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42 campgrounds and RV Parks near Paintsville, KY. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
42 campgrounds
1594 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Paintsville, KY
Paintsville Lake State Park
Kentucky (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
+6
Yatesville Lake State Park
Louisa, KY (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(47 sites)
+5
Creekside Cabins and RV Park
Louisa, KY (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
The Falls Campground
Louisa, KY (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(114 sites)
+8
Little Sandy Lodge
Sandy Hook, KY (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(3 sites)
Trails 2 Paradise
Delbarton, WV (36 miles away)
Hatfield's Hideout
Kentucky (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+2
Valley Breeze RV Campground
Grayson, KY (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
Coal Camp Lodging
Matewan, WV (38 miles away)
Ashland / Huntington West KOA Holiday
Kentucky (39 miles away)
$$$$$
(92 sites)
+10
Devil's Backbone Adventure Resort
Red Jacket, WV (40 miles away)
+5
Carr Creek State Park
Kentucky (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(39 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Toilets Showers Pet friendly Tables Grills Internet Dump station Firewood Laundry Hiking
Campgrounds near Paintsville, Kentucky
Paintsville sits in Johnson County in eastern Kentucky's Big Sandy region, close to the Appalachian foothills and a chain of lake-based state parks. The town works well as an RV base because the nearest campgrounds cluster around two reservoirs: Paintsville Lake, just northwest of town, and Yatesville Lake, about twenty miles north near Louisa.
The closest public option is Paintsville Lake State Park, a compact lakeside campground on the shore of a 1,139-acre reservoir with a marina and boat ramp. Yatesville Lake State Park adds a larger 2,300-acre lake with drive-in, hike-in, and boat-in sites, plus an 18-hole golf course. Private options fill in the gaps: Creekside Cabins and RV Park and The Falls Campground both sit along Blaine Creek near Louisa, and Little Sandy Lodge in Sandy Hook offers RV space plus lodging rooms about an hour west toward Grayson Lake.
Most travelers use US 23, the Country Music Highway, as the main north-south route between these parks.
Things to do around Paintsville
Water recreation drives most trips. Paintsville Lake State Park has a full-service marina, an ADA-accessible boat launch, and regular trout stocking, with bass tournaments running through the year. Yatesville Lake supports bluegill, bass, crappie, and catfish fishing, and its Eagle Ridge course is part of the Kentucky State Park Signature Series of golf courses.
On land, the Mary Ingles Trail system at the Yatesville marina and the Yatesville multi-use trail, which runs over 20 miles for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, give families options at every skill level. In town, the Country Music Highway Museum and the Mountain HomePlace living-history site are easy afternoon stops, and the Loretta Lynn Homeplace at Butcher Hollow is about a thirty-minute drive from Paintsville Lake.
Camping spots and RV parks near Paintsville, KY
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
67° / 43°F 109 mmWettest season; muddy sites and rising creeks common
- summer
June - August
85° / 63°F 102 mmPeak lake season; weekends book months out
- fall
September - November
68° / 46°F 81 mmDriest stretch; foliage peaks mid to late October
- winter
December - February
46° / 28°F 89 mmCold and damp; water service not guaranteed at parks
Peak RV season in eastern Kentucky runs April 1 through October 31, matching the Kentucky State Parks peak calendar. During this window, both Paintsville Lake and Yatesville Lake enforce a two-night minimum on peak-season Friday and Saturday nights, and popular sites often book months ahead.
Spring brings the greenest hills and reliable fishing but also the wettest weeks of the year, so expect muddy sites after storms. Summer is hot, humid, and busy, with lake use at its highest and weekend availability tightest. Early fall is often the most comfortable stretch: warm days, cooler nights, and lighter crowds once schools are back.
Winter camping is possible at some parks but limited. Paintsville Lake Campground is listed as open year-round, while Yatesville Lake operates seasonally and typically closes in mid-November. Kentucky State Parks warns that water and other resources cannot be guaranteed during freezing months, so travelers should call the specific park before arriving in the off-season.
How to book campgrounds near Paintsville
State park sites at Paintsville Lake and Yatesville Lake are reserved through the Kentucky State Parks system on ReserveAmerica, online or by phone at 800-325-0142. The reservation window opens up to 12 months ahead of arrival, with a one-day minimum lead time. Sites hold up to eight occupants, and golf carts require a permit purchased at check-in.
Private parks handle bookings directly. Creekside Cabins and RV Park and Little Sandy Lodge take reservations by phone or through their websites, and The Falls Campground books by phone at 606-826-0212. For summer weekends and holiday stretches, plan on reserving several months out at the state parks and a few weeks out at the private grounds.
What to expect on-site
Paintsville Lake State Park has around 30 to 32 gravel sites, most with full electric, water, and sewer hookups, a clean bathhouse with hot showers, and a separate walk-in tent area. Cell service is spotty, and there is no campground Wi-Fi. Max RV length runs to about 48 feet, and the maximum stay is 14 nights.
