Eastern Kentucky camping options around Oil Springs offer mountainous terrain with elevations ranging between 700-1200 feet. The area experiences 45-55 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests but occasionally challenging camping conditions. Several campgrounds within a 40-mile radius provide both developed facilities and primitive options with varying levels of cellular connectivity.
What to do
Kayaking on Grayson Lake: At Grayson Lake State Park Campground, visitors can paddle to unique geological features. "Going to 'The Grotto' aka Clifty Falls is a must (4.5 mile round trip). The same boat ramp has a decent place to get in and swim," notes a camper who explored the southern portion where it's "much quieter than the Clifty Falls area."
Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Resort Park offers underground adventures beyond typical hiking. "The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" One visitor adds, "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39yrs to find it so close to home. The caves are absolutely amazing and the park has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen."
Mountain biking: Koomer Ridge Campground provides direct trail access. A visitor explains, "Mountain biking (what we went for), hiking, fishing - anything really! The Daniel Boone Nat Forest is, I think, at its most beautiful in late spring." Another adds, "There are mountain biking trails that you can access right from the campground so that was nice."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at Yatesville Lake State Park. "One of my favorite Ky state campgrounds. Plenty of space between campsites," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "As far as camping goes there's a little variety. On top of the hill there is camper sites with full hook ups which is actually quite spacious and spaced out from other sites compared to other campgrounds."
Waterside accommodations: Campers often highlight the lake access at various locations. "The sites are a LONG distance from each other. You won't even hear your neighbors," writes one Yatesville visitor, adding, "A lot of the sites back up against the lake so you have easy access for swimming."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent mentions. At Grayson Lake, a visitor notes, "This is one of the cleanest campgrounds I've ever been to! The bathrooms were immaculate and the grass green and trimmed!" Similarly, at Paintsville Lake, someone shares, "I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available."
What you should know
Uneven terrain at some sites: Campground topography varies significantly. A Grayson Lake camper explains, "This campground is pretty hilly. Many of the spots don't have a great space for a tent. The flattest spots are in the middle of the circle with an open field behind them (but then you won't have any privacy or tree coverage)."
Limited cell service: Connectivity challenges exist throughout the region. One camper at Jenny Wiley State Park notes, "You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception." At Grayson Lake, another adds, "No cell service what-so-ever. We could truly unplug for this camping trip."
Hookup placement challenges: Water and electric connections aren't always conveniently located. "You share a water spigot with a neighbor so you have to have a long hose to go across your whole section," reports a Jenny Wiley camper. At Carter Caves, another warns, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly amenities. At Paintsville Lake, "There is a playground for children. Lots of boating and fishing occurred." German Bridge at Dewey Lake is noted as "great for the kids. If you looking to get away and you like the company of close campers this place may be for you."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities. At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, campers can use "camp store, beach and boat ramp." A visitor to Wildcat Camping notes the presence of a "paylake with small shelter areas, playground, horseshoe pit, game room, community gathering area."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds get louder than others. A Carter Caves visitor shares, "It was very crowded the weekend we were there. The campsite beside us had a pull camper, a truck camper, and 2 small tents. There were about 15 people on the site and it got pretty loud at night."
Tips from RVers
Bring leveling equipment: Many sites require significant adjustments. "Bring all the leveling blocks you own because very few sites are level and most are very sloped," advises a Grayson Lake camper. Another notes, "Even the RV camping on the inside of the loop across from us had its front tires suspended about a foot in the air to make it level."
Plan for water and electric access: Campers frequently mention hookup challenges. "Also bring a very long hose/hose extensions as the sites are well-spaced with water between them, requiring everyone to have long hoses," advises a Grayson Lake visitor. At Twin Knobs, "Sites are all clean and level" but campers should check hookup placement carefully.
Verify seasonal availability: Operating dates vary by location. Wildcat Camping offers year-round options with "full hookups 30/50A at each site" while most state parks operate approximately April through October, with some exceptions. Wildcat's owner notes it "Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels" and offers "very good monthly rates."
