Paintsville Lake Campground

Hey, fellow Kentuckians! Are you yearning for a refreshing escape into the heart of our state's natural beauty? Do you dream of waking up to serene lake views, spending your days exploring scenic trails, and ending them with cozy campfires under a starlit sky? Then it’s time to discover Paintsville Lake Campground, a true gem nestled in the picturesque Eastern Kentucky landscape. Located in Flatgap, this campground offers a fantastic blend of convenience, comfort, and direct access to the stunning Paintsville Lake.

Paintsville Lake Campground isn't just another place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. As part of Paintsville Lake State Park, this well-maintained facility is renowned for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel right at home. Whether you're a seasoned camper with all the gear or looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Paintsville Lake Campground provides an ideal setting to create cherished memories amidst Kentucky's captivating wilderness.

Imagine spending your mornings sipping coffee while watching the sunrise over Paintsville Lake, then heading out for a day of fishing, boating, or hiking on nearby trails like the Dawkins Rail Trail. After a day of adventure, return to a comfortable site, enjoy a hot shower in a meticulously clean bathhouse (which even doubles as a storm shelter!), and swap stories around a crackling fire. It's this blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities that consistently earns high praise from visitors. Reviewers frequently highlight the "super friendly" staff who go "out of their way to make sure you feel welcomed," a testament to the genuine hospitality you'll find here.

While the sites might be described as "close together" by some, the overall positive experience, combined with the excellent facilities and the prime location near the lake, far outweighs this. Paintsville Lake Campground is open year-round, offering opportunities for every season. From the vibrant greens of spring and summer to the stunning foliage of autumn and the quiet beauty of winter, there's always a reason to visit. If you're a local seeking a reliable, welcoming, and activity-rich campground for your next Kentucky adventure, Paintsville Lake Campground in Flatgap should definitely be at the top of your list.

Paintsville Lake Campground is conveniently situated at Marina Rd, Flatgap, KY 41219, USA. This address places it directly adjacent to the beautiful Paintsville Lake, providing campers with easy access to a vast array of water-based activities. Flatgap is a small community in Johnson County, Eastern Kentucky, known for its rugged hills and natural beauty.

The campground's location within Paintsville Lake State Park means it benefits from well-maintained state park infrastructure. Access to the campground is generally straightforward, with paved roads leading into the area. For RV campers, the roads are navigable, though it's always wise to exercise caution on any winding roads characteristic of Eastern Kentucky's terrain. The proximity to the lake allows for stunning views from many sites, with some even offering direct vistas of the water, perfect for catching sunrises and sunsets.

Its position near Paintsville also means that essential services, supplies, and local attractions are within a reasonable driving distance. The convenience of a nearby town, coupled with the secluded feel of a lakeside campground, offers the best of both worlds for Kentucky residents looking for an accessible yet immersive outdoor experience. For those interested in extended adventures, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the broader Eastern Kentucky region, including its many scenic routes and trail systems.

• RV Sites with Hookups: The campground offers 32 spacious RV sites, each equipped with full hookups including electricity, water, and sewer. This provides maximum convenience for RV campers.
• Tent Sites: For a more rustic experience, Paintsville Lake Campground provides 10 primitive walk-in tent sites. These are typically located further into the quieter, wooded areas of the campground.
• Clean Bathhouses with Hot Showers: A standout feature highly praised by visitors is the well-maintained bathhouse. It offers clean restrooms and hot showers, which are a welcome luxury after a day of outdoor activities like hiking or biking.
• Storm Shelter: The main bathhouse is designed to double as a storm shelter, offering a safe place for campers during inclement weather.
• Laundry Facilities: For longer stays or those who prefer to travel light, laundry facilities are available at the campground, ensuring comfort and convenience.
• Wi-Fi / Cell Service: While cell service can vary (a reviewer noted 1 bar at the bathroom versus 2-3 bars near the entry gate), Wi-Fi is generally available at state park campgrounds, though reliability can fluctuate.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite, whether RV or tent, typically comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Waterfront Picnic Tables: Some sites offer waterfront picnic tables, enhancing the dining experience with scenic lake views.
• Playgrounds: There are two playgrounds located within the campground area, providing entertainment for younger visitors.
• Marina Access: A full-service marina is conveniently located near the campground, offering pontoon and kayak rentals, boat slips, fuel, snacks, ice cream, bait, and miscellaneous camping/boating supplies.
• Four-Lane Boat Launch Ramp: For those bringing their own boats, a four-lane launch ramp provides easy access to Paintsville Lake.
• Shelter Rentals: Four picnic shelters are available throughout the park, ideal for group gatherings, family reunions, or events, and can be reserved in advance.
• Handicap Accessibility: Two RV sites are ADA-adapted, and the park also features a universal kayak launch designed for accessibility, complete with a transfer bench for easy transfer from wheelchairs.

