3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Kentucky trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Dog-Friendly Camping near Paintsville, KY

10 campgrounds with availability next weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    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.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Paintsville (67)

    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."

      Available next weekend

      from $25 - $45 / night

      17 Sites Available

      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."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $35 - $45 / night

      Check Availability

      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."

      Available next weekend

      from $24 - $36 / night

      13 Sites Available

      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

      Check Availability

      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."

      Check Availability

      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."

      Available next weekend

      from $34 / night

      48 Sites Available

      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

      Check Availability

      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."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $31 - $105 / night

      Check Availability

      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."

      Available next weekend

      from $25 - $85 / night

      83 Sites Available

      10. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

      4.6(53)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

      Check Availability
    View all 67 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Paintsville Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Paintsville, KY

    88 Photos of 67 Paintsville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Paintsville, KY

    647 Reviews of 67 Paintsville Campgrounds

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2026

      Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

      Sites 36/37

      Koomer ridge is very pretty and quiet. Views are great, we didn’t do anything with the camp store so I can’t speak to it, but it’s also close to great hiking.

      Pit toilets are…well pit toilets. The set near our sites were cleaner and newer than others.

    • Kim H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Breaks Interstate Park Campground

      Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful!

      We camped in pull-thru A43. The site is decently level and spacious. The other campers were very friendly. The bath house was modern and clean.

      There was so much to do here! We ventured out to most of the overlooks; the views were breathtaking! There were plenty of hiking opportunities on trails from easy to difficult. Kayaks also were available for rent.

      There is a hotel in the park, but it's far enough from the campgrounds (A, B, C, and D) that the guests don't bother the campers.

      I can't imagine how glorious this place must be in the fall!

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 24, 2026

      Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

      Nice campsite.

      Good place to stay. On the noisy side due to distant highway traffic. Facilities clean but the site was a bit on the pricey end for a walk-to basic campsite. Did have some Verizon cell coverage.

    • Jeff A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 13, 2026

      Beach Fork Lake Lower Bowen

      Beech Fork

      You would like the perfect location - reserve site 231 - at the end of- right by lake - cool breeze comes right into your camp

    • Luke M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 25, 2026

      Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

      Great hiking but the campground is kinda meh

      I’m glad we visited this park but I feel like calling it a “resort park” is pushing it. We visited Silver Springs State Park in Florida, and Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia and their amenities were much better.

      Pros:

      • The trails are beautiful. Natural Bridge, Chimney Rock, Princess Arch, and Grey’s Arch were all wonderful.
      • The staff seems nice and willing to help
      • There is a restaurant in the park and it has decent prices

      Cons:

      • The dryer near the bathroom was non-functional. It had a sign-up noting that it didn’t work so I know that staff knew about it. Despite that, it was not repaired during our several day trip.
      • The dump station is on the main entrance to the Middle Fork Campground and it is on the right side of the road. This means you have to stop in the middle of the oncoming lane to dump your tanks. It is a really weird layout.
      • The bathrooms could used better cleaning. My wife noticed pee stains on one of the toilets and it present for several days on our trip which indicates they weren’t being cleaned very well.
      • The

      Other thoughts:

      • Site B35 is weird because you have back in past several sites to get into it. We have a camper van with a 360 cameras so this isn’t too bad for us, but it would be a pain if you had a larger rig.
    • C
      Aug. 19, 2026

      Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

      Home town chilling

      Greenbo is a small state park tucked away in beautiful greenup co a very quit peaceful park. With a little known secret outside of the area world class bass fishing. Yelp that’s right you wouldn’t ever guess that by the size of the lake but it’s fact and the restaurant at the lodge. Is outstanding

    • Kate E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 18, 2026

      Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

      Really nice walk to site!

      Our site was down a path about 60 steps from our parking space. The tent site area was rocky. We always use small rug runner next to our air mattress in our tent, which was a must for this site. It rained before we arrived, so we saw where water would pool near the front of the tent pad (this was two steps up from the rest of the campsite) so we set up our ten near the back. Nice big picnic table and fire pit.

      Very private site with huge trees. Being August and down in a valley meant very little wind at the site so it was quite muggy as expected. Pit toilets nearby were fine. Wish there would have been a hook for our light at night. Full bathrooms were in the main loop of the campground. They were fine, not the worst we've experienced, but not the best either.

      Tons of great hiking nearby (within 20 minutes or so). There was also a nice trail just off the campground near our site.

    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 67 dog-friendly camping locations near Paintsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring