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Best Campgrounds near Paintsville, KY

600 Reviews

The Paintsville, Kentucky area encompasses a range of established campgrounds suited for both tent and RV camping. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground provides full hookup sites with level, large sites that can accommodate big rigs, while Wildcat Camping and Fishing offers electric hookups with level gravel sites. Several state parks populate the region within a 30-40 mile radius, including Jenny Wiley State Park, Yatesville Lake State Park, and Grayson Lake State Park, each providing developed campgrounds with various amenities. Most campgrounds in this eastern Kentucky region feature water and electric hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for RVs.

Reservations are highly recommended at most campgrounds in the area, particularly for RV sites with hookups. According to one visitor, "I tried for two years before I finally got a reservation. While we were camping, I checked again and it was all booked up all summer." The camping season for many state parks runs from April 1 to October 31, though some campgrounds like Paintsville Lake State Park remain open year-round. Cell service can be limited in parts of the region, with one reviewer noting "zero Verizon signal" at Paintsville Lake, though some campgrounds offer WiFi. Terrain varies throughout the area, with many campgrounds featuring level sites, though some locations like Grayson Lake State Park have sites with "serious inclines" that can challenge larger RVs.

Waterfront camping dominates the eastern Kentucky landscape, with lakes and rivers providing scenic backdrops for many campgrounds. Fishing access represents a major draw for campers in the region, with Paintsville Lake, Yatesville Lake, Grayson Lake, and Dewey Lake all offering opportunities for anglers. Mixed-use recreation areas combine camping with other activities like hiking, boating, and golfing. Many developed campgrounds feature amenities like clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and playground areas. Most campgrounds maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with well-maintained grounds. A recent review described Paintsville Lake State Park as having "nice level, large sites with full hookups" that are "close to many local attractions in and around Paintsville." State parks typically offer more extensive facilities, while some smaller private campgrounds like Wildcat Camping and Fishing provide a more intimate experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Paintsville, KentuckyExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Paintsville, Kentucky (84)

    1. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

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

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Close to many local attractions in and around Paintsville. Only drawback was lack of any Verizon signal. Understand that AT&T and TMobile had some service."

    "We love fishing on Paintsville Lake! The boat dock is just above the playground and basketball/volleyball courts, plus there are plenty of places to fish on the bank. Gorgeous views."

    2. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    8 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. 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."

    4. Wildcat Camping and Fishing

    2 Reviews
    Flatgap, KY
    9 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."

    5. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    4 Reviews
    Dewey Lake, KY
    13 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."

    6. Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Grayson Lake, KY
    29 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."

    7. Falls Campground

    9 Reviews
    Louisa, KY
    26 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."

    8. Zilpo Campground

    49 Reviews
    Salt Lick, KY
    42 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."

    9. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Olive Hill, KY
    42 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."

    10. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    45 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)."

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Recent Camping Photos near Paintsville, KY

181 Photos of 84 Paintsville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Paintsville, KY

600 Reviews of 84 Paintsville Campgrounds

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • 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.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • 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.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots of activities

    Small sites but full hookups. Many amenities. multiple pools in the area, mini golf, animal exhibit although closed when we were there. Both trails we went on weren’t maintained well but the area was pretty.

  • K
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

    Too busy not relaxing

    We just spent a long weekend at Greenbo Lake State Park. It’s a clean campground, but sites are packed in pretty tight. Not my ideal kind of camping. The kids had fun because there were about 100 kids in the campground running around. There was a vacation bible school going on. Our kids were invited to take part in activities. Really nice people all over the campground. They advertise the sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups. What they didn’t say was that you had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp. I pulled everything to run on propane that I could and plugged into the 30 amp. We just had to watch and not use electrical appliances while the air was on. It was just way too busy and loud to relax for me. I think I’m just way too spoiled by Twin Knobs. There were way too many young kids on electric bikes that were turned loose. We were almost ran over a couple of times. We were standing beside the road once talking to the camp host in his golf cart and one teen flew between us and I had to grab my 87 year old mother to get her out of the way. The host didn’t seem to care. I was just on edge the whole time trying to keep my grandkids and mom from getting ran over. There were also a bunch of golf carts driving around as late as 2 am. I sound like an old fart, but I’m just putting it out there for future campers. We were on site 53 along the creek. There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service.

  • Cynthia K.
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Grayson Lake State Park Campground

    Very Nice State Park!

    Grayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground. I was fortunate to find a site at Grayson Lake for Wednesday & Thursday night. 

    This is a very nice campground at a small state park roughly 10 miles from Carter Caves. Most of it is campground & golf course, with 2 trails.

     Grayson Lake has 71 sites with water& electric. There's a dump station. There's 2 playgrounds. 2 bathhouses. They are on the high side of state park clean. I didn't see any spider webs or bugs.

     The area was meticulously mowed & clean- no trash at the site or fire pit. The staff at check were friendly & helpful. 

    We were at site 19 close to the bathhouse. A nice site, but that row had full sun. There were many nice sites, but many had a serious incline. Stay away from site 39 - that has a good view of the wastewater treatment plant!

