I've been going to Dale Hollow for 10 of the last 13 years. We never had a GPS and aside from the first year we never got turned around. The maps they provide are decent enough but don't plan on getting cell service unless you're in the middle of the widest portion of the lake around the willow grove area (36°35'51.3"N 85°21'42.7"W)
As far as depth is concerned you pretty much don't have to worry about anything except for getting to far up in the ends of coves. We've moored houseboats as long as 73' off the sides of a cove and have had at least 55 ft. of water off the back of it; safe to jump off the back of the boat. But all depths at dale hollow pretty much mean that if you drop it, it's gone and you're not recovering it. We've all lost about $300 bucks in sunglasses over the years
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The only other spot to watch out for is 36°35'28.0"N 85°21'17.1"W - this area around Little Goat Island will go from about 60 ft of water to 10 in 15 yards while on south to north heading.
Cliff Jumping can be found near the dam at 36°32'24.0"N 85°26'56.4"W - be warned: The cliffs are high enough to get injured should you enter the water wrong. I had to backboard someone who hyperextended their legs because they messed up (were drunk too). This spot is also near the damn where the State Patrol is usually and they may or may not fine people they see jumping.
More Cliff jumping here behind Wolf River: 36°37'04.2"N 85°11'10.6"W - my personal favorite spot. Probably a good 30 ft.
I recommend bringing water shoes if you trek onland - it's shale that breaks easy and can be sharp/uncomfortable.
There's a piece of land that juts out which is excellent for a campfire here. 36°34'31.6"N 85°16'47.8"W
We moor a houseboat here every year and have excellent water skiing plus nearby star point marina for ice and supplies.
The coves around Mitchell Creek are our favorite spot for water skiing and you don't really have to deal with traffic hitting the houseboat as well. The coves south of the Dam are also excellent for water skiing and don't typically see too much traffic.
There is a rope swing but its not that big on the shore line at 36°34'29.5"N 85°16'20.8"W
For Supplies:
Willow Grove has the most in terms of a fully functional kitchen and beer cave that serves excellent breakfast pizza from what I hear. They are also a good place to get gas, ice cream and parts if you run into mechanical issue.
Mitchell Creek also does movies on the water so check their schedule. They also have a restaurant and ice cream.
Sulphur Creek is good for Mikes landing. It's a fully functional restaurant but it's far.
I recommend filling up your boats gas in Albany KY if you're approaching from the North - Gas is at least a Dollar cheaper per gallon before you hit the lake.
Cookeville, TN is also a good spot that's 1 hour out to pick up any supplies you may have forgotten.
Geiger Island is a beautiful place to catch a lovely sunset in the evening and also have a campfire too. (36°36'14.5"N 85°19'12.4"W)
