Situated in the hills of eastern Kentucky, Paintsville Lake State Park is a nature lover's paradise, featuring more than 240 acres of rugged hills and valleys. Located just outside of Paintsville, Kentucky, this state park is a must for your next RV adventure. You'll have countless opportunities for outdoor recreation in a unique mountain landscape. From hiking and boating to birding and picnicking, Paintsville Lake State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
The mountain views of Paintsville Lake State Park are jaw-dropping, bordering 13,000 acres of U.S Army Corps of Engineers land. You will love soaking in the mountain air while being surrounded by unique plant life, including hemlock, oak, hickory, and pine-hardwoods. There are several species of birds in the park and tons of native wildlife, from deer, turkey, red-bellied woodpecker, wood duck, and Bald Eagles. Country music buffs will enjoy the chance to visit the childhood home of Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle in nearby Van Lear.
Once you park your camper at Paintsville Lake State Park, you can head out onto the nature trail located in the park. For birdwatchers and wildlife viewers, Kiwanis Trail provides an excellent spot for viewing. This two-mile trail is an easy tail that offers magnificent lake views. Paintsville Lake State Park is an excellent RV destination no matter what time of year you visit.
Paintsville Lake State Park is easy to access by car or RV, since it is located just five miles from Paintsville, KY, off of Kentucky Route 2275. Local roads will take you anywhere you wish to go within the park from the Business Office and Registration Building to the campground and trails. There are no driving restrictions for RVs or trailers within the park, so you'll be able to get around easily, whether you are in your rig or another vehicle.
There are several options for parking RVs and trailers with two large lots in the park. You'll be able to find spots at the picnic area and near the marina. Of course, you can also park at the campground if you are staying overnight.
Paintsville Lake State Park features 42 pet-friendly campsites available for tents and RVs year-round. The campsites are divided between full-service and tent. The full-service campsites provide access to electricity, water, and sewer. Amenities at this campground include hot showers, restrooms, a comfort station, and a water drinking station. Each site has a gravel pad, picnic table, and fire pit. You'll be near nature trails and a playground. There is no maximum stay requirement. There is a two-night minimum stay during peak season weekends. Wi-Fi access may be purchased at the Campground Booth.
You will want to pack a good pair of hiking boots since there are a couple of trails to choose from at or near Paintsville Lake that vary in difficulty. If you are seeking an easy hike or stroll, head over to Kiwanis Trail. This is a two-mile trail that takes you along the administration building and offers beautiful views of the lake. For a more diverse trail, head approximately 18 miles from Paintsville Lake State Park to Dawkins Line Rail Trail. This easy trail will take you along the old Dawkins Line railroad bed and showcases 24 trestles and the 662 feet long Gun Creek Tunnel.
Paintsville Lake State Park is the perfect place to bring your boat and head out onto the 1,139-acre Paintsville Lake. Once you park your RV you can enjoy 84 open slips, 84 covered slips, and a launch ramp. Didn't bring a boat? No problem, fishing boats, pontoons, and pedal boats are available for rent.
If you are an avid fisherman, you will love the chance to hit the lake at Paintsville Lake State Park. This state park features a 26-mile long lake that offers the opportunity for you to land spotted bass, catfish, rainbow trout, and walleye. Should you wish to venture out onto the lake and do not have access to a boat, rentals are available at the marina.
Paintsville Lake State Park is home to numerous unique species of birds, so you will want to make sure that you pack your binoculars in your RV. Some of the many birds you can see include migrant warblers, coot, gulls, common loon, wood duck, osprey, and the Bald Eagle. The administration building is a great spot to potentially view the many birds of the park. Another hotspot for birding includes the lake area. Make sure you don't miss a hike along the Kiwanis Trail, which is an excellent trail filled with opportunities to spot many of the birds that call the park home.
If you have a large group traveling with you or meeting up at the campground during your RV trip, there are two sheltered pavilions and two shelters located at Paintsville Lake State Park. These picnic facilities may be reserved by contacting the campground. There is a usage fee. A playground is nearby and there is plenty of parking for your RV or other vehicles.
Paintsville Lake State Park features a living history museum just waiting to be explored during your RV road trip. You will be taken back to a mid-nineteenth-century farming community. Recreated buildings include a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a cabin, a blacksmith shop, and a barn. Tour guides and park workers dress in traditional period clothing while demonstrating old skills and crafts. A Welcome Center showcasing Appalachian History and a gift shop are available.
