Kayaking and fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Grayson Lake from this Army Corps of Engineers facility. The campground provides electric and water hookups along with a dump station, though the $75 nightly rate reflects its shelter-style accommodations rather than traditional tent or RV sites.
Located within forested terrain near both creek and lake waters, the facility offers multiple access options including boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in approaches. Campers should note the rough access conditions and prepare accordingly. The site maintains a no-pets policy and provides basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and firewood availability. One recent visitor noted clean facilities and mentioned encountering multiple venomous snakes, which reflects the natural woodland setting. For additional options, see campgrounds outside Grayson Recreation Area.
Description
Overview
Grayson Lake Dam Site Shelters are just seven miles south of Grayson, Kentucky on state Route 7 on Grayson Lake. Recreational activities abound on and around this 20-mile long lake. Boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and hunting are the area's most popular draws.
Recreation
Visitors flock to Grayson Lake for its numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. A marina is located at the dam site for convenient boat storage. Hikers enjoy the Api-su-ahts Trail, with four loops totaling over 22 miles. The trail offers scenic views of the lakeshore and mature hardwood forests as it winds through creek bottoms, hollows and ridgetops in the more secluded region of the Wildlife Management Area east of Grayson Lake.
Facilities
This site contains four group picnic shelters with water and 15-amp electrical hookups, large grills and picnic tables. Accessible vault toilets are provided.Playgrounds are located next to each shelter!
Natural Features
Grayson Lake is known for its sculptured sandstone cliffs that rise 30 to 200 feet above the lake's surface, providing many narrow, scenic canyons just waiting to be explored. The gently sloping landscape around the lake is forested with a mixture of oak, white and yellow pine, elm, and Kentucky's state tree, the Tulip Poplar. Fall colors are particularly impressive at Grayson Lake.
Nearby Attractions
The Grayson Game Refuge Area and Wildlife Management Area are both nearby, offering hiking, hunting, birding and fishing. Grayson Lake State Park is just a few minutes away, with an 18-hole golf course, camping, hiking and more great water activities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGrayson Lake Damsite Shelters is located in Kentucky
Directions
From Huntington, WV, travel west on I-64 approximately 28 miles to Exit 172, or from Lexington, Ky, travel east on I-64 approximately 93 miles to Exit 172. From Exit 172, proceed south on KY Route 7 approximately 8 miles. KY Route 7 passes over Grayson Dam; after passing over dam, take the first right onto lower access road to go to Picnic Shelter 4. To reach Shelters 1, 2, and 3, take the first left onto Launch Ramp Road.
Address
50 LAUNCH RAMP RD.
Grayson, KY 41143
Coordinates
38.2533333 N
82.9852778 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
