system; the cove forming a natural amphitheater. Fun fact: It is a lake tradition that when you get a new boat, you christen it by driving it under the cascade of the falls.

Being that we went in late September/early October, these Utah girls were surprised to find that the outside temperature was still hot, and the water still comfortable. Though, we did run into some passing rain.

Ready to start planning your own Lake Cumberland getaway? Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online and a representative will be in touch with you.

Your houseboat agents: Holly, Stacy, and Heather

Why come to Lake Ouachita (Wash-a-taw)? Because there are a lot of things to do that you can only do and see here! In the middle of Arkansas’s Ouachita National Forest, you will find the state’s largest lake scattered with over 210 islands surrounded by 975 miles of tree-lined shores. Here you will indulge in gloriously clear waters, biking, scuba diving, water sports and a geo-float trail that boasts underwater geological formations that you can only imagine unless seen. You will not regret your adventure to Lake Ouachita.

The Rideau Canal is a canal that spans over 200 km's long in Ottawa Ontario, Canada. It runs from Ottawa to Kingston, and is said to be "Ontario's best kept secret."

There is so much to see and do along the canal, that you can come back every year and not have the same trip twice. For your first time, plan for at least 5 days, but a week would be better. The best time for houseboat vacations is from mid-May through mid-October; June and September bring milder weather.

There's something for everyone on the Rideau: fishing, wildlife, hiking, cycling, paddling, As well as canal towns with shopping, golfing, restaurants, and dining.

Types of Fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Walleye.

Our Horizon Houseboats can accommodate groups of up to 12 with a variety of layouts and amenities, so you're sure to find a boat that's "just right."

Sample 7 Night Cruise - South of Smith's Falls
(14 locks, 126 km, 27 hours of cruising)

• Smith's Falls: full of museums, theaters, art galleries, hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities. The Heritage House Museum is a highlight that offers a view into 1860's family life.
• Jones Falls lock: home of the Great Stone Arch Dam. Jones Falls has a flight of 3 lower falls, the highest lift of any other lockstation on the canal.
• Westport: a charming village with public docking, shopping, golf courses, and hiking in Foley Mountain Conservation area for amazing views.
• Beveridge's Locks: the water connection to Perth "Tay Canal/Haggart's Ditch" - some of the best wildlife viewing
• Rideau Ferry: a hub for live music and festivals in the summertime, and a biannual Vintage Boat Regatta
• Portland: a small village on Big Rideau Lake with antique shops, local cheesemakers and wineries, and a local B&B that offers horseback riding.
• Newboro: a destination for anglers. Largemouth Bass abound in Newboro Lake. It's also a great opportunity to restock supplies or have a meal at one of the local restaurant. Kilborn's is a unique shopping experience in the heart of this historic town.
• Chaffey's Lockstation sits between Indian Lake and Opinicon Lake

Sample 7 Night Cruise - North of Smith's Falls
(28 locks, 136 km, 34 hours of cruising)

• Begin in Smith's Falls (see above)
• Merrickville: "Canada's prettiest village" with Victorian-era stone houses, gardens, arts and crafts shops, museums, restaurants, and the best local handmade ice cream and gourmet mustard on the Rideau.
• Upper Nicholsons: great for historians and bird-watchers
• Burrits Rapid: take a walking tour of the village or walk the "Tip to Tip Trail", a 2 km nature walk.
• Long Island: a great location for picnicking, fishing, exploring, and boat watching.

Examples of Shorter/Longer trip lengths:

• 3 nights to/from Beveridges: 6 locks, 22, km, 6 hours of cruising
• 4 nights to/from Perth: 10 locks, 42 km, 10 hours of cruising
• 4 nights to/from Merrickville: 14 locks, 42 km, 13 hours of cruising
• 10 nights to/from Ottawa: 38 locks, 190 km, 43 hours of cruising
• 14 nights to/from Kingston: 36 locks, 240 km, 50 hours of cruising

Start planning today! Call us toll free at 888-454-8825 or submit an Online Request and an agent will get back to you.

Of all the ways you could spend vacation time, why spend it on a houseboat?

Houseboat vacations are versitile and customizable to your individual needs and style. You could go on a houseboat vacation every year and have a completely different experience every time, or you could recreate your favorite memories again and again.

Activities:

There are endless ways to enjoy yourself on your houseboat vacation. It can be as laid back or action packed as you'd like. The water is your oyster, or something.

