How much does camping cost at Paintsville Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Paintsville Lake State Park range from $32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paintsville Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Paintsville Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Paintsville Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Paintsville Lake State Park has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Paintsville Lake State Park?

Paintsville Lake State Park is open Peak season includes weekends and holidays, with minimum stay requirements.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Paintsville Lake State Park?

Yes, Paintsville Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Paintsville Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Paintsville Lake State Park: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is sold for $6 per bundle.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Paintsville Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paintsville Lake State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paintsville Lake State Park?

Paintsville Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paintsville Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Paintsville Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paintsville Lake State Park

4.44

142 reviews

P O BOX 920, 1551 KY RT 2275, STAFFORDSVILLE, Kentucky, 41256, United States

Top 13% in KYSummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Kentucky#1 Beach Camping Kentucky#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds Kentucky#1 +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsPull-ThroughShowers

Book on Kentucky State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsPull-ThroughShowers

Book on Kentucky State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Paintsville Lake State Park

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full hookup sites available for $32 per night with 10% discount for AAA members.

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Hookup Site Fee$32.00

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6062978486

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P O BOX 920, 1551 KY RT 2275, STAFFORDSVILLE, Kentucky, 41256, United States

Paintsville Lake State Park

P O BOX 920, 1551 KY RT 2275, STAFFORDSVILLE, Kentucky, 41256, United States

Nearby places

Paintsville (4 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Salyersville (approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, firewood, snacks, supplies, and fuel available within 10 miles. A Dollar General is "up the road a little ways," per user reviews.

Driving directionsPaintsville Lake is on US 23 at the Staffordsville/Paintsville exit in Johnson County, KY. on Rt.40 West. From the Mountain Parkway, take the 460 exit out of Salyersville into Paintsville and turn on Rt.40 West at the intersection and follow the brown signs and turn right on KY.RT. 2275, continue down the hill until you see the sign, "Road Ends in Water" and you are here.

Easy access from US 23 and Mountain Parkway with paved roads. "Very easy access about 4 miles from Hwy 23 in Paintsville, Kentucky," as noted in reviews. No mentions of seasonal closures.

Weather at Paintsville Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Paintsville Lake State Park

Summer brings the best conditions for water recreation. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally pushing into the low 90s, with comfortable nights in the 60s. Ideal for boating, swimming, and late campfires. Humidity is high, and afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Bass and crappie fishing is excellent. Weekends and holidays get busy. Winter sees freezing mornings and occasional snow. Spring delivers moderate rainfall that wakes up the wildflowers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 13% in KY

Best season for boating, swimming and fishing; summer is peak season in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season includes weekends and holidays, with minimum stay requirements.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Paintsville Lake State Park

Paintsville Lake State Park sits in the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Kentucky, offering full-hookup RV sites and primitive tent camping along Paintsville Lake. The campground charges $32/night and draws consistent praise for clean facilities and helpful staff. Cell service is limited. Verizon works sporadically, and most carriers only provide emergency access.

The campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including RV sites, tent sites, and primitive options.

Historical Significance

Women's History

The Country Music Highway Museum and Mountain Homeplace (with period Appalachian demonstrations) are short drives. Loretta Lynn's birthplace is 30 minutes away.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for water recreation. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally pushing into the low 90s, with comfortable nights in the 60s. Ideal for boating, swimming, and late campfires. Humidity is high, and afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly. Bass and crappie fishing is excellent. Weekends and holidays get busy. Winter sees freezing mornings and occasional snow. Spring delivers moderate rainfall that wakes up the wildflowers.

ElevationThe park's rolling terrain offers varied elevations throughout the Appalachian foothills, creating diverse camping experiences from lakeside spots to hillside retreats with sweeping valley views.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake fills a steep valley between forested ridges at 938 feet elevation, creating the kind of water-and-woodland mix that defines this corner of the Appalachians. Dense hardwood forests surround the campground, with spring wildflowers coloring the understory and year-round opportunities to spot white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Songbirds are common, especially during migration seasons. The rolling terrain and deep valleys come from ancient water erosion. You're camping in geology that's been carved over millions of years.

Geological RegionSet within the time-worn Appalachian Mountains, Paintsville Lake State Park showcases the region's signature rolling hills and deep valleys carved by ancient waters. The centerpiece Paintsville Lake fills a dramatic valley between forested ridges, creating a stunning interplay of water and woodland that defines this distinctive corner of Eastern Kentucky's geological wonderland.

