State Dock is unique in that during the Poker Run we convert many of our rental houseboats into “boatels”. These houseboats do not leave the marina and are parked on “Houseboat Row” during the Poker Run. They are cheaper than most hotel rooms and you get to stay where the action is. We have boats that sleep from 10 to 16 people.

• The Lake Cumberland Poker Run is back! We’ve got a great event planned for this year with more boats and the most unbelievable atmosphere you have ever been a p.
• LAKE CUMBERLAND POKER RUN: Cancelled Due to the recent spike in Coronavirus cases, the State of Kentucky has rolled back gatherings to less than 10 people and requires facemasks in public areas. After several planning sessions and feedback from the State of Kentucky regarding groups of 10 or more, we have made the difficult decision to cancel.

The 11th annual Lake Cumberland Thunder Run continues to be one of the largest poker runs in the country drawing participants from as far away as California and Arizona. The scenic lake, which is the ninth largest in the U.S., can easily accommodate the fleet of performance boats.

For availability & pricing, please call State Dock at (888) 782-8336. In addition to boatels, State Dock is located inside the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. We’ve reserved all rooms for Poker Run participants. They can be reached at (800) 325-1709. While the State Dock and State Resort Park offer quite a bit of lodging, the boatels & rooms book fast. Below is “Houseboat Row” with all of the houseboats lined up waiting for the incoming Poker Run guests. We book up fast, so call as early as you can. If we do not have availability, there are other options that are close by in the area.

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We will have great catered food once again for registered entries. First meal served will be Friday dinner followed by three meals on Saturday. You must be registered in the Poker Run or buy a separate wristband in order to have the catered meals.

“State Dock Tiki Bar & Grill” is a great little restaurant located on the Dock. They have a delicious menu with everything from burger & fries, fresh fish, chicken sandwiches and fresh baked pizza. They even have hand dipped ice cream. The State Dock Tiki Bar & Grill will have extended hours until 2 am during the Poker Run. You can call them at (270)343-4035 to call in your order ahead of time.

We’ll have a couple of new food vendors this year with even more great tastes for the weekend including delicious barbecue, funnel cakes and bloomin’ onions!

We also have a shuttle service to Lure Lodge in the park, which has a nice dining room overlooking the lake that services breakfast, lunch and dinner. They usually have a big buffet as well.

A homegrown band based in Southeastern Kentucky, County Wide has an energetic show that excites and gets people on their feet. They started their journey in 2014 and caught on quickly. County Wide quickly started spreading to several different states and surrounding areas. Their Original songs caught on with an ever growing fan base as well as their variety of Old/New Country, and Southern/Classic Rock covers. Their debut album, ‘Justice in the South’ was released in 2016.

County Wide is a Kentucky country band that has a rapid growing fan base of supporting fans. County Wide songs represent the heart of Kentucky and the South, each original song pays homage to growing up and life in Kentucky.

– Check out the County Wide website: COUNTY WIDE Website

2020 Lake Cumberland Poker Run

Written by: Tourism

Lake Cumberland Poker Run Photos

NOTE: DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE 2020 POKER RUN HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Best of the Lake Cumberland Events & Kentucky Festivals! For the best of boating in Kentucky, the Lake Cumberland Poker Run will return in 2021! From power boats to fun boats, all boats can participate.

A Poker Run is an organized event where participants must visit five to seven checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The object is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run.

The Lake Cumberland Poker Run has become one of the nation’s most popular speedboat attractions. For the competitors and viewers, it has the best “straight-shot” boating opportunities among all Kentucky lakes.

Lake Cumberland Poker Run 2020

Most of the speedboat action occurs on Friday and Saturday, but the competitors and other boaters typically end up staying through Sunday to enjoy the Lake Cumberland area attractions.

Lake Cumberland Poker Run Flash

A perennial favorite that you won’t want to miss is the Lake Cumberland World’s Largest Raft Up – Returning in August 2021 – where thousands of boats come together. Lake Cumberland Raft Up participants call it the “Gauntlet”. For additional information on these Lake Cumberland events, call the Lake Cumberland State Dock Marina at 270-343-2525.

Come enjoy one of the biggest Lake Cumberland boating events. Friday traditionally kicks off a weekend of fun, music, and fast boats. Lake Cumberland has a great mix of cabins, hotels and accommodations to help you relax and have a great time.