Camping opportunities near Dewey Lake combine eastern Kentucky's Appalachian foothills with water recreation on the 1,100-acre reservoir. Most campsites sit at elevations between 680-720 feet, experiencing humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild springs and falls that draw weekend campers from surrounding communities. The area maintains higher humidity levels than western Kentucky campgrounds, affecting both comfort and equipment considerations.
What to do
Fishing access: Paintsville Lake State Park Campground offers direct lake access for anglers. "The water was down so there were a lot of places to paddle onto the shore and wade fish. Fishing was good with rooster tails and panther martin spinners (silver), 1/8 and 1/16 oz," notes one camper who found success on multiple fishing trips.
Water activities: The area's lakes provide swimming and boating options beyond fishing. At Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake, "They have a large pond that has a nice beach, a huge slide and a zip line. They have kayaks, paddle boards and floats first come first serve," as one visitor discovered during their stay.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems wind through the forested hills surrounding Dewey Lake. "There are a few hiking trails near by," mentions one camper at Yatesville Lake, though they add that "I wouldn't come here for that" - suggesting trails are a secondary attraction to water activities.
What campers like
Lake views: Several campgrounds feature sites with water visibility. At Paintsville Lake, "some sites have great lake views" according to visitors who appreciated the scenery during their stay. The campground layout maximizes these viewing opportunities.
Quiet atmosphere: Valley Breeze RV Campground receives praise for its peaceful setting. "The folks that run this RV park are very nice and obviously have a lot of pride in their place. Valley Breezy is very well kept and clean," reports one camper who appreciated the maintained grounds.
Beach areas: Access to swimming spots rates highly in reviews. At Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, families appreciate that "There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water," though the reviewer recommends "water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies throughout the region. One camper at Paintsville Lake reported "I had terrible phone service with Sprint here," suggesting visitors should plan accordingly for limited connectivity in certain areas.
Water level fluctuations: Lake conditions change seasonally. "The water was down" reported one Paintsville Lake visitor, which created more shoreline fishing opportunities but might affect boat launches or swimming areas depending on timing.
Site spacing: Proximity to neighbors varies by campground. At Zilpo Campground, visitors praise the "Great campground with a lot of privacy!" while other locations have more closely positioned sites.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly in peak season. As one camper at Paintsville Lake noted, when they "tried to get a weekend, but no cancellations" they had to adjust their plans and use discount programs for weekday stays instead.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. Oasis Point features "playground equipment, and a large tent" in their 'Backyard' area, providing entertainment options beyond water activities.
Beach safety: When bringing children to swim, consider water conditions. "I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water" advises one Paintsville Lake visitor who camped with children.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Falls Campground specifically caters to families. "If you want a place for your kids to play and ride bikes, this is it. Campsites are a little close in some areas but when you are here, you are family!" notes one visitor who appreciated the child-friendly atmosphere.
Halloween events: For fall camping, several locations offer special activities. Falls Campground receives high marks for their seasonal programming: "They also have a fantastic Halloween themed October. We love the experience each and every year!" shares one repeat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied pad conditions at rv camping near Dewey Lake. "Our site was very level, maybe 1/2" low on the camp side," reported one RVer at Oasis Point, but conditions vary by location.
Hookup locations: Electric connections may be distant from some pads. "Some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up. Thankfully we were able to switch spots instead of renting an extension cord," warns one RV camper at Carter Caves, suggesting bringing extension cords or confirming hookup proximity when making reservations.
Water hose length: Standard equipment may not reach all connections. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites," advises an RVer who stayed at Carter Caves, highlighting the importance of bringing additional equipment.
Year-round options: Several campgrounds accommodate RVs through winter. Creekside Cabins & RV Park operates "All year" according to their listing, providing options for off-season rv camping near Dewey Lake when other facilities close.
