Best Cabin Camping near Paintsville, KY

Several cabin options are available within an hour's drive of Paintsville, Kentucky, including Zilpo Campground and Jenny Wiley State Park. Zilpo cabins measure approximately 10 x 20 feet, with a front room containing chairs, a bench, table, and air conditioning, plus a second room with four single bunk beds. Some cabins provide electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grills. "Stayed at cabin D11. Nicely maintained. A bit on the small side but good for a place to lay your head," notes one visitor. Jenny Wiley State Park offers cabin accommodations near Dewey Lake with more developed facilities including showers and restrooms nearby.

Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Zilpo Campground operates seasonally from April 25 to November 2, while other facilities like Ashland Huntington West KOA remain open year-round. Most cabins in the region permit pets, though restrictions may apply. Cabin reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when occupancy rates are highest. The cabins at Zilpo cost approximately $75 per night for electric sites, while rates at other facilities vary based on amenities and season.

Most cabins in the Paintsville region do not provide bedding. Visitors must bring sleeping bags or other bedding materials, as noted in campground policies. Basic cabins typically include minimal kitchen facilities, so campers should pack cooking equipment and food supplies. Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, with bundles priced around $7-8. Several campgrounds maintain small stores with essential items, though selection is limited. The nearest comprehensive shopping options require driving to nearby towns, so planning ahead is advisable for extended stays.

Best Cabin Sites Near Paintsville, Kentucky (30)

    1. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Auxier, KY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 889-1790

    $30 - $35 / night

    "There are tons of sites for backcountry camping throughout the park. These are primarily situated around Dewey Lake."

    "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."

    2. 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."

    3. Zilpo Campground

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

    $28 - $94 / night

    "When you follow the steps down, there was a very large camping area with the fire ring. We were able to set an RV mat with our ez-up and then set up our cooking kitchen across the way."

    "tab=fees

    Cabin Electric$75.00 Standard Electric$30.00 Standard Electric Other$41.00 Standard Nonelectric$22.00 Standard Nonelectric Other$27.00 Standard Nonelectric Double Site$33.00

    Limit"

    4. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

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

    $20 - $120 / night

    "Park was nice, clean and has friendly staff. We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."

    "The campground was a little confusing at first because the sign says next left, when the next left is the out driveway."

    5. Twin Knobs Recreation Area

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

    $31 - $128 / night

    "Good picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are not far from any of the site in the loop. Will update after we use the shower house."

    "Stayed on the F Loop next to the lake, fire pit, picnic table, level tent site and bathroom showers a short walk. Camp hosts very friendly and helpful. campsite are close together."

    6. Pappy's Creekside Camp

    5 Reviews
    East Lynn Lake, WV
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 972-3257

    $20 - $50 / night

    "We ride with the WV Outlaws and they take you on awesome trail and creek rides!! Kids love the creeks on hot days they have so much fun!! "

    "Great secluded campsite with privacy and lots of space"

    7. Cabwaylingo State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Wilsondale, WV
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 385-4255

    $15 - $75 / night

    "It's a short walk from any of the sites to the nice playground and the older but completely serviceable showerhouse.  "

    "The forest has two campgrounds, lots of picnic shelters, 100-capacity bunkhouses with a huge kitchen, plus some gorgeous historic cabins which now have A/C."

    8. Creekside Cabins & RV Park

    1 Review
    Louisa, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 686-2915

    9. Ashland Huntington West KOA

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

    "Picnic tables and fire ring. 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."

    "The staff was extremely nice and helpful, bath house and laundry was clean. The water at our site was inoperable and they offered to move us without me even having to ask which was nice."

    10. Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Breaks, VA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 865-4413

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Great mountaintop views, hiking, geocaching, kayaking, paddle boats, a zip line, and seasonal white water rafting all available."

    "Like a lot of state parks, it’s got the usual wooded picnic table, fire ring, the electrical hook-up thing if you need it (or BYOS - bring your own solar), even nice bathrooms with showers and everything"

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Cabin Reviews near Paintsville, KY

316 Reviews of 30 Paintsville Campgrounds


  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2021

    Zilpo Campground

    A Week of Relaxation

    This was a week long trip for our 7th Anniversary. We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip. We've never been to this campground before so we tried to do some research on reviews - the good, the bad the ugly. We found that the H loop seemed to be the way to go so we reserved H006. It had a very level pad for our camper - that was a plus and it included electric. There was a tent pad at the top where we would sit in the morning with coffee. When you follow the steps down, there was a very large camping area with the fire ring. We were able to set an RV mat with our ez-up and then set up our cooking kitchen across the way. The picnic table was huge (no gaps!) and provide plenty of seating for more than just the two of us. There were three lantern/food polls available to use, one at the top and two at the bottom. Across the street was extra parking and a path that led down to your own private beach. We didn't have to go to the beach (which was closed for the season) to enjoy the lake. We loved our site and although we had sites on either side - you weren't on top of each other. 

