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Dog-Friendly Camping near Paintsville, KY

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    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its spacious camping areas where sites are large and not crowded together. The campground features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections for RV campers, while tent campers can enjoy walk-in sites along a well-maintained gravel path. Most sites include a picnic table and fire pit with ample room for pets to settle in beside their owners. The campground maintains designated pet waste stations with disposal bags at several locations throughout the grounds. Guests report the bathhouses and restrooms are exceptionally clean, with some describing them as "the cleanest I've ever seen." Other pet-friendly options near Paintsville include Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, Yatesville Lake State Park, and Wildcat Camping and Fishing, all allowing dogs with standard leash requirements.

    Dog owners can access easy kayak launches and calm lake waters at Paintsville Lake, providing swimming opportunities for water-loving pets. Several campgrounds in the area offer lakeside camping with direct water access for pets that enjoy swimming. The lake at Paintsville gets busy with motorboats during peak times, making morning and evening the best times for quiet shoreline walks with dogs. Nearby hiking trails connect to many campgrounds, though specific pet policies vary by trail. Families camping with dogs should secure food properly at night as raccoons are common visitors to the tent camping areas. Cell service can be limited at many of these campgrounds, so downloading maps of pet-friendly trails beforehand is recommended. The nearby gas station 2-3 minutes from Paintsville Lake sells firewood and other supplies, making it convenient to stay on site with pets rather than leaving them to make supply runs.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Paintsville (65)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

      4.7(14)4mi from Paintsville42 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $25 - $40 / night

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      2. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

      3.3(15)8mi from Paintsville118 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $35 - $45 / night

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      3. Yatesville Lake State Park Campground

      4.4(16)20mi from Paintsville47 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $20 - $32 / night

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      4. Wildcat Camping and Fishing

      5.0(2)9mi from PaintsvilleRVs, Tents

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

      "No problem for us with 36' fifth wheel and a dog."

      from $50 / night

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      5. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

      4.3(4)13mi from PaintsvilleRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      6. Grayson Lake State Park Campground

      4.0(20)29mi from Paintsville69 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $34 / night

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      7. Falls Campground

      4.4(9)26mi from PaintsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $37 - $72 / night

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      8. Zilpo Campground

      4.7(49)42mi from Paintsville169 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

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

      "We brought our small a-frame, kayaks, ez-up, kitchen set up and one of our dogs, Butters, with us for this trip."

      from $31 - $105 / night

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      9. Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground

      4.2(46)42mi from Paintsville120 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

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

      "Hot dog cave where you have to climb up a tree trunk to get into it. The camping is good. There is a State park general store that sales camping essentials if needed."

      from $25 - $85 / night

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      10. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

      4.6(48)45mi from Paintsville54 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "There are gravity toilets throughout and a bathroom with running water and hot showers towards the entrance."

      from $27 - $45 / night

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Paintsville, KY

    87 Photos of 65 Paintsville Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Paintsville, KY

    627 Reviews of 65 Paintsville Campgrounds

    • Todd C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 11, 2023

      Ashland Huntington West Campground

      Nice Campground Close to Interstate

      KOA Review

      The campground it’s self is very clean and taken care of. We were there in early March with winter temps. 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. The site could be maintained better ours had lots of tire ruts and fire pit could have been better for the price. Overall it’s a good campground with amenities in great shape. A good little dog park that was extremely clean, putt putt, and more. I would come back again in the off season just cause we like camping with less crowds.

    • Jacqueline H.
      Jul. 8, 2021

      Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake

      Very peaceful

      Quiet spot next to an industrial area. Nice view of man-made lake with a number of fishing huts for catch-and-release fishing. Pets allowed leashed, with no tie-outs permitted. Helpful owner who escorted us to our campsite with full service hookups but no picnic table or fire ring (some sites had tables). We had a peaceful overnight stay.

    • Rick G.
      May. 17, 2022

      Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

      Couldn’t Ask for More

      Stayed 3 nights. Nice level, large sites with full hookups. 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.

    • Wayne H.
      Sep. 1, 2019

      Twin Knobs Recreation Area

      Twin Knobs

      This drive in camp site is a pay only and it’s best to call a couple weeks before your trip to reserve you spot! You can tent camp, pop up, or set up your pull behind. Twin Knobs is very clean and spacious campsites and most are on the water! This campground has basketball courts, a beach area, restrooms and more. Pet friendly but must stay on a leash.

