About Hand Cove Resort
What are your office hours?
You'll find we answer the phone and e-mails from 7 AM to about 8 PM 365 days a year. We take every February 29th off.
When is the resort open?
We open about March 1st every year. We operate until shortly after Thanksgiving.
How far in advance can we reserve?
For summer dates, we will take reservations with deposits up to 51 weeks in advance of your arrival date. For spring and fall, reserve as far in advance as you wish. Please note: we fill prime dates early in the year. Snooze and lose.
Can we show up without a reservation?
That's not a good idea. We prepare each cabin and RV site for each reservation. It's very important that we know you are coming. Please call ahead.
Cabin check in time?
For cabins check in is 3 PM to 5 PM. If you will be later than 5 PM you should call ahead for arrangements to hold your reservation.
RV site check in time?
For RV sites, check in is 3 PM to 5 PM. RV's must arrive and be set in place by sundown. Sorry, we are pretty firm on this.
Check out time?
10 AM. Uncle Guido and Cousin Vinnie handles this for us.
Pets?
We are pet friendly although we do have quantity and size limits. Please let us know about your pet when you make your reservation. We really like it when you keep your pet on a leash, clean up after your pet, and do not leave your pet alone is our cabins. We have areas you can let Fido run, just ask. Leashes, dogs must be on leashes when outside your cabin or RV. No goats, no bears.
Is a stall for my boat included in the cabin rate?
If you have a reserved a cabin, a stall for your boat is included. Stalls are available for RV'ers at a small additional charge.
Can we walk to the dock?
For sure. At normal lake level our dock is about 150 yards from our cabins and RV sites. You can drive to it also.
Can we swim from the dock?
Absolutely, we have a large swim/ sunning deck. Our dock also has a covered picnic area for those times when you need to be out of the sun. The water depth is typically about 12 feet at the end of the swim deck.
Can we swim/walk into the lake from the shoreline?
You betcha. It is a very gradual walk in but the lake bottom is gravel. You might consider bringing some sort of swim footwear. Flip flops work good too.
Can we fish from the dock?
Please do, especially during the evenings. The kids will love it!
How's the internet access? High-speed? Wireless? How many networks?
Good. Yep, 1.5MBPS. You betcha. 3.
How do changing lake levels affect the resort?
They really don't. We are boat launch capable at any lake level. Our dock floats so lake levels does not effect it either. If you're lucky, you'll get a dock ride while you're here, no extra charge, it's better than Six Flags.
Do you have a guest coin-op laundry facility? Do you do laundry for guests?
Yep. Nope.
Is there a quiet time?
Be reasonable. Be a good neighbor. Others are here on vacation. It's not all about just you.
Can we get loud, rude, drunken, obnoxious, and party 'til we puke?
Sure, but not here. We have families with kids here most of the time. That does not mean we don't have a good time at HCR. We just do it with moderation. Drama is prohibited.
What's the top 4 things folks say about HCR
1.) Boy did I sleep good last night.
2.) It's so peaceful here.
3.) Is this same week available next year?
4.) Is Greg available, married? (Just Kidding on that one)
What does “housekeeping cabins" mean?
Housekeeping means we equip our cabins so that you are able to operate as you would at home. All we ask is that you leave your cabin in the same condition it was in when you arrived. Of course we clean and sanitize everything after your departure.
How well are the cabins equipped?
Better than most. We supply all bed and bath linens, a generous stocking of pots, pans, dishes, silverware and housekeeping items. And coffee filters, we supply coffee filters. Got to have the coffee filters.
What if we need something not in the cabin?
Just ask, chances are we have it. We got stuff, lots of stuff. Need an iron? We got it.(Why would you want one, you're on vacation) Need some blenders? We got them too.(Now you're talking) Extra pots, pans, baking stuff, and rib pots (only if you tell us what time dinner is), We got the stuff!
What do we need to bring?
That is season and activity dependent. Better call us about that. Beach towels and paper towels for sure. Definitely some grub.
Are your sites shaded?
Some are, better make your reservation early.
What is check in time?
For RV sites check in is 3 PM to sunset. RV's must arrive and be set in place by sundown. Sorry, we are pretty firm on this.
What is check out time?
10 AM.
Is there a quiet time?
Be reasonable. Be a good neighbor. Others are here on vacation. It's not all about just you.
Can we arrive without a reservation?
That's not a good idea. We prepare each RV site for each reservation. It's very important that we know you are coming. Please call ahead.
Do the campsites have fire rings/pits?
We have a large community fire pit. It will be very close to your site. Maybe about 50 feet away. Maybe less. It has chairs and benches.
What about Norfork Lake?
Our lake is about 42 miles long, stem to stern. Picture a really, really very wide deep meandering river. That's Norfork Lake. Think about countless secluded coves, about 7 or 8 major arms off the main channel and about 400 miles of primitive forested shoreline at normal lake level, and you've got the idea. Did we mention the bluffs?
Is Norfork Lake clean, clear?
We think so. Most folks remark “we've never seen a cleaner lake.” How about jump in and see your feet clear. Does that sound clean?
How deep is the lake?
Norfork Lake was built in the late 1940's as a flood control reservoir. That means water is always entering and leaving the lake, not always in the same amounts. At “normal level” the lake is a few feet deep at the Missouri headwaters and close to 200 feet deep at the Norfork Dam.
Is Norfork Lake crowded, commercialized?
No! This is the reason this lake is nationally known as “Unspoiled, Uncrowded, and Unforgettable.
Where are the sand beaches?
Dead ahead once you exit our cove. Couldn't be closer now could they. The neat thing is that the only way to reach the beaches is by boat. There are no roads to the beaches which keeps them uncrowded.
Where's the best fishing?
The best fishing is somewhere in the lake. The locations change everyday. The second best location is at the seafood counter at the Wal Mart.
What if it rains?
The fishing will get better. If it's the middle of summer, you are swimming, and we get a “pop-up shower”, better get back to the dock. You wouldn't want to get wet now would you? DUH. SPECIAL NOTE: HCR does not recommend that you are on the lake while it's lightning.
I heard Norfork Lake floods. Does it?
Nope, it holds back flood water from the cities and farmland downstream. Under those conditions, the lake just gets wider, bigger, and better. And our dock gets closer to our cabins and RV sites, no extra charge.
Your website photos look pretty cool. Are they real?
There is one that we use on our home page occasionally that was shot by a pro. The rest were taken by our guests, our family, or ourselves. Regardless, they are all the real thing.
Alright, you're asking too many questions. If you know everything before you arrive, you'll take some of the magic out of your lake trip. So stop it....... now!