    There was a man-made path you could follow down to the lower road and take a short walk to the shower house. The shower house was ok - three toilets (one broken) and three showers (the handicap out of order). The toilets flushed "hard", in other words, be read to step out as you hit the flush button as it tends to splash more than it should. The showers had a door, a small bench for clothes and a very small stall. It was kept clean, but still covered in bugs/cobwebs/etc. There are two shower houses in H loop.

    We walked the H loop at least twice a day - almost a mile around. There are not very many electric sites on the loop. Some sites were single and some were double (much larger). We did get to walk/drive through the other loops - they were ok as well, but I would only go back knowing we'd be in H. 

    We drove out to do a couple of short hikes. No bears, but lots of nature - tons of mushrooms! We even drove through the Clear Creek campground - not a lot there, drop toilets and the water main was broken. Very low key if that's what you're looking for. We stopped by a small park and saw the old iron furnace, pretty cool and lot's of places to picnic. 

    We loved our site, the H loop and the variety of things we got to do while we were there.

  • K
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Zilpo Campground

    Land and Lake Beauty

    This campground has it all:)  I picked this campsite as it is further south in the Daniel Boone National Forest so it isn't near the chaos of the climbing that is found further North.  

    "Peak Season Rates as listed on website - https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232370?tab=fees

    Cabin Electric$75.00 Standard Electric$30.00 Standard Electric Other$41.00 Standard Nonelectric$22.00 Standard Nonelectric Other$27.00 Standard Nonelectric Double Site$33.00

    Limit 6 people and 2 vehicles per single campsite; additional vehicles will be charged$8/night; additional campers will be charged$1/night A$5 nightly fee is charged for electric hookups Each cabin has 2 double bunk beds with out mattresses, Please bring your own sleeping bags or other bedding."

    We wanted to check out the cabins as they looked so darling.  We couldn't quite tell if the cabins had AC or heat. 

    As for the beach, it was a blast and we spent pretty much the whole day there and every day with the heat. At night the beach is sadly closed but if you go up a little more on the road you will find another "beach" spot that isn't closed so you can look at the stars over the lake. 

    It is a pain to get back to town in my opinion so make sure you have what you need.

  • D
    Aug. 4, 2022

    Zilpo Campground

    Great semi rustic

    Stayed at cabin D11. Nicely maintained.  A bit on the small side but good for a place to lay your head. This cabin is directly opposite the restrooms for this loop. Cabin is about 10 x 20. The front room has two chairs a bench and table and the air conditioner. The second room has four single bunk beds.

    The grounds around the cabin are nice with gravel area for setting up an outdoor kitchen or tent or lounge chairs.

  • Julie
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great Way to Getaway

    The Breaks are considered the “Grand Canyon of the south”. Great mountaintop views, hiking, geocaching, kayaking, paddle boats, a zip line, and seasonal white water rafting all available. A few miles from the campground you’ll even find river access with a sandy beach for summer fun. A wonderful getaway when you want to be away from it all. Several campground sections to choose from with primitive sites to full hookup with electric, water, and sewer. Dump stations are available also. There are laundry facilities and bathhouses (didn’t use either so not sure on condition), playgrounds, picnic shelters, cabins, and inns. Each campsite had a fire ring and picnic table. Spots are definitely not level, so bring a variety of blocks—you’ll need them. No outside lights at the sites so when it’s dark it’s d-a-r-k. Beautiful campground.

  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 12, 2017

    Zilpo Campground

    OVER RATED

    "Zilpo, a large, fun-filled campground on Cave Run Lake, is a prime destination for families. The scenic campground offers a cabin rental, tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups and a selection of lakefront sites.  

    Views of the lake are enjoyed by those who relax on the sandy beach. Tater Knob, a fire tower open to the public, is nearby, offering outstanding views of the area."

    We were planning on staying multiple night because of the reviews online but it ended up being a whole lot of families with kids running around like wild beasts for hours on end. it truly annoyed us the entire time we were there and left early in the morning. I'm sure we could have spoke to some one and moved sites. It is advertised as above as fun for the whole family so we felt like dicks haha. whatever. moving along now.

  • Anthony I.
    May. 3, 2022

    Zilpo Campground

    Nice and quiet.

    A lovely campground that is well-maintained and very peaceful. We opted for a site with electricity and it had a nice level pad for our trailer and truck, a fire ring, a picnic table and post for our lantern. The campground itself is quite large, taking up the whole peninsula, there are not many public areas to access the beach for swimming, but there are a few moderate to easy hiking trails and during our visit other than ice and firewood there was nothing available as the store was closed. We were at our campsite at the beginning of May, and I will say be very careful as I pulled more ticks off of myself and my dog than I ever have in my life, so be sure to triple check.