    Grayson Lake is part of a larger area managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. There's a lot of boating & fishing. We had a good time & if in the area would stay again!

Guide to Paintsville

Eastern Kentucky camping spots near Paintsville offer riverside and mountain experiences at elevations ranging from 650 to 950 feet. Cell service in this region varies significantly by carrier and location, with many campgrounds reporting limited Verizon signals. The camping season generally extends from early April through October, with a few campgrounds remaining open year-round for those willing to brave winter conditions.

What to do

Kayaking access: Grayson Lake State Park has excellent flat-water kayaking opportunities, particularly around the scenic rock formations. "The Place to Kayak!! there's no more need be said. oh I guess I forgot, The place to Hike!" reports one visitor to Grayson Lake State Park.

Waterfall exploration: Falls Campground features a natural waterfall that doubles as a water slide during warmer months. A camper notes, "The waterfall is fun to slide down," making it a unique attraction for visitors to Falls Campground.

Wildlife watching: The region hosts diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and occasionally black bears. Eastern Kentucky parks require proper food storage, particularly at tent sites. "Bear Mace - A BIG CAN OF IT! Not only do you have the Black Bears to deal with, you have the Coyotes too!" advises a Jenny Wiley camper.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Yatesville Lake offers well-separated sites that provide more privacy than many state parks. "The campsites are a LONG distance from each other. You won't even hear your neighbors," writes a reviewer at Yatesville Lake State Park.

Clean facilities: Many campers note the exceptional cleanliness of bathhouses, particularly at Paintsville Lake. "It's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available," reports a recent visitor to Paintsville Lake State Park.

Halloween events: Several campgrounds organize special October festivities. "They also have a fantastic Halloween themed October. We love the experience each and every year!" shares an enthusiast at Falls Campground.

What you should know

Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays during peak season. According to Wildcat Camping and Fishing, sites are particularly difficult to secure. "We have been here for a little over a month now. Nice level gravel sites with grass around them. Full hookups 30/50A at each site," shares a camper at Wildcat Camping and Fishing.

Campsite terrain: Many sites throughout the region present leveling challenges, particularly for larger rigs. "Many of the spots don't have a great space for a tent. The flattest spots are in the middle of the circle," notes a camper at Grayson Lake.

Water quality concerns: Several lakes in the region have water quality issues that may impact swimming and fishing. "DON'T DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER! FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK,,, CATCH & RELEASE!" warns a Jenny Wiley State Park visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly environments: Multiple campgrounds design their spaces for families with children. "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 a visitor to Falls Campground.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas for children. "The sites run along the creek and beach area" making them ideal for families at Zilpo Campground, where one visitor reports, "It was fun and lots of things for the kids to do."

Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Park offers guided cave tours suitable for children. "There are tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" shares an enthusiastic visitor.

Tips from RVers

Utility connections: Many campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations requiring extra equipment. "Campsites are set up where the water hookups at in front of your camper. Bring long water hose," advises a camper at Jenny Wiley State Park.

Site selection strategy: Book early and research specific site conditions when possible. "Some sites are better than others of course. In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake," reports a Koomer Ridge visitor.

Propane and supplies: Limited propane fill stations exist in the region, so arrive with full tanks. A Gas station near Paintsville Lake sells propane and firewood, located "2-3 mins up the road," according to one camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Paintsville Lake campground?

Paintsville Lake State Park Campground offers nice level, large sites with full hookups. The campground provides access to various local attractions in and around Paintsville. Regarding connectivity, there's typically no Verizon signal, though AT&T and T-Mobile may have some service. For those seeking alternative options with robust amenities, Wildcat Camping and Fishing features level gravel sites with grass surroundings, full hookups with 30/50A connections, WiFi, and can accommodate large rigs (40+ foot 5th wheels). They also offer recreational facilities including a paylake, shelter areas, playground, horseshoe pit, and a community gathering area.

Is there a map available for Paintsville Lake campground?

Yes, maps for Paintsville Lake campground are available through multiple channels. You can find official maps on the Kentucky State Parks website, at the park office upon arrival, or by calling the park directly to request one in advance. For comparison, other eastern Kentucky campgrounds like Yatesville Lake State Park Campground and Jenny Wiley State Park Campground also provide similar mapping resources. When making a reservation online, you'll typically have access to a campground layout showing the different sites, which helps with selecting your preferred location. Additionally, some mobile apps like The Dyrt offer user-generated maps and photos of the campground.

Where is Paintsville Lake State Park campground located?

Paintsville Lake State Park Campground is located in eastern Kentucky near the city of Paintsville. The area is known for its scenic beauty and proximity to various local attractions. For context of the broader region, Grayson Lake State Park Campground is approximately 10 miles from Grayson, Kentucky, also in the eastern part of the state. Both campgrounds are part of Kentucky's state park system that features numerous recreational opportunities throughout this scenic region, making it convenient for visitors exploring eastern Kentucky.

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