• Fishing
• Zipping down the houseboat's slide, swimming, floating in the water
• Reading, sunbathing, or just hanging out on the top deck
• Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding
• Pulling a tube, waterskiier or wakeboarder behind a powerboat
• Hiking and exploring

On canalways like the Erie Canal, NY and the Rideau Canal, ONT you can stop at canal towns along the way for a mix of natural and urban experiences.

Unplug:

As we become more and more reliant and addicted to technology, though it has it's advantages, it's important to take a break every now and then. In the middle of a lake, cell connection is hit or miss. Take this opportunity to connect with your family and friends, and make new memories you can post about when you get back to real life. You'll want to enjoy these moments in real time.

Scenery:

Each location has something unique that makes it special. From the natural arches and red rock cliffs of Lake Powell in Utah, to the treelined vastness of Lake Cumberland in Kentucky where you can park your houseboat near a waterfall, the desert oasis of Lake Mohave, and hundreds of islands in Voyageur National Park.

Wherever you are, don't forget to look skyward and gaze in awe at the millions of bright stars, spot the milky way, and count shooting stars.

Life is always better on the lake. Need some direction? Our Destinations Page is a great place to start and learn about each location. Feel free to call 888-454-8825 to speak with one of our Houseboat Specialists or Request Information Online and an agent will reach out to you.

One of the biggest concerns we've heard this year is regarding lower water levels. Most of what you see in the news will have to do with power production and water level as it compares to the turbines that produce power. While that is something to watch, it is separate from recreation on the water.

Even though the country is going through a drought in many areas, there is still plenty to do and see on your houseboat vacation. Lower levels will not hinder your houseboat experience.

Know before you go:

Launch ramp accessibility if you're bringing your own watercrafts to launch.

Areas that may be inaccessible by houseboat.

As always, the marina staff will go into more detail upon arrival based on current conditions. They will make you aware of anywhere to avoid, suggest areas to go, and what to look for in general.

On Lake Powell

Dangling Rope Marina closed for the 2022 season due to severe wind damage that occurred in 2021. With no fuel stop on the lake, the marina may recommend you stay within a certain distance from the marina to ensure your safe return to the marina at the end of your trip.

The Ferry between Bullfrog and Hall's Crossing Marinas will not be operational this season.

Rainbow Bridge - approach at your own risk - as the boat dock no longer reaches the trailhead, you'll secure your watercrafts to the shoreline; the walk to the trailhead may be muddy.

There are also examples of unique areas that were previously hidden or difficult to access that are available now. (ie Gregory Arch and Cathedral in the Desert)

For updated conditions, visit the NPS website: Lake Powell Changing Lake Levels

Feel free to call your friendly neighborhood houseboat agent at 888-454-8825 with your questions/concerns.

Whether you're a seasoned boater or a first timer, safety is always a priority to ensure the best experience for you and your group.

Check out general boating safety courses online. Some locations will require/highly suggest you take an online course before your trip, so be sure to check your confirmation email or ask your rental agent for those details. Otherwise, BoaterExam.com is a good source to refresh your knowlege of boating and water safety.

Play Safely

DON'T jump into the water from the houseboat until it's moored to the shoreline and the propellers are turned off

DO wear the appropriate life jacket. All houseboats are equipped with basic safety vests in case of emergency for the number of people it sleeps/maximum capacity. While some marinas will offer or rent ski vests in a variety of sizes, we recommend you bring fitted life vests for small children or anyone who will need one while swimming. For those who are not yet strong swimmers, we also recommend they wear life jackets at all times on the houseboat while going about unsupervised.

DO bring a First Aid Kit

Be aware of the houseboat's mechanical features

DON'T leave the helm while driving or mooring/anchoring

DO check your mooring lines daily and adjust accordingly - make sure lines are tight and haven't changed from the wind/water fluctuation during the night.

DO be mindful of carbon monoxide, which is emitted by the generator. Turn off the generator when you're in the water behind the houseboat, and ask your instructor at the marina about running the generator overnight. Some marinas will recommend you turn off the generator periodically to prevent build up of carbon monoxide.

Be sun smart

Pack plenty of sunscreen, and make sure to apply evenly and often. Bring a hat and sunglasses for extra protection. The last thing you want is to be burnt and miserable on vacation.

Campfire safety

Many houseboat destinations allow campfires on the shore. Make sure that the marina you're renting from allows campfires, and check to see if a permit is required. You'll also want to verify whether or not firewood can be purchased at the marina or if you'll need to bring it with you.

