Looking for an adventure where you can explore Paintsville and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Paintsville with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Paintsville, Kentucky's most popular destinations.
Red River Gorge Campground is known for its picturesque surroundings and range of outdoor activities. The campground is located in the heart of Red River Gorge, a geological wonderland with soaring sandstone cliffs, natural arches and deep gorges. The area is popular with hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous trails for all levels of experience, as well as opportunities for rock climbing, kayaking and fishing. Red River Gorge Campground provides a one-of-a-kind camping experience in Kentucky.
$10 / night
$14 / night
Paragon is a primitive camping area with 7 designated campsites, some with lantern posts and fire rings. Alert: August 21, 2019 - The U.S. Forest Service opened a section of Paragon Road on Friday, August 16, 2019. The gate closest to Highway 519 was opened and motor vehicles will be able to drive to the first two loops commonly used for camping, swimming, and fishing. The new gate has been installed to allow vehicle access into the area while road work and repairs continue. The new gate will also allow the two camping loops to remain open when Cave Run Lake is 1.5 to 2 feet above summer pool and inundating the lowest portions of Paragon Road, which has occurred many times in the last decade and resulted in closure of the entire road and camping area. Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your trip to this area. Learn more... The campground is located on the Cumberland Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest. Cave Run Lake is widely known for its scenic beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities. The lake is also the home of Kentucky's state record muskie.This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. Nearby facilities: Poppin Rock Boat Ramp
The campground is on 10 acres of tree lined frontage on the Red River. There is a mix of trees/shade and open fields. It is a primitive campground, meaning that there are no power hook-ups or running water. There is an excellent canoe/kayak take-out. It's location in the heart of the Gorge makes it the perfect place for riverside camping and provides access to hiking trails.
$8 - $20 / night
This recreation area is part of Yatesville Lake
Phillips's Creek Group Picnic area is a secluded site surrounded by forest. It is a great facility for family reunions, organization activities and other group events.
Open lawn areas are adjacent to the picnic area can be used for activities such as horseshoes, sports and games (bring your own game and sports equipment). Hiking trails are available within easy driving distance and include Pine Mountain and Red Fox Trails. The Phillip's Creek Trail is near the picnic area.
Parking is adjacent to the picnic shelters and restroom facilities. The restrooms are pit toilets. The toilets are adjacent to shelter #1 but are a short walk (850 feet) from shelter #2. A large charcoal grill is available at both shelters. Picnic tables are located inside the shelters. There is no electricity or drinking water available.
The picnic area is surrounded by forest. The North Fork of Pound Reservoir is nearby and is a popular boating and fishing destination.
The Pine Mountain and Red Fox Trails are within easy driving distance.
Ranger
We came in on a Friday late afternoon and there were only a few camping sites available. We found a spot right on the lake.
Our first morning a heron was fishing in the lake less than 100 feet from us. We saw him catch a fish. There were woodpeckers, hawks and several other birds I did not recognize.
The view of the lake from our camp site was amazing. Very picture worthy!
The campsites are pretty close together providing less than optimal privacy. Some of the campers stayed up late but they kept the noise level down.
While there we saw one group hang a deer carcass in a tree. Good times!
Traveler
The people that work here are so very nice. I love the relaxed chill atmosphere. I always come on a Sunday or a weeknights it is pretty empty and the campsites are too close together for me to go on a weekend. I think the sites should be less than $40 on a slow night but I still love it here.
Guide
The map for this campground isn’t quite accurate. Also, the price is $24 p/ night not $14. Not quite what we were looking for.
Guide
Pros: Beautiful little creek. Well spaced sites. Low usage. Some sites are long. Nice hiking trails from campsite. Most sites are shaded.
Cons: Close to a moderately used road.
Pit toilets, picnic tables, gravel pads.
Ranger
There is so much to do nearby. Awesome stores and adventures. Campground has WiFi, fishing for kids, and is in a great location.
Traveler
Perfect for a quick one night stay while traveling! Reasonable, nice site backed up to a babbling stream. Short walk to bathroom with shower! Short walk w/ my dog on the trails before heading back on the road!
Guide
It didn’t get better for Trent camping within a two hour radius. I finally made it here and will be back.
Ranger
We had a great time as usual. Nice, quiet and overall clean. Our fire pit was dirty with trash and looked like it had been ran over or something which is surprising for the park.
Traveler
A very nice state park with an abundance of natural resources surrounding the campground. There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds. The caves themselves are quite the treat.
The staff are all very friendly and there are camping sites for tents or rigs. However, like many state parks that have not been updated, navigating into some of the spots with a large rig can be challenging. On the one hand, this is nice as there are mature trees throughout. On the other hand, they could increase the size / length of the existing campsites. There is a nice playground and a camp store for any items you have forgotten.
The lodge is available down the road (within the state park) for dinner if you are looking to mix up the trip. Not fine dining, but decent food. There is also a pool available at a discounted rate for campers - which our kids enjoyed. Note: there are no full hookup sites, which is not uncommon for KY State Parks.
Guide
Chief Logan has a lot of interesting things to see, including an outdoor animal exhibit, a lodge, a pool, a theatre, and a museum all close together.
Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over. We went over to the lodge and was able to swim in the pool and hot tub as part of the price of our campsite. There was solar event with super rare aurora light show for this part of the world while we were there.
Scout
Quiet, less utilized campground on Cave Run Lake. Campsites have more privacy and are more primitive. There is a bathhouse, but it is not regularly maintained. This campground is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Some of the campsites have private beaches.
Scout
This place is very beautiful first and foremost. You can fish, rent boats and kayaks. Also the hiking isn’t to bad! They even have tennis courts and a small water park.
Scout
It’s a pretty nice place overall. Decent fishing and camping.
