Eastern Kentucky's mountain region offers diverse campgrounds for RV travel near Vicco, Kentucky. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet with significant rainfall throughout the year. Campgrounds in this area feature varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to full-hookup RV parks, with many locations providing access to lakes, rivers, and mountain trails.
What to do
Lake activities at Paintsville Lake State Park: The park offers multiple water recreation options within easy access of the campground. "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," reports one visitor at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground.
Historical exploration at Portal 31: This small RV park allows visitors to experience coal mining history. "If you're interested in coal mining, have I got a spot for you. This small park is located across the street from an exhibition coal mine, portal 31. It is in the former train depots former switch yard," explains a camper at Portal 31 RV Park.
Trail access from campgrounds: Multiple parks connect directly to walking paths. "There is a gorgeous walking and biking trail beginning at Leeman Field that winds along the river leading to a local grocery store and restaurants. Maps are available for ATV trails that can be accessed from campground also," notes a reviewer from Leeman Field Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "The bath house is nice and clean. There's a playground with slides and such here, too," mentions a visitor at Cross Mountain Campground.
River and creek settings: Water features add enjoyment to several campgrounds. "We needed a spot to stay at the last minute and called the owner. We had two Jeeps with roof top tents, and while this is an RV Park, he has a few seasonal sites near the creek open. If the water is high, the sites aren't available. What a beautiful place!" shares a camper at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground.
Concrete RV sites: Quality site construction helps during poor weather. "One thing we liked is the great drainage. Even on the rainy days, there were almost no puddles due to good landscaping and slight slope," notes an RV camper about the concrete pads at Cross Mountain Campground.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "We had great cell and hot spot service (ATT & Verizon)" reports a visitor at Natural Tunnel State Park Campground, though other parks have limited service.
Water level impacts: Creek and river campgrounds have site availability contingent on water levels. Sites near creeks at Jessie Lea RV Park are unavailable when water is high, requiring alternate plans.
Bathroom maintenance schedules: Some parks clean facilities only once daily. At Carr Creek State Park, a camper notes "Bathrooms cleaned only once in the midmorning. The commodes have a button to flush which is difficult to push. I think young children couldn't push it, so the toilets got nasty and full."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming options: Several parks offer beach and swimming access. "The beach is about 100 yds long. Water was clean and clear. It might be a slight challenge walking back up the steps to the parking lot if you're not in good shape," mentions a visitor at Carr Creek State Park Campground.
Playground availability: Check for play equipment before booking. "There is a playground with slides and such here, too," notes a visitor at Cross Mountain Campground, while at Carr Creek State Park Campground, "Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings."
Beach facilities: Consider accessibility needs when planning water activities. "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it," reports a camper at Paintsville Lake. Some parks have accessible routes but gates may be locked, requiring advance arrangements.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure variations: Bring regulators for unpredictable pressure. "The water pressure is really strong, be sure to use your pressure regulator!" warns a visitor at Cross Mountain Campground.
Package delivery options: Most campgrounds have limited mail services. "There's no real 'office' to receive packages. We had to replace our rig's AC unit, and the owner allows me to ship it to his house about a mile away. When it arrived I drove over and picked it up. For other stuff, I just got a post office box in town," shares an RVer who stayed at Cross Mountain Campground.
Site spacing considerations: RV parks in the region have varying site configurations. "This campground is pretty new and not too large, making it a nice quiet getaway. All the sites are concrete with nice gravel between, along with picnic tables and firepits," describes a camper at Cross Mountain Campground.