Be sure to set up your campfire a safe distance from the houseboat and from any nearby brush.

Always extinguish completely before leaving it unattended.

Don't forget the s'mores!

And most importantly: Have FUN!!

Our Houseboat Agents are always happy to answer any questions you have about your trip during the planning process and after you've booked.

Give us a call at 888-454-8825 to start planning your next adventure!

The following 10 items are suggestions of basic things to bring on your houseboat trip. Inclusions/exclusions will vary by location and by houseboat; refer to your confirmation for more detailed information.

In no particular order:

1. First Aid Kit

• Bandages, antiseptic spray/peroxide, Neosporin, gauze pads and medical tape, Aspirin, Tums, Visine, etc.

2. Bed linens, if not provided by the marina

3. Water fun

• Beach towels
• Life jackets - we recommend you bring fitted life jackets for children
• Float toys and pump or air compressor to inflate
• Paddleboard/Kayaks

4. Sun protection

• Plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Shade tent or beach umbrella

5. Bug spray

• Candles are not permitted

6. Fishing

• License (we recommend getting it online prior to arrival)
• Gear and bait
• Small cooler

7. A camera, to capture the memories. Binoculars, to get a closer look.

8. Firewood

• **Check if a fire permit is required, or if restrictions are in place
• Marshmallow tongs for s'mores

9. Entertainment

• Playing cards/board games, books, DVD’s, auxiliary cord/Bluetooth speaker, and any other indoor activities in case weather takes a turn.
• Flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries, and chargers.

10. Kitchen essentials

• Meal prep: meals, drinks, snacks, condiments, and seasonings
• Paper goods: paper towels/kitchen towels for clean up. Paper plates/cups/utensils to save on dirty dishes (optional).
• Bottled water/water jug to refill water bottles
• Plastic containers or bags, saran wrap, and aluminum foil to store any leftovers

As always, if you have any questions feel free to call your friendly neighborhood houseboat agent at 888-454-8825, or Request Information Online and someone will contact you shortly.

As another season draws to a close, and it's been a great one; we've loved planning and hearing about your houseboat adventures.

It's time to start thinking about your next trip!

We're currently taking reservations for the following locations for 2023; the remainder will be announcing their availability and pricing in the next month or two. Let us know if you want to be put on a contact list to be alerted when availability comes out.

Lake Powell, AZ
Lake Mead, NV
Lake Mohave, NV
Lake Cumberland, KY (Lee's Ford Marina)
Dale Hollow Lake, TN (Sunset Marina)
Shasta Lake, CA
Lake Don Pedro, CA
Erie Canal, NY
Rideau Canal, ONT
Lake of the Woods, ONT
Lake Roosevelt, WA (Seven Bays Marina)
Rainy Lake, MN
Voyageurs National Park, MN
St John's River, FL
Everglades National Park, FL
Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Bull Shoals Lake, AR
Lake Ouachita, AR

See all of our locations here: Houseboat Destinations

Planning ahead can make all the difference in getting the dates, boats, and pricing to best suit your group.

Keep in mind that major holidays and event weekends fill up quickly, as well as border dates right before rates go up for peak season, or back down in the late summer/fall.

Generally, if you're looking to visit in the summertime, we recommend you book by November-January (of course, this varies by location, dates, and boat type.) Your houseboat agent can give you an idea of when to book by depending on the timeframe you're considering and the group size you're accommodating.

Start planning now! The website is a great place to start, but if you have any questions give us a call at 888-454-8825 or Request Information online and an agent will reach out to you.

The Erie Canalway is 360 miles of the 524 mile long NY State Canal System; a feat of engineering that acceslerated commerce and travel in the northeast.

Here, there's something for everyone, with the perfect mix of urban and natural wonders to fit every mood. Along the canal, you'll see towns rich with history, architecture, and charm, with shopping, local markets, museums, and dining aplenty. As well as natural wonders; waterfalls, wildlife refuges, and spectacular scenery.

The Canal Houseboats are perfect for groups of 2-6. You'll navigate your boat on your own time through locks and stone arches, and stop wherever your heart desires. Not to worry, the marina staff will go over everything in an orientation upon your arrival and assist you through your first lock. Then, the canal is yours to explore!

