Paintsville Lake Campground

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Eastern Kentucky, Paintsville Lake Campground offers a quintessential outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike. This well-regarded campground, part of the wider Paintsville Lake State Park, provides a serene escape with the convenience of modern amenities. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, whether you prefer the comfort of an RV with full hookups or the simplicity of a walk-in tent site. The campground is celebrated for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and direct access to the beautiful Paintsville Lake, making it a beloved spot for a variety of recreational activities. From stunning lake views to nearby trails, Paintsville Lake Campground is a fantastic base for exploring the heart of Kentucky’s natural beauty.

The campground operates year-round, welcoming campers in all seasons, each offering a unique charm. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathhouses, the helpfulness of the staff, and the overall peaceful atmosphere. This commitment to guest satisfaction ensures that every stay is not just a trip, but a memorable experience. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a fishing expedition, or a quiet retreat, Paintsville Lake Campground is designed to meet your needs, providing a welcoming environment for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a testament to Kentucky’s dedication to preserving its natural wonders and making them accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Paintsville Lake Campground is conveniently situated at Marina Rd, Flatgap, KY 41219, USA. This location places it firmly within Eastern Kentucky, making it an accessible retreat for residents from across the Commonwealth. Flatgap, a small community, provides a quiet backdrop, while the nearby town of Paintsville offers additional amenities, supplies, and local charm, all within a short drive.

The campground’s address on Marina Road highlights its close proximity to Paintsville Lake itself, ensuring easy access for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. The roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, providing a smooth journey for RVs, trailers, and cars. While the restroom facilities are located towards the rear of the campground, as noted by a recent visitor, the overall layout is designed for convenience. Cell service can vary, with some areas near the entry gate offering better reception (2-3 bars) compared to deeper within the campground or at the bathhouse (1 bar). However, the availability of Wi-Fi in certain areas helps bridge any connectivity gaps.

For Kentuckians, the drive to Paintsville Lake Campground is often a scenic one, passing through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes characteristic of the region. Its relative proximity to major routes makes it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer vacations without requiring extensive travel. This ease of access, combined with the peaceful setting, makes Paintsville Lake Campground a top choice for those looking to enjoy Kentucky’s outdoors without straying too far from home.

Paintsville Lake Campground is committed to providing a range of services designed to enhance the camping experience for both RV and tent campers. These services ensure comfort, convenience, and a pleasant stay for all visitors:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers 32 spacious RV sites, each equipped with electricity, water, and sewer hookups. This full-service offering is a significant convenience for RV and trailer campers, allowing for a comfortable stay with all the necessary utilities. Two of these RV sites are ADA-adapted for accessibility.
• Primitive Tent Sites: For those who prefer a more traditional camping experience, there are 10 peaceful primitive, walk-in tent sites available. These sites are perfect for campers looking to truly immerse themselves in nature, offering a quieter and more secluded environment.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: The bathhouse is consistently praised by visitors for its exceptional cleanliness and includes flush toilets. It is heated for comfort and also serves as a designated storm shelter, providing an added layer of safety.
• Hot Showers: Available within the clean bathhouse, hot showers are a welcome amenity, particularly after a day of hiking, biking, or enjoying water activities on the lake.
• Laundry Facilities: For extended stays, the convenience of on-site laundry facilities is a significant benefit, allowing campers to refresh their clothing without leaving the park.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite, whether RV or primitive, is typically equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring (often with a grill grate) for campfires and cooking, perfect for enjoying a classic campfire meal.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable water spigots are readily available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh drinking water.
• Campground Host/Staff: The staff at Paintsville Lake Campground are consistently highlighted in reviews for being super friendly, helpful, and going out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. A campground host is often on-site to assist with any needs.
• Wi-Fi Availability: While cell service can be spotty in certain areas, Wi-Fi is available in some parts of the campground, particularly near the bathhouse, allowing for some connectivity.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in the campground, provided they are restrained, allowing furry family members to join in on the outdoor adventure.
• Waste Disposal: Designated bins for trash disposal are provided for convenient waste management.

These comprehensive services contribute to Paintsville Lake Campground being a highly recommended destination for a diverse range of campers.

