4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Daniel Boone National Forest White Sulphur Horse Camp provides basic accommodations for equestrians near Paintsville. Located in Salt Lick, Kentucky, this primitive campground features vault toilets and trash collection but lacks drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. The campground primarily accommodates tent camping with sites that offer picnic tables and fire rings. Visitors must bring their own horses as rental options are not available. The campground remains open year-round and maintains a pet-friendly policy for those traveling with dogs alongside their horses.
Horse camps in the region typically require visitors to bring their own horses and equipment. German Bridge - Dewey Lake offers an alternative option with a barn where horses can be boarded for approximately $15 per night. This campground provides basic amenities including showers, bathrooms, and drinking water for $15 per night at primitive sites. Some campsites receive significant sun exposure while others offer more shade. The campground's proximity to Dewey Lake makes it popular with both equestrians and boaters. Trails throughout the area accommodate riders of various experience levels, with most campgrounds providing adequate space for horse trailer parking.
"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 availablefrom $35 - $45 / night
"For an extra fee ($15 I think, we don't have horses) you could board your horse in the barn. Campsites are a reasonable price with no hookups, $15."
"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"
"This is a beautiful state park with breathtaking views of creeks along the roadway, wonderful landscape designed by nature, good hiking trails, peaceful campground, and a nice lodge."
"We liked that we could walk to the bathrooms and not have to drive there. We stayed at site 100 and really enjoyed the shade trees."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $85 / night
"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
Available next weekend
from $35 - $150 / night
"Didn't appreciate the grill in the next site (thought it was too close to us). We were in Site #8. Not sure what all is around here."
"We stayed on the upper end by the veterans cemetery, even though it's close to the pool and playground, it was pretty quiet. Sites were a bit unlevel, but easy to back into."
from $55 - $85 / night
"* Beautiful area of Kentucky Nice trails and great kayaking"
"Primitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $55 / night
"The proximity to the river and kayaking is a big priority for me. They have kayaks for rent at the campground or you can bring your own. "
"We were able to put up a 20 x 10 canopy outside of our camper canopy with plenty of extra room. Lots of space for the kids to run."
"No water or electricity at the primitive campground, but you’re within walking distance of the main bathhouse which was nice and clean during my stay. "
"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."
from $16 / night
"The equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done."
from $50 - $67 / night
"The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults. Giovanni's pizza restaurant on site has wifi. This campground is located out in God's country. "
from $20 / night
GuideGreenbo 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
TravelerWe love Twin Knobs! We have camped there numerous times - in the Sping, Summer, and Fall. Electric and non electric sites. The campground staff is always a pleasure to interact with, and so kind! Always clean. Most sites are within walking distance to the lake. My only suggestion is I wish they had some playgrounds for small kids.
Scouttrails are a complete mess, a lot were impassable and very dangerous not recommended for horses, some have not had any maintenance done in years, even the main trail out of camp a couple miles was impassable... very poor :(
TravelerCampground is beautiful. Restrooms were very clean.
Mix of hook up and primitive. VERY spacious sites with privacy and space between. Its right on Cave Run Lake too.
Only negative we saw was widowmaker limbs in trees directly above campsites.
TravelerNice pool, most sites I could see have sewer. Water pressure was low. Very few shady sites on top level.
GuideQuiet and peaceful campground in the former corn field of the owners grandfather. Clean bathhouse, kids play area and hammocks for relaxing. Staff will shuttle you and a kayak 3 miles up the Licking river for a relaxing, family friendly float. My site had electric and water with a dump station available for $40.
TravelerWe were surprised to find the store open when we arrived at 6, but woman inside was a trip. She could not seem to figure out how to do anything and talked to herself the whole time. Check in took about 20-30 minutes! She was very friendly though and explained how to get to our site. Tried to get propane- first she said she didn't know how to do it, then she decided she did, but wound up being clueless. She did let us change our site because it was so far from the bathroom. We had to go down a crazy steep narrow hill to get to the lower area. Thought it might be quiet but wound up on top of a busy road. Ok for an overnight. Huge street lights over us. Sites a little junky looking.
GuideThe equestrian sites are full hookups and able to accommodate large rigs with pull through sites. The RV sites are under construction and will be some time before they are done. Bathhouse is clean and up to date. The roads are narrow and windy.
TravelerVery clean. Site was generous and clean. Registration staff helpful and very friendly.
Equestrian camping options spread throughout the Daniel Boone National Forest region near Paintsville, Kentucky. Several campgrounds within a 40-mile radius accommodate riders and their horses with varying levels of amenities. Many horse trails connect to larger networks allowing for extended rides through the rugged terrain of eastern Kentucky.
Kayaking on Dewey Lake: Access the water directly from Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, where fishing opportunities abound. "The fishing on Dewy Lake is awesome. The water is muddy a lot. But if you like catfishing, this is your Lake," notes camper David O.
Cave exploration: Located about 35 miles from Paintsville, Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers underground adventures with ranger-guided tours. "There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see. The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" recommends Chris B.
Wildlife viewing: Chief Logan State Park maintains a wildlife center with bears, bobcats and raptors for a $2 donation. "The caretaker helped me get some nice photos of the bears by putting some honey and peanut butter on the fence around their enclosure," shares Jennifer B.
Riverfront access: The Ole Cornfield offers sites along the Licking River with excellent wading spots. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such," writes Karen P.
Entertainment options: Beyond typical outdoor recreation, Jenny Wiley State Park features cultural attractions. "Make sure you check out the Jenny Wiley theater if you can, they are beyond talented," recommends Kristie B.
Private campsites: Many visitors appreciate Twin Knobs Recreation Area for its separated sites. "The campground is in a wooded area and each campsite is separate by woods from the nearby sites," explains Stephen H.
Water quality concerns: Some campers report issues with Dewey Lake water quality. "DO NOT DRINK THE WATER FROM THIS LAKE... AND DON'T SWIM IN IT EITHER! FISH AT YOUR OWN RISK,,, CATCH & RELEASE!" cautions Tena G.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "You get no cell service in the campgrounds and no reception," reports Pamela S. about Jenny Wiley State Park.
Hookup logistics: At Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, RVers should plan for shared electric hookups. "You share a box but only one 30 and one 50 amp. So if you both have a 30 amp the other has to get an adapter for the 50," explains Charles D.
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites," notes Brooke V. about Ashland Huntington West KOA.
Wading opportunities: For young explorers, German Bridge at Dewey Lake provides safe water access. "If you looking to get away and you like the company of close campers this place may be for you. It's right off the back waters of Dewy lake. So great to kayaking or any small boats," advises David O.
Playgrounds and amenities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. "The campground has a little 55 gallon barrel train ride for little kids. The creek nearby offers up a good, safe swimming hole for all the kids and adults," describes Andrew S. about Ole Henry's Camping Retreat.
Site leveling: Most campgrounds near Paintsville offer reasonably level spots, but preparation helps. "Our site was full hook up and very level. There was creek nearby and walking paths all over," reports Jeremiah S. about Chief Logan State Park.
Utility extensions: Pack longer hoses and electrical cords. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises Ron & Bonnie D. about Carter Caves State Park.
Site selection: At Twin Knobs Recreation Area, site choice impacts your camping experience. "We stayed in one of the 'premium' sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible," shares Paul K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Paintsville, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Paintsville, KY is Jenny Wiley State Park Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Paintsville, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Paintsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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