Paintsville Lake State Park Campground in Kentucky on map
Paintsville Lake State Park Campground
The walk-in tent sites here are first-rate.
The walk-in tent campsites are the stars of the show at this campground. Paintsville Lake was developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which spared no expense in putting this recreation destination together. The campground is first quality, and the recreational amenities follow suit. Furthermore, the lake itself offers plenty of natural amenities, such as rock cliffs and a wooded, mountainous shoreline banked against clear, green waters.
On first glance, I was disappointed in the campground—RVs were at every occupied campsite. I didn't know at the time that the walk-in tent sites were
secluded in a hollow at the rear of the campground. Ahead of me was a row of well-put-together RV campsites shaded by planted trees. Ahead, the flat beside Paintsville Lake held more large campsites that would be great if I liked to drive a big rig, but I prefer a tent myself. There is no denying that these are good sites, just not sites that tent campers would like—if there are better alternatives.
Head to the back of the campground, with a parking area and bathhouse. A slender hollow reaches deep into the ridge surrounding the main campground. Follow a little trail to reach the walk-in tent-camping area. Tall trees grow overhead and on the hillsides beside you. The walk-in sites are well integrated into the natural surroundings. Site 33 is closest to the parking area and is popular with those who want to tote their gear only a short distance. Cross a bridge over a wet-weather stream cutting through the hollow. Three more great tent camps lie on both sides of the trail. Next comes a water spigot. Pass two more sites and reach another bridge. The last four sites are farther up the hollow, with the last, site 42, less than 100 yards from the parking area. Back here, the walls of the hollow rise steeply and offer a verdant atmosphere that contrasts greatly with the RV campground. These sites are some of the best tent-camping sites in the state.
The walk-in tent area fills only on summer holiday weekends, whereas the RV area fills most summer weekends. Campers come here because it is a quiet destination yet accessible to the town of Paintsville in a flash, if need be.
Of special note is a pioneer homestead, the Mountain Homeplace, located on nearby Army Corps of Engineers land. This is a working farm from the 1850s. Historic buildings include an old homestead, school, and church. A barn, working blacksmith shop, and gristmill round out the rest of the historic sites. You can take tours of the area and enjoy special events held here, such as Apple Day, held the first weekend in October.
Three shelters are located along the shoreline in front of the campground. These would make good rainy-day refuges. On sunny days, campers will be swimming in Paintsville Lake near shelter 3. Fishing here is reputed to be good; the lake is stocked with smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and bream. Rainbow trout are also stocked annually. A full-service marina, located within sight of the state park, rents boats in case you want to head out and try your luck. The tailwa-ters below Paintsville Lake Dam are also stocked with trout and make for a different fishing experience. If you want to get on land, Army Corps of Engineers property has some trails. The Kiwanis Trail, across from the Mountain Homeplace Welcome Center, is a 1.6-mile scenic walking trail (note: foot traffic only here). There is also an orienteering trail and a 7-mile path called the Adena Trail that starts near the dam, which is very close to the state park.
If you have any questions or are seeking other recreation opportunities, visit the Paintsville Lake Army Corps of Engineers office, also near the dam. While you're in there, thank them for making those great walk-in tent campsites.
Key Information about Paintsville Lake State Park Campground
ADDRESS: 1551 KY Route 2275, Staffordsville, KY41256
OPERATED BY: Kentucky State Parks
CONTACT: 606-297-8486, parks . ky . gov; reservations: 877-444-6777, reserveamerica . com
OPEN: April-October
SITES: 10 walk-in, 32 water and electric
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, tent pad
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground entrance station
FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, ice machine
PARKING: At campsites and walk-in tent-camping area
FEE: $19-$23 walk-in tent sites, $29-$33 others ELEVATION: 750 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Paintsville Lake State Park Campground
¦ Pets: On leash only
¦ Fires: In fire rings only
¦ Alcohol: Prohibited
¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site
¦ Other: 14-day say limit
Getting to Paintsville Lake State Park Campground
From Paintsville, take KY 40 West to KY 2275. Turn right on KY 2275 to reach the state park.
GPS COORDINATES N37° 50.347 W82° 52.157