Scenic ViewsMany sites provide views of Paintsville Lake; site 18 has the "best view of the lake" according to one user review.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance. Minimum stay is 1 night during weekdays and 2 nights during peak season weekends.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site were not specified explicitly in authoritative content or reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground mixes back-in RV sites with primitive tent sites in wooded areas. RV sites are spacious and level. Tent sites are walk-in, smaller, and more secluded under tree cover. Some sites are sunny and closer together; the wooded tent area offers better privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online and possibly via phone; no specific platform URLs provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable year-round, some guests noted that a few sites were open for walk-ups.

Cancellation PolicyCancelation policies were not detailed in authoritative content.

AccessibilityThe campground is noted for handicap access, with showers that are 'exceptionally equipped' to accommodate physically challenged guests.

Site SizeVaried, with spacious sites for RVs and smaller walk-in sites for tents.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some sites are sunnier and closer together, while tent sites in the wooded area are more secluded.

Recommended SitesSelect sites closer to water for activities like jet skiing or shaded tent sites for privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 18 has lake views. Site 20 is a back-in with full hookups. Site 16 sits near the bathhouse and playground. Convenient for families but potentially noisier.

Need help booking Paintsville Lake State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Paintsville Lake State Park offers a wide range of amenities and facilities which include a bathhouse, hot showers, boating opportunities, hiking trails, a marina, picnic shelters, fire rings, picnic tables, and a playground. Additional features include laundry facilities, handicap access, and a campground host. Firewood is available for purchase at the camp gate for $6 per bundle. Nearby, campers can access fuel, groceries, and other supplies, ensuring convenience.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups30 of 42 sites (71%)

Water hookups30 of 42 sites (71%)

Sewer hookups27 of 42 sites (64%)

27 full hookup sites3 pull-through sites

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can engage in a variety of activities including hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers cultural and recreational programs.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo explicitly stated hazards, although users noted wildlife sightings such as ducks and general safety measures like leash laws for dogs.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is sold for $6 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours were not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles: Hospital, medical clinic, emergency services, and police station in Paintsville.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site and are emptied a couple of times per week. One reviewer mentioned the garbage truck as a 'necessary evil' due to the early morning collection time.

Water FeaturesPaintsville Lake is within walking distance. Amenities include a boat launch and marina.

Camp HostCampground hosts available, described as friendly and helpful in user reviews.

Cell CoverageSeveral user reviews indicate that cell phone service is limited or unreliable. For example, one review mentions 'no internet, or tv signal or access. Phone service is emergency access only.' Another review highlights that Verizon service was 'so-so' and hotspots were unreliable.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

142 reviews

Recommended

Paintsville Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Paintsville Lake State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and range of amenities. Many visitors praise its peaceful atmosphere and the convenience of nearby stores and attractions.

Review Summaries

Based on 142 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 142 reviews.

Site #18Loved
Site #18 provides lake views and is recommended for its scenic location.
Site #20Mentioned
Site #20 offers full hookups, a back-in layout, and proximity to playgrounds and bathhouses.

What Campers Love

"Clean and well-maintained facilities," "friendly and helpful staff," "spacious and level sites," "great for fishing, boating, and family activities," and "peaceful atmosphere."

Based on 142 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited or unreliable cell phone and Wi-Fi service, early morning dumpster collection noise, and some sites offering less shade or privacy.

Based on 142 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a hotspot or be prepared for limited connectivity. Consider choosing a site closer to the lake or playground depending on your preference. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.

Based on 142 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months seem to be particularly popular for boating and fishing. Spring and early fall offer cooler temperatures ideal for hiking and exploring. Winter options are less frequently mentioned.

Based on 142 reviews

Camper Quotes

'We love this place. It is so clean.' - Lisa Bertram. 'The staff was super friendly and helpful.' - Jackie Duncan. 'The showers!! Best showers we have experienced so far!' - Tara Gearhart.

Based on 142 reviews

Accessibility Features

Showers and facilities are noted as being accessible for guests with disabilities. Handicap access is highlighted as a key amenity.

Based on 142 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed on a leash, and the campground is described as pet-friendly by several reviewers.

Based on 142 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Lake-focused campers who want full hookups with a real view: site 18 gets the best angle on the water, and the marina, boat ramp, and crappie fishing are all within the park. The staff gets consistent praise, facilities are clean, and the wooded tent sites are genuinely secluded.

Skip if

Cell service goes dead here for most carriers, so remote work or staying connected isn't realistic. Early-morning garbage trucks wake light sleepers, and some sites have little shade or privacy. Declining recent sentiment is worth knowing before you book a peak weekend.

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