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Best Campgrounds near Pikeville, KY

149 Reviews

Around Pikeville, Kentucky, you'll find several good camping spots that put you close to the region's lakes and forests. Grayson Lake State Park Campground has fishing, boating, and hiking trails that many campers use as a home base for water activities. Another option is Paintsville Lake State Park Campground, which has good views and more water access for swimming and boating. Both parks have roads that most vehicles can handle, though some of the back routes might need higher clearance if it's been raining. It's smart to book ahead in summer since the campgrounds fill up fast when school's out. Be careful with your food storage - the woods have plenty of deer and raccoons, and sometimes bears come through looking for an easy meal. Most locals will tell you May and October are the sweet spots for camping here - not too hot, not too cold, and fewer people around. July and August get pretty sticky with humidity, and winter camping means dealing with possible snow and ice. The Pikeville area works well for both quick weekend trips and longer stays if you want to really check out the eastern Kentucky woods.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pikeville, Kentucky (45)

    1. Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Breaks, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 865-4413

    $20 - $38 / night

    "It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade. It was a short walk to the bathhouse which was very clean with nice showers. 

    The campground has 4 different loops."

    "A wonderful getaway when you want to be away from it all. Several campground sections to choose from with primitive sites to full hookup with electric, water, and sewer."

    2. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 889-1790

    $30 - $35 / night

    "The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."

    "I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."

    3. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    4 Reviews
    Dewey Lake, KY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 789-4521

    "this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"

    "There is a lake nearby, and most of the other campers were boating or horseback riding.

    Showers and bathrooms."

    4. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staffordsville, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 297-8488

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in."

    "Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room."

    5. Pound River Campground - Closed for 2023

    1 Review
    Clintwood, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 835-9544

    "Locating directly in the river makes it a very serene atmosphere. We enjoyed fishing and kayaking during our stay."

    6. Backwoods Camping & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Williamson, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 426-2910

    $10 - $160 / night

    "The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot and they are flexible on arrival."

    7. Carr Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Carr Creek Lake, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 642-4050

    $28 / night

    "Small beach area, clear water for swimming, but have quite a few steps to walk down to the lake. Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings."

    "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it. Overall the campground is clean and staff is extremely helpful. The bathhouses are a bit run down and updated or something."

    8. Thunder River Campground

    1 Review
    Haysi, KY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 701-9876

    "There is no bath house, just a couple of porta potties surround by a structure with a handwashing station. The host informed us that a new bath house was in the works and coukd be open in November."

    9. Littcarr Campground

    5 Reviews
    Vicco, KY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 642-3052

    $24 - $30 / night

    "Very clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a wonderful location on the lake. Site #25 is our favorite, though it could be more level, but the privacy, size, and shade are perfect for us."

    "The canal at the park leads you to Carr Lake."

    10. German Bridge Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Prestonsburg, KY
    16 miles
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Recent Camping Photos near Pikeville, KY

30 Photos of 45 Pikeville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pikeville, KY

149 Reviews of 45 Pikeville Campgrounds

Guide to Pikeville

Camping near Pikeville, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Natural Tunnel State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “The ranger programs are fantastic. We recommend the Stockton Creek hike.”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Grayson Lake State Park Campground, you can fish, rent boats, and enjoy kayaking. A visitor said, “You can fish, rent boats and kayaks. Also, the hiking isn’t too bad!”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Breaks Interstate Park Campground have spotted bears and enjoyed the stunning sunsets. One camper noted, “The sunsets are to die for!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and campgrounds. A review for Natural Tunnel State Park Campground highlighted, “The bathrooms are super clean and there is even laundry.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Breaks Interstate Park Campground. One visitor said, “Site 10 is a great site with plenty of distance between adjacent sites.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Four Coves Campground are noted for their family-friendly vibe. A reviewer mentioned, “The crowd was mostly families and everyone quieted down by like 10.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Paintsville Lake State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. One camper noted, “No AT&T service at all and no WIFI.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Grayson Lake State Park Campground, are only open from April 1 to October 31. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground mentioned, “Thursday was so nice and quiet and then the weekend crew came in on Friday and it filled up fast.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Four Coves Campground that have activities for kids. One reviewer said, “It is very safe for kids. The park ranger makes his rounds quite frequently.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Moxley Branch Campground mentioned, “There are lots of things to do in addition to ranger-led activities.”
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Carr Creek State Park Campground noted, “People were friendly!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Grayson Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “Some sites look very sloped so be prepared.”
  • Bring Extra Hoses: Campers at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground suggested bringing extra hoses for water access. One camper said, “I had to use a 50 ft. hose with plenty of slack to reach.”
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Keep noise levels down, especially at night. A visitor at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground mentioned, “Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!!”

Camping near Pikeville, Kentucky, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you’re in an RV or tent camping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping options around Pikeville, Kentucky?

Tent campers near Pikeville have several great options to choose from. Backwoods Camping & RV Park offers grassy tent areas where you can set up in any open space. The staff is accommodating, providing amenities like wood sales, decent showers and bathrooms, all at reasonable prices in a quiet setting. Carr Creek State Park Campground is another good option with tent sites, clear water for swimming, and reliable cell service. For those seeking a more rustic experience, German Bridge at Dewey Lake offers walk-in tent sites with basic amenities like water and toilets. Each location provides different levels of facilities and natural surroundings to suit various camping preferences.

What are the best campgrounds near Pikeville, KY?

The Pikeville area offers several excellent campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Kingdom Come State Park Campground stands out with its seven well-maintained tent sites, each featuring a gravel drive, mulch tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. The park is known for its beautiful setting and regularly stocked fishing lake. Another great option is Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground, which offers pristine facilities, helpful owners, and convenient access to local attractions including museums and a green belt within walking distance. Other notable campgrounds in the region include Carr Creek State Park, Jenny Wiley State Park, and Backwoods Camping & RV Park, all offering unique amenities and natural settings.

Are there RV hookups available at camping sites in Pikeville?

Yes, several campgrounds near Pikeville offer RV hookups. Portal 31 RV Park provides a small park with electric hookups and a communal water spout, conveniently located across from an exhibition coal mine. It's ideal for visitors interested in southeast Kentucky's coal production history. Littcarr Campground is another option that accommodates RVs with water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Thunder River Campground also offers basic RV amenities. While some sites in the area may have limited level spaces or hookup distances requiring extra hoses, the region generally provides adequate options for RV campers. For those needing full facilities, calling ahead to confirm specific hookup availability is recommended.

Are there any lakeside camping areas near Pikeville?

Pikeville offers several excellent lakeside camping options. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground sits along a lake with diverse recreational activities including hiking and birding. The park features an open-air theater with summer shows and is known for its elk population. Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake provides waterfront camping with good access to the lake, though visitors should avoid using Pleasant Valley Road which is extremely dangerous and washed out. Instead, take Louise Creek Road for safer access. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground also offers water access with tent camping opportunities. These lakeside options provide beautiful water views and water-based recreation opportunities within driving distance of Pikeville.

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