  • Shari C.
    Jul. 30, 2020

    Natural Bridge Campground

    God’s country explored.

    Nice management. Basic site with all necessities meet. Nice shaded creek on the outskirts of the campground. Running water, RR, a grill, & Fire ring. All perks. 🔥

  • Alisha R.
    Apr. 1, 2023

    Twin Knobs Recreation Area

    Twin Knobs cozy camping spots

    Good level spots. Quiet the first week of April. Good picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are not far from any of the site in the loop. Will update after we use the shower house. I thought that we would be able to walk from our location to the camp store. It is possible but not easy. The camp store and laundry were closed March 31, bought firewood at entry for $8 a bundle.

  • Fred L.
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Moxley Branch Campground — Beech Fork State Park

    Large camping sites, lots to do!

    We camped for two nights midweek at Beech Fork. We chose it because the campsites are on a lovely lake. It was a good choice! The campsites are large, each with a fire pit and picnic table. Many are shaded. There are lots of things to do in addition to ranger-led activities. Rental kayaks and paddle boats are available, and a swimming pool and exercise course as well. If you choose a site on the water, ducks may well waddle into your camp looking for a handout. We had a delightful time!


Guide to Paintsville

Cabin camping options near Paintsville, Kentucky span from basic forest accommodations to full-service state park lodgings. Located in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian foothills, these facilities offer proximity to several lakes and waterways with most operating from spring through fall. Winter cabin options exist at select year-round facilities in the region.

What to do

Creek recreation: Falls Campground offers direct creek access with natural waterfall features. "The waterfall is fun to slide down," notes Ashley P., while another visitor mentions, "We really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere and love the sites along Blaine Creek. My son loves playing in the creek and on the falls so we keep tubes in the camper specifically for here."

Cave exploration: Carter Caves State Park provides unique underground adventures not available at other regional campgrounds. "Various levels of cabing experience at a reasonable cost. Lots of hiking, fairly well marked. Almost every hike is relatively short with an arch or natural bridge as a feature," explains Bryan G.

Lake activities: Twin Knobs Recreation Area offers lake-based recreation on Cave Run Lake. "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites. There are shower and toilet facilities close by. The campground is located on a lake," states Stephen H.

What campers like

Private woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at several Paintsville-area campgrounds. At Twin Knobs, "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," reports Paul K.

Water proximity: Falls Campground receives high marks for its creek access. "Every time we think of trying a new place, we go back here instead. They also have a fantastic Halloween themed October," explains Vanessa D., highlighting the seasonal programming that attracts repeat visitors.

Hiking trails: Numerous trails connect to cabin camping areas throughout the region. "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," Kim B. says about Jenny Wiley State Park.

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Most cabin facilities operate on limited schedules. Zilpo Campground operates from April 25 to November 2, while Carter Caves State Park runs from April 1 to October 31.

Cabin sizes vary significantly: Forest service cabins typically offer basic accommodations, while state parks provide more amenities. "Campsites are a little close in some areas but when you are here, you are family!" notes Cathi about Falls Campground.

Limited services: Most cabins require guests to bring supplies. "You camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains. The sites are kinda secluded from one another by tree and bush lines. Restrooms are clean and nice enough but water is heated by solar power," Kellie Dawn T. explains about Twin Knobs.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Some facilities specifically cater to families with children. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites. Camp store had lots of food options and coffee," reports Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.

Recreational programming: Several campgrounds offer organized activities. "Kids can be seen from all spots, all over the campground. Very family friendly. Clean. Fantastic staff," says Vanessa D. about Falls Campground.

Mobility considerations: Mountain terrain affects accessibility at many sites. "This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities. White tail deer are frequent, and very tame," Carol J. notes about Breaks Interstate Park.

Tips from RVers

Extended hookups: Many cabin areas also accommodate RVs with varying levels of service. Breaks Interstate Park offers full-service sites but requires planning: "The roads to this amazing State Park are two lane and twisting. We have a 38' 5er and a CrewCab Dually tow vehicle. We didn't have a lot of issues getting here but it is quite mountainous with a lot of climbs," advises Robert L.

Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many sites in the region. "Prepare for some levelling. We lucked out in the B loop, as a small trail (Grassy Overlook trail) took us to see the northern lights one evening," Bob M. shares about Breaks Interstate Park.

Supply planning: Limited shopping options require advance planning. "Be sure to bring all necessary supplies BEFORE you get here, nearest stores are a 20 minute drive away on crooked mountain roads," notes Robert L. about traveling to Breaks Interstate Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Paintsville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Paintsville, KY is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Paintsville, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 cabin camping locations near Paintsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.