Macedon is your starting point, where you'll depart from the Erie Canal Adventures Marina. From there, you can travel East or West:

• Sample 7 day itinerary: East of Macedon
• Sample 7 day itinerary: West of Macedon

Take a bike included in your houseboat rental for a ride along the path that parallels the canal, go kayaking, drop a fishing line off the houseboat, stop at vineyards, explore underground cave systems...the possibilities are endless.

2023 dates are going quickly already; don't miss your chance to experience this unique houseboat adventure! Call 888-454-8825 or fill out our Online Contact form and we'll reach out to you.

Now taking reservations for 2023!

Life is casual and laid back on the St. John's River in the heart of Florida. Time to slow down and enjoy the leisurely pace along the various scenes of cypress swamps, marshes, palms, and moss-draped oak, peppered with crystal blue springs, and pockets of civilization.

From the Holly Bluff Marina, you can travel up to 30 miles north to Silver Glen Springs, and 20 miles south to the Lake Monroe Bridge. With surrounding lakes and adjoining rivers, there is lots to explore on your houseboat. It's one of the few places you can houseboat year-round!

Blue Spring State Park, 6 miles south of the marina, is one of the largest winter gathering sites for West Indian Manatees (aka Florida Manatees) from October-March. These gentle giants can be seen from the spring overlooks and from your houseboat's front deck along the river as they feed on aquatic vegetation.

The spring’s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers from April-October.

Ocala National Forest – Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, 30 miles north of the marina, the largest of the St John’s River Chain of Lakes and one of the most popular areas to visit on the river.

Local wildlife includes alligators, turtles, exotic birds (heron, egret, osprey, eagles, kingfisher, and ibis), owls, frogs, among others.

Fishing is great on the River: largemouth and striped bass, perch, bluegill, and shad are plentiful. Florida is also one of the top 10 states for crappie fishing, and this is one of the best places to catch them. The best months for crappie fishing are January, February, April, and November.

Some areas are not accessible by houseboat because of shallow water or other hazards. Always check with marina staff if you have somewhere specific in mind.

Restaurants: there are several eateries scattered along the river, only a couple are accessible by houseboat, but most are more easily accessed by fishing boat or pontoon. You’ll need to call each marina for docking instructions.

• Swamp House Riverfront Grill at Highbanks Marina – good food, drinks and live music. Houseboats can dock after 5pm at the gas dock, not in a marina slip.
• Blackwater Inn Restaurant at Midway Marine – food and full service bar, open at 4:30pm, closed Mondays.
• Williams Landing, located just above Blackwater Inn – sports bar with sandwiches and appetizers, live music on most weekends.

Plan your trip early, these houseboats fill up fairly quickly. Call us at 888-454-8825 or fill out our Online Contact Form and one of our agents will reach out soon.

There hasn’t been a discount on Lake Powell houseboats in several years! It’ll book up quickly, and it’s only available for bookings through January. Applicable on all new 2023 houseboat trips!

So, what’s the deal?

25% off of the listed houseboat base price

PLUS 40% off when you add-on powerboats and personal watercrafts that also come with a FREE water toy!

Lake Powell is the #1 destination for houseboating worldwide, and it’s easy to see why.

With nearly 2000 miles of shoreline composed of red rock cliffs, archways and formations, with a new discovery around every bend and in every side canyon. It’s a completely unique experience every time you visit.

Pull your houseboat up to a sandy beach to claim your own piece of the lake for your visit. Spend your days in the water and exploring, and your nights fireside under an expansive blanket of stars.

Don't wait, the deals on Lake Powell don't get much better than this! Call us today at 888-454-8825, or fill out our Contact Request and an agent will be in touch with you soon.

New to houseboating? Here's what you need to know in order to plan the trip of a lifetime with Houseboating.org

Where can you houseboat?

Stay near or venture far, we rent at 20 locations nationwide and in Canada

When to go?

"Peak Season" is generally between Memorial Day in late May through Labor Day in early September. This is generally when rates are at their highest.

"Off-Season" is typically during the school year. Save some bucks by going a little earlier or later in the year if possible.

**Each location's season dates vary. Dates are specified in the Pricing tab of each houseboat

**Keep an eye on our Specials Page or ask your Houseboat Agent for applicable discounts

When to book?

Most people reserve 6-9 months in advance

Get the best deals and desired dates/houseboats by booking between October-February

**Remember** The early bird gets the worm. Plan early and book when ready in order to get desired dates and boat at the best rates.

How much does it cost?