Legend
We camped here over the weekend in a double campsite. It was very spacious and clean. The site had 2 picnic tables, 2 lantern poles, and and a fire pit. Everything was leveled, so the tent set up was really easy. The campground is very well maintained. Some sites have stairs in order to reach the tent pads. There is a bathhouse with flushing toilets and nice showers. They also have pit toilets, which I never used. There are several trails, that start from the campground. The area is absolutely stunning, but it was extremely hot, so we couldn't do too much hiking. But the plan is to return in fall.
Scout
Roads in campground are rough in places. Electrical boxes are in rough shape at some sites. 30 amp kept tripping the breaker. WiFi does not work. Several sites have full hookup but sewer hookups need to be repaired and water hookups are far away.
Guide
Stayed 4 nights in section D. Our site was ok. There were a lot better sites to stay though. Staff was helpful and friendly. We had full hookups. Lots of shade.
ScoutLevel site. Staff cleans the bathhouse every hour.
Guide
We LOVE Woodstock! Such a beautiful, open, peaceful property and each site has its own handmade benches and firepit. Literally right off the road for Red River Gorge so you’re 10 minutes from creation falls, sky bridge, chimney top rock, etc. Also right down the road from Sky Station and The Brick for beers, ice cream and coffee. Also just 15 minutes from the amazing Muir Valley climbing area. Literally couldn’t ask for a better location for a weekend in RRG. Not to mention how peaceful it is, away from the hustle and bustle of the other camps in Slade.
Ronnie is the kindest host, very considerate and welcoming. He helped us when we pulled in to guide our big rig to the best spot (35 foot camper). He has tent sites and space for RVs but it is primitive camping so be prepared - no water or bathrooms available. Oh and cash only!
We can’t wait to be back. Thanks Ronnie!
Guide
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. Wifi. Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels. There is a paylake with small shelter areas, playground, horseshoe pit, game room, community gathering area, store with snacks, drinks, tackle and other items. There are restrooms, but no showers or laundry. Beautiful area. About 11 miles to Paintsville, which has all the stores you'd need. Some closer convenience stores. Johnny and Regina, the owners, couldn't be any nicer. Very good monthly rates. Can receive mail and packages.
Guide
We stayed here while some of our group did some rock climbing in the area. The camp staff was super helpful and offered to rearrange a few sites that were open so that our tents would fit better. It was during the week, so not all of the sites were full which gave him some flexibility. Some of the sites in the RV area are pretty small so do some checking when you select.
TravelerEvery RV site has a level concrete pad, making setup easy. Otherwise the rest of the RV area is gravel, without any trees or obstructions. Dust to dawn lights keep the area well lit all night. Area appears to be well patrolled by local law enforcement.
The area has a lot of potential to become a destination, hopefully the city will continue to increase the appeal. Maybe include some hike/bike trails. Dreamland public pool is on the road that leads to the park, and also a small railroad museum (unsure if it is operational at present).
Do plan on returning and will update this review accordingly.
TravelerSites are okay. We had one with trees so got some shade. Staff is friendly. The restrooms didn’t get cleaned the entire 5 nights we were here. The floor was swept but the same dead fly on the sink was there all week too. There are only 2 men’s and two women’s shower/toilet rooms for the entire camp. During the week it was not an issue but the place got full on Friday night and having two toilets for each sec is not a good plan, especially if two men want to shower leaving no men’s facilities until they’re done. Probably would not return.
TravelerStay 6 nights, very peaceful and quite place, this time of year! Campground empty, no one there. Beautiful sites, large, all fine gravel and paved pull offs, very nice! Bathrooms could use a update, easily Lot’s of bug in May, but huge amount of ticks 🕷️ Campground sets back off main road about 10 miles, so no traffic noise at all. Has boat lunch, beach, camp store, 2 dump stations, 7 loops host at most of them, very nice people. We had great time, will defiantly be back to stay again!
RangerOne of the best forest service campgrounds I’ve stayed in. Beautiful and well maintained, lots of great hiking trails leaving directly from campground.
A lot of sites are too slanted for a van or RV, but amazing for tent camping. If you’re staying in a vehicle I recommend doing first come first serve or extensive research. The more slanted sites also are much more secluded - we couldn’t even see our neighbors most of the time. Unfortunately sound echoes so you can hear everything.
No hookups and super shady so solar is difficult. Was on Verizon extended network and had hotspot service from at and t and t mobile.
GuideHaven't been there yet.Campground wasn't in any of the apps. Just called and made reservations for 3 months. Very nice on the phone. No problem for us with 36' fifth wheel and a dog.
GuideWe stayed a weekend at Middle Fork. Nice campground. Spaces are pretty tight. Has a creek stocked with trout. Bathhouse was clean. Staff was sit friendly. Make sure bring extra power cord and water hose. The hookups are not located on the correct side at each site. All and all it is a nice place. Good place for kids to ride bikes. Most sites are pretty level.
Guide
This place is great. Came in off season in March, not expecting much. Many camps closed for season. It was beautiful, quiet, with running water and bbq pit at sites and hot showers in the bathroom. Perfect for a short stop over on x-country trip or offseason enclosed camping.
Camping near Paintsville, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the area. Campers at Koomer Ridge Campground rave about the "great hiking trails leaving directly from the campground." The trails lead into the stunning Red River Gorge, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Fishing and Kayaking: If you enjoy water activities, Zilpo Campground is ideal for kayaking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned it as "perfect for kayaking and fishing," highlighting the campground's access to Cave Run Lake.
Caving: Visit the nearby caves at Carter Caves State Resort Park. A visitor noted, "There are many hiking options, some that explore the various caves around the grounds," making it a fun spot for families and adventurers alike.
Camping near Paintsville, Kentucky, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Paintsville, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Paintsville, KY is Red River Gorge Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Paintsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