Paintsville Lake Campground boasts a variety of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for campers in Kentucky:

• Paintsville Lake Access: The campground’s primary highlight is its direct access to the beautiful 1,140-acre Paintsville Lake. This expansive lake is perfect for boating, water skiing, kayaking, and fishing. The full-service marina near the campground offers boat slips, a launching ramp, and rentals for fishing boats, pontoons, and even houseboats, making water adventures readily available.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Paintsville Lake is renowned for its fishing, with abundant populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Trout is frequently stocked, and white bass and walleye are also common catches. The lake frequently hosts bass fishing tournaments, adding excitement for anglers.
• Dawkins Rail Trail Proximity: For hikers and bikers, the nearby Dawkins Rail Trail offers miles of scenic pathways through Eastern Kentucky. It’s a fantastic amenity for those who enjoy exploring on foot or by bicycle, providing stunning views and an immersive nature experience.
• Immaculately Clean Facilities: As consistently noted in customer reviews, the bathhouse and restrooms are kept exceptionally clean and offer hot showers. This commitment to cleanliness significantly enhances the comfort and enjoyment of all campers. The bathhouse also doubles as a storm shelter, offering a secure refuge during inclement weather.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: A recurring theme in feedback is the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to ensure campers feel welcomed and have a great experience. This personal touch fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Variety of Campsite Options: With 32 full hookup RV sites and 10 primitive walk-in tent sites, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences. RV sites are level and gravel, with some offering lake views, while tent sites provide a more secluded experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground includes a playground for children, a basketball court, and volleyball courts located lakeside, providing entertainment for families. Picnic shelters are also available for group gatherings.
• Seasonal Events: Paintsville Lake State Park hosts fun seasonal events, such as Camper's Appreciation Weekend in April, Best Decorated Campsite Contest in October, and a Holiday Lights Display from late November through December, adding unique experiences to your stay.
• Mountain Homeplace nearby: Just before the campground entrance, visitors can explore the historic 1850s Mountain Homeplace, a replica of an Eastern Kentucky farming community, offering a glimpse into local history and culture.
• ADA Accessibility: Two RV sites are adapted for disabled access, and recent initiatives have included the construction of an ADA-accessible boardwalk and kayak launch at Paintsville Lake, making water activities more inclusive.

These features collectively create a comprehensive and appealing camping destination for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Eastern Kentucky.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Paintsville Lake Campground, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: Marina Rd, Flatgap, KY 41219, USA

Phone: (606) 297-8486

Mobile Phone: +1 606-297-8486

It is always recommended to call ahead, especially for current conditions, reservation availability, or to confirm specific details about amenities and services. For the most up-to-date reservation information and to book your stay, you can often find Paintsville Lake Campground listed on the Kentucky State Parks website or through online reservation platforms like Reserve America.

For Kentuckians seeking a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfortable relaxation, Paintsville Lake Campground in Flatgap is an ideal local gem. Its strategic location, easily accessible from various parts of the state, means less time traveling and more time enjoying the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky. Whether you hail from Lexington, Louisville, or closer towns in the Appalachian foothills, the journey to Paintsville Lake is manageable and scenic, making it a prime spot for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the hassle of extensive travel.

The campground’s diverse offerings, from full hookup RV sites to peaceful walk-in tent sites, cater to a wide array of local preferences. This versatility ensures that whether you’re a seasoned RVer with all the comforts of home or a traditional tent camper yearning for a rustic experience, Paintsville Lake has a spot for you. The availability of electricity and water at RV sites, combined with exceptionally clean bathhouses featuring hot showers and laundry facilities, speaks directly to the needs of Kentucky families and individuals who appreciate modern conveniences while immersing themselves in nature.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the true appeal for locals lies in the wealth of recreational opportunities right at their fingertips. Paintsville Lake itself is a hub for water sports, offering superb fishing, boating, kayaking, and even swimming. For those who prefer land-based activities, the direct access to the Dawkins Rail Trail provides endless possibilities for hiking and biking through picturesque landscapes. This rich array of activities means there's always something new to explore, encouraging repeat visits and fostering a deeper connection with Kentucky’s natural heritage.

Furthermore, the consistently friendly and helpful staff, as highlighted by numerous local reviews, create a welcoming atmosphere that makes every Kentuckian feel right at home. This personal touch, combined with well-maintained grounds and a commitment to cleanliness, elevates the camping experience beyond just a place to stay—it becomes a trusted and cherished local retreat. Seasonal events and the proximity to local attractions like the Mountain Homeplace and the vibrant community of Paintsville add layers of cultural and recreational enrichment, ensuring that a trip to Paintsville Lake Campground is not just about camping, but about experiencing the best of Eastern Kentucky. For these reasons, Paintsville Lake Campground is truly a prime destination for any Kentucky resident looking to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories close to home.

Paintsville Lake Campground

Marina Rd, Flatgap, KY 41219, USA