Near Staffordsville, Kentucky, campgrounds cluster around three main waterways: Paintsville Lake, Yatesville Lake, and Grayson Lake. The region sits at elevations between 600-900 feet in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Temperatures range from 30-90°F seasonally, with summer camping typically requiring advance planning due to popularity among boaters and anglers seeking rv sites near Staffordsville, Kentucky.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The man-made lakes near Staffordsville offer varied fishing experiences. At Paintsville Lake State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from shore. "The lake was really calm. There are boats coming in and out but not 'traffic' per se, no issues at all kayaking and we went out several times. Fishing was good with rooster tails and panther martin spinners (silver), 1/8 and 1/16 oz," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Several camping areas feature swimming options beyond just boating. Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake offers unique amenities for water lovers. One camper explains, "There is a good size lake for swimming, they have stand up paddle boards and kayaks. On the other side of the lake there is a large water slide and a zip line that both end in the water."
Hiking access: While not the primary draw, some campgrounds offer short trails. At Yatesville Lake State Park Campground, "There are a few hiking trails near by, but I wouldn't come here for that." The park primarily focuses on water activities but maintains connecting paths between camping areas and the shoreline.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at certain campgrounds. At Yatesville Lake State Park Campground, "The campsites are a LONG distance from each other. You won't even hear your neighbors." Another reviewer adds, "This is our favorite campground, it's small, quiet, very clean and sites are not crammed together."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower facilities receive praise at several campgrounds. The Paintsville Lake bath house stands out: "The restrooms are clean. Three showers. NO ONE other than the tent campers seemed to use the bath house so I never waited for a shower or anything and there were several families tent camping and the rv sites were completely full."
Family amenities: Beyond water activities, some campgrounds offer additional recreation. At 4 Guys RV Park at Red River Gorge, families enjoy "a small fishing pond, swimming pool, basketball court, and a playground." Another camper notes they have "loads of amenities; clean/hot showers, playgrounds, pool, full hookups, campstore, fire rings & picnic tables at each sight."
What you should know
Cell service variations: Beyond Verizon issues at Paintsville Lake mentioned in the existing description, other carriers have spotty coverage too. One camper at Paintsville Lake reported, "I had terrible phone service with Sprint here." Plan communications accordingly when visiting rv camping sites near Staffordsville, Kentucky.
Site characteristics: Some campgrounds have specific limitations. At Sheltowee RV Park & Cabins, "The sites are a little tight but overall very nice and kept up to date." Understanding site dimensions helps when selecting the appropriate campground for your setup.
Seasonal considerations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, services may be limited in winter. Several campgrounds like Yatesville Lake operate only from April through October, affecting RV camping options near Staffordsville during colder months.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have active wildlife. At Paintsville Lake, campers should take precautions as "There are raccoons who like to eat so be sure to put your food up at night."
Beach access for children: Certain areas offer kid-friendly water entry points. One Paintsville Lake camper notes, "There is some access right at the campground for littles to get in the water. I really recommend water shoes as there are some hooks/lures in the water."
Playground options: For families with children who need breaks from water activities, Outpost Campground & RV Park features "a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours." Another camper mentions, "The playground needed a little attention when we first arrived but they filled in the holes and it made it so much more enjoyable for my 3 YO."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Some RV sites require careful setup. At certain campgrounds, leveling can be challenging, though many RV sites near Staffordsville have been improved for easier setup.
Pull-through availability: Pull-through sites are limited at some locations. At Backwoods Camping & RV Park, campers appreciate the flexibility: "The staff are very easy to work with - they will sell and chop the wood you need, let you put your tent in any of the open grass areas around the lot and they are flexible on arrival."
Water and sewer hookups: Full hookups are available at several locations, but quality varies. At 4 Guys RV Park, "Full hookups were SO nice," according to one camper, while Rushcreek RV Camp maintains five designated RV sites with 30-amp hookups, water connections, and sewer facilities, providing basic needs for self-contained units.