Determining factors:

• Destination and departure date

• Length of trip

• How many people = size of houseboat

• Houseboat amenity level

Extra expenses:

• Approx $200/day for fuel

• Food and beverages

• Optional rentals: powerboats, jet skis, pontoons, water toys, etc.

What to do once you're there:

• Water activities: water ski, wakeboard, ski tube, jet ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayak... anything goes!
• Fishing: you're already on the lake, so cast out and see what comes back
• Sightseeing: rock formations, arches, waterfalls, experience what makes each location unique
• Wildlife/Bird watching: foxes, goats, and manatees, oh my!
• Relaxing: it's your vacation, you do you.
• Hiking/Exploring: head out from your houseboat to explore the shoreline, no trails necessary! You can even visit charming towns along the way at Canal locations.
• Stargazing: lose track of how many shooting stars you see from the top deck

Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or fill out our Contact Form and an agent will reach out to you.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Voyagaire Houseboats on Crane Lake, part of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota!

Voyageurs is a water-based National Park on the border of Minnesota and Ontario that encompases lakes, wetlands, and forests, that stretches more than 100 miles along the Minnesota/Canada border, covering over 218,000 acres. The park area is made up of four large lakes: Sand Point, Namakan, Kabetogama, and Rainy, as well as several smaller ones.

In addition to the houseboats we've been offering for years out of Ebels Marina on Lake Kabetogama, Voyagaire allows you to begin on the southeastern end of the park. You'll have access to houseboat mooring stations on Crane Lake, Sand Point Lake, Namakan Lake, and Lake Kabetogama. You won't be able to access Rainy Lake from this area, but lucky for you we have houseboat options there as well!

The Voyagaire houseboats range from 36' Suncruiser that sleep 2-4 for a simple getaway, to a 63' Voyagaire that sleep 10-12 with a flare of luxury such as a hot tub, and several in between.

Combined with the houseboat fleet of Ebels Marina, we rent a total of 25 different models.

Fishing is a big deal in this area. Here, you'll experience some of the best fishing in the Midwest. Spring is the best time for fishing. Common catches are Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, and Panfish, among others. The marina staff can point you in the right direction and give you tips on where and how to catch your next meal, or next trophy.

Fishing guide services are available, some of which can pick you up from your houseboat!

Hiking:

Mukooda Trail: 2.75 miles - accessible only by boat, on a narrow strip of land separating Sand Point Lake and glacially carved Mukooda Lake. A picturesque and remote part of the park.

Blind Ash Bay Trail: 2.5 mile loop (moderate)

Wildlife viewing: There are moose, gray wolves, black bear, beaver, and amphibians in the area. Bald eagles, loons, double-crested cormorants, owles, and warblers are commonly seen as well.

Sights:

Grassy Bay Cliffs in the Sand Point Lake area

Kettle Falls Historic District

Ellsworth Rock Gardens, known as the "Showplace of Lake Kabetogama" since the 1940s, includes 62 terraced flower beds filled with over 13,000 lillies and other flowers, over 200 abstract rock sculptures.

Start planning today! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or fill out our Contact Form and we'll reach out to you as soon as we can.

Rental houseboat from Lake Powell’s Antelope Marina anchored on a rock beach with the Beach Bags Anchor System

Anchoring. For many, it's the most unfamiliar aspect of houseboat vacationing. But it doesn’t have to be. By acquainting yourself with the information below and participating in your marina’s pre-departure orientation, you’ll be ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

And, depending upon your vacation’s destination, anchoring your rental houseboat can truly be as easy as Fill & Chill. More on that and a special promotion for Lake Powell rental customers hailing from Antelope Point Marina at the end of the article...(sneak peek)

The key to establishing an effective houseboat beach anchorage, the kind that gives you the peace of mind to blissfully slumber the night away and to continue enjoying your vacation in the face of winds or impending storms, is understanding and implementing the 3 Elements of Houseboat Anchoring. They are:

• Knowing Your Anchor System

• Anchor Placement Zones

• Maintaining Proper Anchor Line Tension

Knowing Your Anchor System

There are several houseboat anchor types, each having pros and cons. Your rental houseboat will come with one of the following:

Fluke Anchors
Also known as a Danforth, these anchors are lightweight plow-style anchors used for mooring houseboats on deep sand beaches. Securing flukes to the shoreline involves digging multiple 2-3 foot deep holes (one for each anchor) and burying the anchors with the point down and toward the boat.