• Picturesque Lake Views: Many campsites, particularly those closer to the lake, offer stunning views of Paintsville Lake, creating beautiful backdrops for sunrises and sunsets.
• Proximity to Outdoor Activities: The campground's location offers immediate access to a wealth of activities including boating, fishing (Paintsville Lake is known for Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, White Bass, Walleye, and stocked trout), swimming, kayaking, and water skiing on the 1,139-acre lake.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the 1.6-mile Kiwanis Trail, which provides magnificent lake views, or venture a short drive to the Dawkins Line Rail Trail, a longer, easy trail perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along an old railroad bed.
• Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Consistently highlighted in customer reviews, the staff at Paintsville Lake Campground are praised for being "super friendly" and going "out of their way to make sure you feel welcomed," creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Paintsville Lake in every season, from lush summer greenery to vibrant fall colors and peaceful winter landscapes.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The bathhouses and overall campground grounds are noted for their cleanliness, contributing significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
• Recreational Amenities: Beyond the natural attractions, the campground also features a basketball court, horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court near the lake entrance, offering additional recreational options.
• Mountain Homeplace: Within Paintsville Lake State Park, visitors can explore the Mountain Homeplace, a living history museum that replicates a small farming community from 1850-1900, offering a unique educational and cultural experience.

As a Kentucky State Park campground, Paintsville Lake Campground often participates in various statewide and seasonal promotions. While specific, active promotions are best confirmed directly with the park or through the Kentucky State Parks reservation system (like Reserve America), it's common for state parks to offer:

• Seasonal Discounts: Keep an eye out for off-peak season rates, which can be lower than peak summer prices. For example, some Kentucky State Park campgrounds offer flat rates during winter months (e.g., November 1 - April 1).
• Extended Stay Discounts: While not always explicitly advertised, longer stays (e.g., weekly rates) might offer a better per-night value.
• Special Event Weekends: Paintsville Lake State Park hosts 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. These events might coincide with special offers or activities for campers.
• Ready-Made Primitive Tent Sites: The park may offer a convenient package including a primitive campsite with a six-person tent already set up, two queen-size air mattresses, and a s'mores kit for a fixed rate, ideal for those without their own tenting gear.

For the most up-to-date information on any promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended to visit the official Kentucky State Parks website for Paintsville Lake State Park, or call the campground directly using the contact information provided below. Booking in advance, especially for weekends and peak seasons, is always advisable.

• Address: Marina Rd, Flatgap, KY 41219, USA
• Phone: (606) 297-8486
• Mobile Phone: +1 606-297-8486
• Reservations: Reservations for campsites can be made through the Reserve America app or website, as well as by calling the park directly.
• General Information: For general inquiries about the park, you may also use phone numbers like (606) 297-8488 or (606) 297-6312 during office hours.

Paintsville Lake Campground offers an unparalleled experience for Kentucky residents, making it a highly suitable and desirable local destination. Its appeal lies in a perfect blend of accessibility, comprehensive amenities, and genuine Kentucky charm, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Paintsville Lake.

For starters, the convenience of its location in Flatgap means a relatively short and easy drive for many Kentuckians, especially those in the eastern and central parts of the state. This accessibility minimizes travel time and maximizes precious leisure hours, making it ideal for quick weekend getaways or even spontaneous mid-week escapes without venturing far from home.

Furthermore, the campground caters to a variety of camping styles, from comfortable RV sites with full hookups to more traditional primitive tent sites. This flexibility ensures that whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a family introducing kids to the joys of tent camping, Paintsville Lake Campground has a spot that fits your needs. The consistent praise for its clean facilities, particularly the heated bathhouse with hot showers and its dual function as a storm shelter, speaks volumes about the comfort and safety provided – features that are highly valued by campers.

What truly sets Paintsville Lake Campground apart for locals, however, is the genuine hospitality of its staff. Reviews consistently highlight their "super friendly" and accommodating nature, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects the warm spirit of Kentucky. This personal touch fosters a sense of community and ensures that visitors feel welcomed and cared for, enhancing the overall experience significantly.

Beyond the campground itself, the abundance of recreational activities centered around Paintsville Lake, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and access to excellent hiking and biking trails like the Dawkins Rail Trail, provides endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. It's a place where families can create lasting memories, friends can reconnect, and individuals can find peace and rejuvenation in nature.

In essence, Paintsville Lake Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of Kentucky's outdoors, delivered with local hospitality and convenience. It’s a place that understands what Kentuckians look for in a getaway – natural beauty, comfort, and a friendly face – making it an ideal choice for your next outdoor adventure right here in the Commonwealth.