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Camping near Fishtrap Lake

157 Reviews

Campgrounds near Fishtrap Lake, Kentucky range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV areas, with several state parks and Corps of Engineers facilities throughout the region. Notable options include Jenny Wiley State Park Campground and Paintsville Lake State Park, both offering a mix of tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations. The area features a blend of mountaintop camping experiences and waterfront sites along lakes and rivers, with most campgrounds maintaining picnic tables, fire rings, and access to basic amenities.

Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds situated along winding mountain roads that can present challenges for larger RVs and trailers. Most developed sites in the area provide drinking water and restroom facilities, though amenities differ between locations. Weather considerations include hot, humid summers and cool, potentially snowy winters, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Travelers should note that several campgrounds operate seasonally, with Jenny Wiley State Park operating from April through October. One visitor noted, "The climb up the mountain to get here is worth it. The sites are well marked with wide spaces for pulling through or backing in."

The camping experience in Eastern Kentucky combines Appalachian mountain settings with water recreation opportunities. Several reviews highlight the proximity to hiking trails and scenic overlooks as major draws for the area's campgrounds. Bathhouses and facilities receive mixed reviews, with some campgrounds maintaining exceptionally clean facilities while others offer more rustic amenities. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer and birds, are commonly reported at campgrounds throughout the region. German Bridge at Dewey Lake and other waterfront sites are particularly popular during summer months. For those seeking more seclusion, campgrounds like Lower Twin Campground offer somewhat more remote experiences while still providing basic amenities like electric hookups and picnic areas, though as one camper cautioned, "Be on the lookout for copperheads and rattlesnakes!"

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Best Camping Sites Near Fishtrap Lake (47)

    1. Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Breaks, VA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 865-4413

    $20 - $38 / night

    "It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade. It was a short walk to the bathhouse which was very clean with nice showers.  The campground has 4 different loops."

    "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."

    2. Lower Twin Campground (VA)

    1 Review
    Ashcamp, KY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 835-9544

    $20 - $24 / night

    3. Thunder River Campground

    1 Review
    Haysi, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 701-9876

    "There is no bath house, just a couple of porta potties surround by a structure with a handwashing station. The host informed us that a new bath house was in the works and coukd be open in November."

    4. Backwoods Camping & RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Williamson, WV
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 426-2910

    $10 - $160 / night

    "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."

    5. Pound River Campground - Closed for 2023

    1 Review
    Clintwood, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 835-9544

    "Locating directly in the river makes it a very serene atmosphere. We enjoyed fishing and kayaking during our stay."

    6. Jenny Wiley State Park Campground

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

    $30 - $35 / night

    "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."

    7. German Bridge - Dewey Lake

    4 Reviews
    Dewey Lake, KY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 789-4521

    "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."

    8. Lower Twin Branch

    Be the first to review!
    John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir, VA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 835-9544

    9. Pound River Campground (VA)

    Be the first to review!
    Clintwood, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 835-9544

    $20 - $26 / night

    10. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Staffordsville, KY
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 297-8488

    $25 - $35 / night

    "We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in."

    "Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fishtrap Lake

38 Photos of 47 Fishtrap Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fishtrap Lake

157 Reviews of 47 Fishtrap Lake Campgrounds

  • Todd C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Fall trip

    Beautiful campground, site can be a little small. We stayed in the C loop so we never used the bath house or anything. The camp hosts and staff were amazing and lots of help.

  • cyndy B.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Lower Twin Campground (VA)

    Good

    Great host,, very clean.. Has showers ,, bost ramp, hiking,, etc... ONLY downfall about the place is SNAKES... Be on the lookout for copperheads and rattlesnakes !!!