Pros:

• Highly effective, when properly seated and buried at the recommended depths.

Cons:

• Limits anchoring locations to sandy beaches.

• Requires a strong crew capable of digging several 2-3 feet deep holes.

• Can take as long as 1 – 1.5 hours to complete the anchoring process.

Stake or Pin Anchors
These are steel rods driven into solid ground with a sledgehammer or inserted into holes created by an impact drill. They should be positioned so they are pointing away from the houseboat at an angle. Once placed, the houseboat’s anchor lines are tied to the rods.

Pros:

• A quick and highly effective anchoring method when properly used.

Cons:

• Cannot be used to anchor boats on sand.

• Pin holes can accelerate shoreline erosion.

• Abandoned pins trapped in the ground can damage boats and injure swimmers as lake levels change.

• Pin holes can damage or destroy the fossil record, including dinosaur footprints.

• Pinning and stake anchoring is illegal in areas such as Lake Powell.

Natural Anchor Points
Objects such as boulders or trees are abundant on some shorelines and can serve as "anchors" to which houseboat lines can be tied.

Pros:

• A very fast and easy solution for anchoring. Just run your lines and tie them around the object.

Cons:

• Trees or boulders might not be available, or in the right location, when needed.

• The objects may not be as strong as they appear and could fail during strong wind events. Make sure to test your lines during any weather events to confirm they are holding.

Anchor Placement Zones

Rental houseboats come with multiple anchors. The number used will vary based on your houseboat’s size. (Your rental houseboat’s marina will supply you with the right number of anchors for your boat). Some of your anchors will be placed off the houseboat’s sides. These are called Side Anchors. Others will be placed off your houseboat’s nose. These are called Bow Anchors. Place each anchor type in the following Anchor Placement Zones:

• Side Anchor Placement Zone:

Position in an area that is no greater than 90° and not less than 45° in relation to the side of the houseboat on which they are located. (You’ll typically have one or two Side Anchors on each side of your boat)

• Bow Anchor Placement Zone:

Position in an area that is no greater than 45° and not less than 15° in relation to the side of the houseboat on which they are located. (You’ll typically have two Bow Anchors, one on each side of your boat).

There are two simple methods for finding your Anchor Placement Zones. They are:

• Smartphone Method

Using a smartphone app for finding angles, orient the phone so the length of the houseboat is the fixed side (0°). Rotate the phone away from your houseboat until the angle measures no greater than 90°, but not less than 45°. Mark the shoreline location the smartphone is pointing to. This is the Zone where the Side Anchors should be placed. Follow the same process for the Bow Anchors, remembering that they should be placed in a Zone no greater than 45°, but not less than 15°.

• Walking Distance Method
  Walk a straight line perpendicular to the side of your houseboat. Stop only after traveling a distance that is greater than the length of the houseboat. This is the Zone in which the Side Anchors should be placed. (For example, if your houseboat is 70’ long, walk a distance of at least 70’). Deploying an anchor at a distance greater than the length of your houseboat will place it at an angle greater than 45°. Use the same principle for placing your Bow Anchors.

Maintaining Proper Anchor Line Tension

The three most important things for maintaining a successful beach mooring, keeping your family safe, and enjoying your vacation are keeping your anchor lines tight, keeping your anchor lines tight, and keeping your anchor lines tight. This means having them tensioned to the point where there is no slack in the lines under normal conditions. This is true for all anchor types, whether they be flukes, stakes, pins, natural anchor points, or Beach Bags.

Maintaining properly tensioned anchor lines helps keep the wind loads placed on your rental houseboat, and subsequently your anchor lines, static. Movement of your houseboat from a combination of strong winds and slack anchor lines allows dynamic forces to be placed on your anchors. These types of forces, when high enough, can cause your anchors to move and your mooring to fail.

It is very difficult to achieve and maintain proper tension by pulling on an anchor line and tying it off to a cleat – a anchoring practice common among rental houseboats. When line tightening aids such as a windlass or winch are not available, a block and tackle pulley system, such as Tightrope, can be used. It’s readily available to all houseboaters using Beach Bags Anchoring Services on Lake Powell.

Beach Bags Anchor System
Beach Bags are an innovative houseboat anchoring solution available for houseboat renters hailing from both the Antelope Point and Wahweap marinas on Lake Powell. Highly engineered and powerfully strong, they are comprised of a portable bladder system filled with water and an ingenious anchor line tightening system called Tightrope. Anchoring with Beach Bags is as easy as Fill & Chill.

