Camping near Grayson Lake

The area surrounding Grayson Lake has several good camping options within driving distance. Grayson Lake State Park Campground winds through wooded areas and puts you close to the water. If you don't mind going a bit farther out, Zilpo Campground has roomy sites tucked among trees that give you some distance from neighbors. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground rounds out the main choices, with clean grounds and spots that look out over the water. You'll find basic needs covered at Grayson Lake State Park with bathrooms, shower buildings, and tables for meals. Zilpo gives campers both powered and non-powered sites depending on what setup you bring. The marina at Paintsville Lake State Park makes it particularly good if you're bringing a boat along. Hikers can take advantage of multiple trails that wind through the woods around Grayson Lake. Many campers come here to fish, as the lake holds plenty of bass and catfish. When you need supplies, the town of Grayson isn't far away with stores and places to eat. Most locals recommend camping here during spring or fall when the weather stays comfortable for outdoor time. Summer visits can get pretty sticky with humidity, so bring extra water and sunscreen. Winter camping works too, but you'll need good cold-weather gear. Remember to check the rules before you arrive so you know what's allowed at each campground.

Best Camping Sites Near Grayson Lake (107)

    1. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 286-4411

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."

    "Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."

    2. Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grayson Lake, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 474-9727

    $30 / night

    "Grayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground."

    "Spent 2 nights at the Grayson Lake state park campground. The sites were not private but they were spread out nicely so we had plenty of room set up."

    3. Ashland Huntington West KOA

    17 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 929-5504

    "Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."

    "Just off the highway but no road noise. The employees were helpful. My grandkids loved the mini golf.

    The bad…no shade trees. That's the only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars."

    4. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    19 Reviews
    Greenup, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 473-7324

    $19 - $44 / night

    "* Beautiful area of Kentucky Nice trails and great kayaking"

    "Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."

    5. Cabin Creek Camping

    3 Reviews
    Grayson, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (614) 946-2268

    $38 / night

    "Secluded but close to everything you need.

    Bring a water pressure regulator.

    Bring the kayaks, bikes and easy chairs. Prepare to relax and enjoy yourself."

    6. Bruin Creek

    2 Reviews
    Grayson Lake, KY
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "We were fishing Grayson Lake mostly and staying here. Pros: FREE, super simple, golf nearby, nice lake/creek to explore by boat."

    7. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Adams, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 673-1492

    $18 - $30 / night

    "In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in."

    "It's been a few years since I've visited Yatesville Lake State Park Campgrounds but it used to be a staple of my summer. The campsites are a LONG distance from each other."

    8. Grayson Getaways

    1 Review
    Grayson Lake, KY
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (606) 474-0103

    $35 / night

    "Fantastic campground, quiet, safe, surrounded by woods, clean and nice laundry facilities and bathhouse. Affordable, with electric, water and sewage hookups."

    9. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 768-2722

    $28 - $94 / night

    "Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."

    "E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."

    10. Falls Campground

    9 Reviews
    Louisa, KY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 826-0212

    $37 - $72 / night

    "The sites are nice and most have direct access to the creek and beach area. Privately owned so not ruled to death like some state park campgrounds."

    "There's a dollar general at the entrance."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 107 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Grayson Lake

602 Reviews of 107 Grayson Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Grayson Lake

Camping near Grayson Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to fish, hike, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Grayson Lake is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper mentioned, "You can fish, rent boats and kayaks. Also, the hiking isn’t too bad!" at Grayson Lake State Park Campground.
  • Hiking: There are trails around the lake that provide great views. A visitor noted, "The campground is very well kept and free of litter," making it a pleasant spot for a hike.
  • Swimming: Some campgrounds have access to swimming areas. A review from Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, "The lodge is available down the road for dinner if you are looking to mix up the trip," which can be a nice break after a swim.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment. One review stated, "Stay 6 nights, very peaceful and quiet place," at Zilpo Campground.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites are a big plus. A camper at Twin Knobs Recreation Area said, "Bath houses/restrooms were very clean and nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Yatesville Lake State Park Campground noted, "Clean, sites are spread out, and not a very large campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Only drawback was lack of any Verizon signal."
  • Reservations Can Be Tough: Some campgrounds fill up quickly. One camper shared, "It is a nice campground, and we would recommend it to anyone, but actually getting a reservation is difficult," at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground.
  • Varied Terrain: Some sites can be sloped or uneven. A review for Grayson Lake State Park Campground noted, "Many spots slant down and cannot level."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or organized activities. A camper at Carter Caves State Resort Park mentioned, "Great facilities, hiking, caving etc. We plan to return because two nights was not nearly enough."
  • Choose Sites Wisely: Some sites are closer together, which might not be ideal for families wanting more space. A review for Twin Knobs Recreation Area said, "Campsites are close together."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Zilpo Campground warned, "Lot’s of bugs in May, but huge amount of ticks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Grayson Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sewer connection was higher than the bottom of my unit."
  • Level Sites: Look for level sites to avoid issues with your RV. A review for Carter Caves State Resort Park noted, "Navigating into some of the spots with a large rig can be challenging."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A visitor at Yatesville Lake State Park Campground suggested, "Just wish they had sewer hookups."

Camping near Grayson Lake, Kentucky, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Grayson Lake State Park?

Grayson Lake State Park Campground offers a well-maintained camping area with sites suitable for both tents and RVs. The campground is situated on hilly terrain, with some sites better suited for RVs than tents. While the sites aren't completely private, they're nicely spaced to provide adequate room for setup. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Bruin Creek is a state-run campground within the park area that caters to fishing and wildlife enthusiasts. Bruin Creek offers a simpler camping experience with fewer amenities but is completely free. Both campgrounds provide access to Grayson Lake's scenic surroundings and recreational opportunities.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Grayson Lake?

Grayson Lake offers diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is excellent for fishing, boating, and exploring by kayak or canoe. Hiking trails around the lake range from easy to moderate difficulty and provide stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. For golfers, there's a course adjacent to Grayson Lake State Park Campground. While lake access from the campground can be limited in some areas, the water activities are a major draw. For those willing to explore the broader region, Zilpo Campground offers additional water-based recreation in a similar setting, with beautiful seasonal landscapes and good access to swimming areas.

What amenities are provided at Grayson Lake campgrounds?

Grayson Lake State Park Campground provides essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground features restroom facilities and water access. Sites are moderately developed with enough space for standard camping setups. For those looking for nearby alternatives with additional amenities, Yatesville Lake State Park Campground offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Bruin Creek campground within the Grayson Lake area provides more basic amenities, including bathrooms and water access, but with fewer developed facilities – making it ideal for those seeking a more rustic experience.