  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Hidden Valley WMA

    Private location - challanging hills

    The camp area is alright - 4 ish areas to pull up to and a few tent sites… pretty and quiet. Only downside is that the road up is a pretty harsh grade for 4 miles. Our short bus Skoolie had some troubles with it. There also are a few peculiar (methy) characters that come in and out of the parking lot at night. Outside of that pretty quiet cool fern filled Forrest and lake.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Chief Logan State Park Campground

    Lots of activities

    Small sites but full hookups. Many amenities. multiple pools in the area, mini golf, animal exhibit although closed when we were there. Both trails we went on weren’t maintained well but the area was pretty.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    My Eastern KY Fav!

    This campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous.

    The campground has many full hookup sites. I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available. There is a playground for children.

    Lots of boating and fishing occurred.

    Both the staff and the other campers were friendly and considerate. Quiet hours were observed.

    We've already made reservations for next season!

  • Polly J.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    Disgusting

    Bbathrooms are disgusting.  Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years.  They don't seem to care.

Guide to Fishtrap Lake

Camping near Fishtrap Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Breaks Interstate Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The landscape in the park was just beautiful. The overlooks, especially the tower overlook, are gorgeous."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Carr Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it. Overall the campground is clean and staff is extremely helpful."
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Chief Logan State Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "You won’t have to pay a dime to see deer. I spotted dozens of does, bucks, and fawns during my stay."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Littcarr Campground. A happy camper said, "Very clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a wonderful location on the lake."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The campground was nice, the staff friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Yatesville Lake State Park Campground appreciate the space between sites. A visitor noted, "Always clean sites well spaced out."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you're relying on your phone, be prepared for spotty service at Littcarr Campground. A camper mentioned, "Definitely needed WeBoost to make data functional."
  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Chief Logan State Park Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. One camper pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, such as Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, are only open from April to October. A visitor noted, "Roads in campground are rough in places."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. Chief Logan State Park Campground has a pool and mini-golf. A reviewer said, "The staff was very easy to work with and very friendly."
  • Plan for Noise: If you're camping on weekends, be prepared for more noise. One camper at Jenny Wiley State Park Campground mentioned, "Unfortunately our neighbors were very noisy!!!"
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds like Breaks Interstate Park Campground have open spaces perfect for games. A visitor shared, "The trails are well marked at trail head & with colored blazes."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground offers full hookups. A camper noted, "Nice level, large sites with full hookups."
  • Road Conditions: Be aware of road conditions leading to campgrounds. One RV traveler at Carr Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Yatesville Lake State Park Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor said, "Always clean sites well spaced out."

Camping near Fishtrap Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fishtrap Lake located in Pikeville?

Fishtrap Lake is located in eastern Kentucky, near Pikeville in Pike County. The lake was formed by the Fishtrap Dam on the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River. While not directly in Pikeville's city limits, it's in the vicinity, making it accessible from Pikeville. The nearby Jenny Wiley State Park Campground is situated along Dewey Lake, another popular body of water in the region. The lake's location makes it a valuable recreational resource for residents of Pikeville and surrounding communities.

Are there camping facilities at Fishtrap Lake in Pikeville?

Yes, there are camping facilities available at and around Fishtrap Lake. Hidden Valley WMA offers dispersed camping near the water's edge (though not directly lakeside), with fire rings, bear bins, and a portable toilet. Camping here is technically free but requires a Virginia Wildlife Access pass. For those seeking more amenities, Backwoods Camping & RV Park is in the region with cabins, RV spots, grassy tent areas, decent showers, and bathrooms. There are also several other campgrounds within driving distance offering various levels of facilities and amenities for campers visiting Fishtrap Lake.

What fishing opportunities are available at Fishtrap Lake?

Fishtrap Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with a variety of species available. The lake is regularly stocked with fish, similar to Kingdom Come State Park Campground which has a small stocked lake nearby. At Fishtrap, anglers can catch bass, crappie, catfish, and various other species. Carr Creek State Park Campground is another nearby option with clear water for fishing. For the best experience, fish near the shoreline areas where underwater structures provide good habitat. The lake's varied depths and coves create ideal fishing spots throughout the reservoir.

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