Pros:

• More places to anchor your houseboat – easy to use on both rock and sand.

• Preserves shorelines – eliminates holes caused by digging, hammering, and drilling.

• Legal – approved for use on Lake Powell by the National Park Service.

• Improves houseboating safety by allowing you to easily keep anchor lines tight.

• Offered through a Full-Service Anchoring program.

Know Where To Go – The anchoring service shows you the best locations on the Lake.

Effortless Anchoring – Their crews do all the anchoring work.

A Great Night’s Sleep – Relax, knowing you’re professionally anchored by beach bags.

More Privacy – More locations to escape the crowds and enjoy the lake.

Cons:

• Only available on Lake Powell for houseboats departing from Antelope Point or Wahweap marinas.

Enjoy The Adventure Of A Lifetime!

Thoughts of anchoring your houseboat can be worrying, but they don’t have to be. Come prepared, understand and implement the 3 Elements of Houseboat Anchoring, and relax, you’re on vacation!

Book in March and get 15% off + FREE anchoring when you depart from Antelope Point Marina!

Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or fill out a Contact Form and an agent will get in touch with you.

If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing vacation experience, consider renting a houseboat on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. With over 1,200 miles of shoreline to explore, Lake Cumberland is the perfect destination for your houseboat adventure.

Renting a houseboat is an excellent way to explore Lake Cumberland and its surrounding beauty. You can spend your days cruising the lake, fishing, swimming, and sunbathing on the top deck of your houseboat. Some of the rental houseboats offer luxurious features such as hot tubs, fire pits, and slides. To maximize your experience, bring your boat or rent an additional one to enjoy wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing opportunities.

Houseboat rentals are offered at State Dock Marina, Lee’s Ford Marina, and Lake Cumberland Marina. With 24 models to choose from, they’re available in a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate different group sizes and budgets. You can choose from basic models with simple amenities, tiny cottage-style houseboats for intimate gatherings, or larger luxurious houseboats with all the modern conveniences of home.

One of the biggest advantages of a houseboat vacation is that you can awaken to a new view each morning. You can move your houseboat into different coves each night and wake up to a different sunrise each morning. You’ll be free to explore Lake Cumberland at your own pace without any set itinerary or schedule.

Lake Cumberland also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness. Lake Cumberland is also home to numerous lake waterfalls—each with its unique look and naturistic style. Being the most popular, 76 Falls is just south of the dam at the end of Indian Creek. This beautiful waterfall is a must-see when visiting the lake. Its sheer size is speculated to be 76 feet. However, the actual size of this waterfall is approximately 44’ high and 20’ wide.

Other popular attractions across the lake include visiting the nearby Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery or connecting with one of our many fishing guides to enjoy a fishing excursion. Lake Cumberland is home to a variety of fish, including Stripper, Crappie, Small and Large Mouth Bass, and even Walleye.

If floating and relaxing isn’t what you’re looking for in a vacation, Lake Cumberland is home to various events that attract visitors from across the country. In 2010, Lake Cumberland was awarded the Guinness Book of World Records title for the World’s Largest Boat Tie-Up. The Lake Cumberland Raft Up continues to be an annual event, held on the first Saturday in August.

Also, Lake Cumberland has two of the country’s most popular Poker Runs. Lake Cumberland Thunder Run is held in June, and the Lake Cumberland Poker Run takes place the second weekend of September. Both of these events are primed for any go-fast or active vacation seekers and spectators. Enjoy three days of beautiful boats and various nightlife events on the dock and the lake. These two events are the perfect opportunity to see a multitude of boats all in one location, varying in size, style, and horsepower.

Overall, a houseboat vacation on Lake Cumberland is an excellent way to experience the beauty and serenity of this scenic destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an active adventure, Lake Cumberland has something to offer everyone. It’s the perfect destination to unplug, reset, reconnect, or ramp up your summer fun. So why not book your houseboat vacation today and start exploring this hidden gem in Kentucky.

Call your favorite houseboat agents at 888-454-8825 or fill out a Contact Request and an agent will reach out to you soon.

And check out our specials page to learn how to save up to 20% on your Lake Cumberland houseboat vacation!

Houseboating (in general) is like an upgraded camping experience. You're immersed in nature, but with the comforts of home, so it's the best of both worlds. Of course, every destination is different and has something unique to offer.