    • Cyndy & Selena R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 27, 2023

      Poppy Mountain Campground

      Off Season-Place to Ourselves

      Got there in April and basically no one was there which was awesome. Although we did lose our long haired cat named Trouble, she has her collar and chip but there were dogs around and she never came back. Attached is a picture. Other than the weather and losing Trouble it was great.

    • Tahnee M.
      Apr. 4, 2021

      Valley Breeze RV Campground

      Very cozy/clean RV & camper site

      The folks that run this RV park are very nice and obviously have a lot of pride in their place. Valley Breezy is very well kept and clean. Good amenities- electric/sewer/water hookup. Pets allowed (on-leash).

    • Barbara L.
      Sep. 23, 2016

      Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

      Camping during the Rugged Red!

      I was extremely thankful to get a last minute tent site during my trip to run the Rugged Red. Locationwise, it's perfect and right at the start of the race. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and I can't wait to go back!! I love the creek that runs through the campground (we were in the Whittleton loop)...and the trail that starts in the back of the campground. It poured all night while we were there, but we stayed dry...our site didn't flood or anything.

      I only have two complaints. The website said free wi-fi, but evidently that's only on the other larger loop. It was misleading. Also, this trail is one of the only ones in the area where dogs are allowed. That's a huge issue for me, since I always camp and hike with my sidekick. That's a state park issue, not an isolated campground issue. It's pet friendly!!

    • J
      Oct. 12, 2021

      Red River Gorge Campground

      Red river gorge

      Well traveled trails easily followed. Clean campground. Very scenic as one would expect. Local food is good a lot of small mom an pop establishments. 30/50 amp service at most if the campgrounds all have tent camping. Cell service is very spotty WiFi was the same pet friendly. Did see signs for ADA sites. Found food and supplies available found a few outfitters for camping and rafting gear

    Guide to Paintsville

    Paintsville Lake State Park rests at the foothills of the eastern Kentucky mountains at approximately 700 feet elevation, surrounded by dense deciduous forests that create vibrant fall colors from mid-October through early November. The surrounding region features several campgrounds situated along various waterways, with camping seasons typically running April through October when temperatures range from 50-85°F. Water levels at many area lakes fluctuate seasonally, affecting boat launches and swimming areas.

    What to do

    Morning kayaking at Yatesville Lake: Yatesville Lake State Park Campground offers calm waters ideal for paddling before motorboats arrive. "The lake is quite clean for swimming, boating or fishing, but can be a little busy at times," reports Chris M., who recommends early morning paddling sessions.

    Natural bridge hiking: Several hiking paths connect to the campgrounds in the region, with varying difficulty levels. "Hike the red trail, see the natural bridge, come for pioneer week," suggests Becky H., highlighting popular walking routes near Jenny Wiley State Park Campground.

    Fishing opportunities: The lakes around Paintsville provide diverse fishing experiences depending on water clarity and season. "If you like catfishing, this is your Lake," notes David O. about Dewey Lake, mentioning that while water often appears muddy, the fishing remains excellent.

    What campers like

    Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites at Yatesville Lake State Park. "Plenty of space between campsites. Just wish they had sewer hookups," reports Cathi, highlighting the privacy compared to more crowded state parks.

    Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain above-average bathroom facilities. "The shower house is next to Site 14 and was clean though chilly but had hot & cold running water and was modern/updated," notes Jeffrey A. about Koomer Ridge Campground.

    Water recreation access: Many visitors appreciate the direct water access at several campgrounds. "The campground is a bit tight, especially when lots of cars are in visiting the campers, very peaceful though as the night goes on," writes Lisa S. about Carter Caves, noting its proximity to creeks and lakes for swimming.

    What you should know

    Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "I had terrible phone service with Sprint here," reports Kelley K., noting that while WiFi is available in some locations, reception remains spotty in more remote camping areas.

    Weather considerations: The eastern Kentucky climate brings sudden rain patterns. "It didn't help that there was also 5"-8"+/- rain over the 3 days," explains John D. from Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, highlighting the importance of proper rain gear and site drainage.

    Lake water quality: Visitors should check current conditions before planning water activities. "Never been in the water so can't comment on Carrie J's assessment of the lake being gross," mentions Kim B., referencing varying reports about water clarity at different lakes in the region.

    Tips for camping with families

    Pet-friendly activities: For pet-friendly camping near Paintsville, Kentucky, several options accommodate four-legged family members. "The campground features a playground for children," notes Kim H., adding that both pets and children enjoy the open spaces available.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Paintsville, KY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Paintsville, KY is Paintsville Lake State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 14 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Paintsville, KY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 65 dog-friendly camping locations near Paintsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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