Best Campgrounds near Oil Springs, KY

Campgrounds surrounding Oil Springs, Kentucky provide both developed facilities and scenic lake access options for a range of camping preferences. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground, located in nearby Staffordsville, offers full-hookup RV sites, primitive tent camping areas, and waterfront locations with boat-in access. Within a 30-mile radius, visitors can find Jenny Wiley State Park with cabin accommodations, Wildcat Camping and Fishing with RV-friendly spaces, and several Corps of Engineers camping areas around Dewey Lake. Most campgrounds in the region maintain amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping, with some locations offering glamping options.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Weather patterns in eastern Kentucky can bring significant rainfall, occasionally affecting access and site conditions. As one camper noted, "We did have one new camper come in at 3am on Saturday morning to set up their tent and being so close to the entrance of the hike-in spots, I woke up." Reservation systems vary between facilities, with some sites requiring bookings well in advance, particularly during summer months. Cell service can be limited at many locations, with a reviewer mentioning, "No wifi and Verizon is touchy. Out in the recreation area I had one bar and LTE though the data seemed pretty good."

The lake-oriented campgrounds receive consistently positive feedback for their recreational opportunities and amenities. Paintsville Lake State Park features level sites with full hookups, clean facilities, and direct lake access for fishing and boating. A visitor reported, "The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous." Eastern Kentucky's mountain terrain provides scenic backdrops at most camping locations, with wooded sites offering shade during warmer months. Campgrounds like Yatesville Lake and Grayson Lake State Parks combine water recreation with forest settings. Tent campers may find walk-in sites providing more seclusion, though these areas can fill quickly during peak season. Several campgrounds maintain playgrounds, volleyball courts, and boat rentals, making them suitable for family trips throughout the camping season.

Best Camping Sites Near Oil Springs, Kentucky (89)

    1. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staffordsville, KY
    4 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."

    2. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    13 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. Wildcat Camping and Fishing

    2 Reviews
    Flatgap, KY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 265-3629

    $50 / night

    "Nice level gravel sites with grass around them. Full hookups 30/50A at each site. Wifi. Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels."

    4. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Adams, KY
    24 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."

    5. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    35 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."

    6. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    4 Reviews
    Dewey Lake, KY
    18 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."

    7. Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grayson Lake, KY
    28 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."

    "This stunning Eastern Kentucky State Park offers spectacular views of rock formations, tree lined roads, and a stunning lake."

    8. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    38 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / night

    "We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    9. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    43 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 780-7818

    $31 - $128 / night

    "Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."

    "It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."

    10. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    40 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Oil Springs, KY

623 Reviews of 89 Oil Springs Campgrounds


  • s
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Relode BaseCamp

    Perfect small campground

    Bathhouse is immaculate! Super clean facilities! Also laundry available for a small fee, picnic pavilion for all guest with starlink internet FREE! Cheap and affordable place great for families or just a trip for 1! Pet friendly, and beautiful pond! Quiet, off the beaten path, affordable!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Carter Caves State Resort Park

    Under Construction

    The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    The Landing Strip Campground

    The Landing Strip Campground and Venue

    This campground is built on an old air strip and it is excellent for overnight or longer stays.  They have venues and rallies there throughout the year.  We found it by accident and have been using it coming and going to AZ every year since.  The owners are great and wifi is good with full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service.  So far there isn't a store or shower facilities that we could see, but it is still a great place to stay if you are traveling on Route 40 and need a rest stop.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Great campground

    Very clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Great site, not a lot to do.

    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.

  • Adriyel P.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Ashland Huntington West KOA

    Good Basic KOA

    Plenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.

  • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Nice campground

    Been going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s.  Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.

    Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.

    Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.

    Very bike friendly.

  • Paul K.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Fantastic.

    We stayed in one of the "premium" sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot.


Guide to Oil Springs

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Oil Springs located in Kentucky?

Oil Springs is located in Johnson County in eastern Kentucky, approximately 10 miles south of Paintsville. It sits in the heart of the Appalachian region, offering visitors beautiful mountain scenery typical of eastern Kentucky. The area is accessible via Highway 40, with nearby attractions including Paintsville Lake State Park Campground and Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, both within a short driving distance. This region is part of the broader eastern Kentucky outdoor recreation area that includes Daniel Boone National Forest.

What camping facilities are available at Oil Springs?

While Oil Springs itself has limited developed camping facilities, the surrounding area offers several options. Blacks Camper Lots is described as one of the best camper lots in the region - quiet, tucked away, yet close enough to town for conveniences, with amazing views of Kentucky's landscape. For those seeking more amenities, Grayson Lake State Park Campground is within driving distance and offers a small but nice campground situated next to a golf course. Additional options include German Bridge at Dewey Lake for more primitive camping experiences. Most nearby campgrounds offer basic amenities like water and toilets.

What is the history of Oil Springs, Kentucky?

Oil Springs earned its name from the natural oil seeps discovered in the area during the early 19th century. It was one of the earliest sites of commercial oil production in the United States, with drilling beginning in the 1860s. The community developed around this industry, becoming a boom town during the oil rush. While exploring the region's history, visitors can camp at nearby Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, which features impressive natural formations and historical significance of its own. The Yatesville Lake State Park Campground area also preserves elements of eastern Kentucky's cultural heritage while offering modern camping facilities in a historically rich region.