For those who have yet to experience a houseboat vacation, here are 10 reasons why it's one of the greatest ways to vacation (in no particular order):

1. Relax - take your vacation day by day, you're on lake time now, so there are no schedules to stick to. The only thing on your agenda is to live in the moment and enjoy each other's company.

2. Beach or Cruise, it's up to you! - take your houseboat somewhere new every day, or find a corner of the lake to call your own during your stay - what ever your heart desires.

3. Quality Time - make memories with your favorite people. The kids won't be kids forever, and no one is getting any less busy. Take advantage of every uninterrupted minute.

4. Swimming - off the back deck or down the slide into the water, take inflatable toys and float your worries away.

5. Water Sports - bring or rent a powerboat to ski, wakeboard, or tube behind, or zip around on a Jet Ski for some laughs and thrills on the water. Or, explore by stand-up paddleboard or kayak for a more leisurely pace.

6. Hiking - venture out from the houseboat and explore the area, no trails required.

7. Fishing - "dropping a line" means something different while you're on a houseboat. Cast out from the back deck, from the shoreline, or from a smaller craft and see what you can catch.

8. Eyes to the sky - enjoy your coffee with the sunrise, a beer with the sunset, and stare in awe under the expanse of wild stars.

9. Affordable - it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to vacation with the whole gang. Splitting a houseboat between friends and families can make it more cost effective than hotel rooms or a rental house. No additional excursions or tickets, the houseboat puts you in the middle of the action; it IS the experience.

10. Unplug - screens are great, but have you seen the red rock cliffs of Lake Powell Utah, Seventy-Six Falls on Lake Cumberland Kentucky, or the Springs of Florida's St Johns River?

Not sure where to start? No worries, our houseboat specialists can help you narrow down your options based on your interests. Call 888-454-8825 or fill out our Contact Form and we'll be in touch soon.

Among the myriad of questions we get asked daily, the following are simply misconceptions of the houseboat experience.

Myth: You have to have a captains license or boating experience to drive a houseboat.

• There is generally no prior experience or special licensing required, just a valid drivers' license. The marina staff will go over everything with you in an orientation upon arrival. They will also pilot you in and out of the marina itself, and you'll take over on open water. After that, it's pretty straight forward.
• While certification may not be required, it doesn't hurt to become informed. There are online resources and general water safety courses you can do prior to arrival. Some marinas require you to do something along these lines and bring a certificate of completion on arrival (in which case, specific instructions will be included in your confirmation.)
• Exceptions: Docked houseboat options on Lake Cumberland or in the Everglades National Park ( these "boatels" stay at the marina)

Myth: Summertime is too busy and crowded to enjoy a houseboat vacation.

• Not necessarily. For the most part, these lakes have hundreds of miles of shoreline, so there's plenty of room for everyone! Most people want their own space on the lake, so as a general rule of thumb, they'll find a secluded cove or beach where other boats aren't already parked.
• However, there may be some areas that are known for more of a party atmosphere if that's the vibe you're looking for (and it's easy enough to avoid those areas if you're not). Event weekends/holiday weekends may be busier with day traffic near the marinas and will book up faster.
• Tip: If your schedule allows, some may prefer to visit in the 'shoulder seasons' in the late spring/ early fall when temperatures are still favorable and rates may be lower than in peak summertime.

Myth: Houseboats anchor in the center of the lake; you're stuck on the houseboat the whole time.

• At most locations, you'll moor the houseboat to the shoreline. This means you'll either bury land anchors in the sand, tie off to stakes you'll drive into the ground, or secure the houseboat to trees/rocks with ropes. The method varies by location, but the idea is the same. When the houseboat is secured to the shoreline, you can hop off the boat and explore, play, build a fire, etc. You can moor virtually anywhere you'd like; the marina staff may have suggestions on where to go/what to look out for, and make you aware of anywhere to steer clear from.
• Exceptions: St Johns River, Everglades National Park, Erie Canal, Rideau Canal

Myth: There are restaurants and shopping opportunities along the way, we can make stops and do day excursions from the houseboat.

• Most lake locations are more of a natural experience and don't have commercial businesses to stop at. You'll want to come fully prepared with all of your food and beverages.
• Exceptions: Riverways and canals like the Erie Canal, Rideau Canal, or the St Johns River.

Have other questions? Don't hesitate to ask! Give us a call at 888-454-8825 or fill out our Contact Form and an agent will reach out to you.