Yatesville Lake State Park offers 27 facility campsites plus additional primitive, boat-in, and hike-in options, including double-wide pads for two RVs, with a laundry room, dump station, and central bathhouse. The Falls Campground and Creekside Cabins and RV Park cater to RVs with hookup sites, laundry, and creek access along Blaine Creek. Little Sandy Lodge is smaller and combines RV parking with lodge rooms, useful when traveling with a mixed group.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Paintsville, KY
How much does an RV rental in Paintsville, KY typically cost?
RV rental in Paintsville, KY is generally affordable, with most rigs renting for about $90 to $250 per night depending on type, age, and season. Travel trailers are usually the budget-friendly pick, Class C motorhomes sit in the middle, and larger Class A coaches sit at the top of the range. To find a cheaper RV rental in Paintsville, try booking midweek, traveling in shoulder seasons like April or late September, and comparing hosts who offer generous mileage allowances. Pro tip: spreading a delivery fee across a 5 to 7 night stay often lowers your effective nightly cost compared to a short weekend booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Paintsville%2C%20KentuckyDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Paintsville?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Paintsville, Kentucky. There's no CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or RV endorsement required, even for the larger Class A motorhomes. The only rule on RVezy is that the primary driver must be 25 years or older with a valid license, which you'll confirm through the platform's quick ID verification during booking. Visiting from abroad? An International Driving Permit (IDP) paired with your home license works perfectly. Most first-time renters are surprised how straightforward the process is, you book, verify, and you're ready to roll into the Big Sandy Valley.
drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/default.aspxWhat kind of protection comes with my Paintsville RV rental?
Every RV rental in Paintsville booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can explore the Country Music Highway with confidence. You choose your protection level during checkout, with options that vary in coverage limits and deductibles to fit your trip and budget. Coverage helps protect against many types of physical damage to the RV during your rental period. Pro tip: if you are planning a longer eastern Kentucky loop through areas like Daniel Boone National Forest, upgrading to a higher tier is often only a few dollars more per night and adds meaningful peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Paintsville RV trip?
You can book your RV rental in Paintsville with confidence because RVezy sets the cancellation policy that applies to bookings on the platform, so the rules are consistent across listings. There is a short grace period after booking during which you can cancel for a full refund, and refund amounts after that depend on how far in advance of your trip you cancel. RVezy also has guidelines for situations like severe weather or other extenuating circumstances that can affect eastern Kentucky travel in spring storm season. Pro tip: reserve your preferred RV early during the grace period, then message the host with any follow-up questions before you fully commit.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Paintsville RV trip?
Yes, a pet-friendly RV rental in Paintsville is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter when you search, and many local hosts welcome dogs, with some adding a small pet cleaning fee. Paintsville is great for dog owners thanks to Paintsville Lake State Park, with shaded shoreline areas and pet-friendly campsites, and the nearby Dawkins Line Rail Trail, an 18-mile crushed-stone path through tunnels and trestles that is perfect for leashed pups. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet details, and pack a long tie-out and portable water bowl since eastern Kentucky summers can be hot and humid.
parks.ky.gov/paintsville/parks/recreation/paintsville-lake-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite near Paintsville?
Yes, RV delivery in Paintsville is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-time renters. Many hosts will drive the RV to your campsite at Paintsville Lake State Park, your family cabin in Johnson County, or even straight to your driveway. They'll level it, hook up water and power, lower the awning, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees are usually based on distance from the host's location. Pro tip: if it's your first time renting an RV, paying for delivery to Paintsville Lake Campground is the ultimate stress-free option, you skip the towing and driving learning curve entirely and just enjoy the lake.
parks.ky.gov/paintsville/parks/recreation/paintsville-lake-state-parkHow far can I drive on an RV road trip from Paintsville?
Paintsville is a great launch point for an RV road trip thanks to its location on US-23, the Country Music Highway. Popular routes include Red River Gorge for rock climbing and natural arches (about 2 hours west), Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to see the famous moonbow (about 3.5 hours southwest), and New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia (under 3 hours east). Most RVezy hosts allow generous daily mileage, and many offer unlimited mileage RV rental options that are ideal for multi-stop Appalachian itineraries. Pro tip: confirm the mileage policy with your host before booking so you can plan fuel stops and overnight stays without surprises.
fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/2335Where are the best campgrounds near Paintsville?
There are several strong campground options near Paintsville. Paintsville Lake State Park Campground is the local favorite, with sites featuring water and electric hookups close to the lake. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in nearby Prestonsburg (about 25 minutes south) offers a large campground with full hookups, a marina, and seasonal live theater. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, roughly 90 minutes southwest, has quiet, wooded sites. For free overnight parking, some Walmart locations have historically been RV-friendly, so always call ahead to confirm. Pro tip: book Jenny Wiley sites a few months ahead for summer weekends and fall foliage, when they tend to fill quickly.
parks.ky.gov/prestonsburg/parks/resort/jenny-wiley-state-resort-parkWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Paintsville?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Paintsville is mid-April through late October, with two standout windows. Spring (April-May) brings dogwood and redbud blooms across the Appalachian foothills with daytime temps in the 60s and 70s. Fall (late September to early November) is arguably the best, with crisp 50-70 degree days and spectacular foliage along the Country Music Highway. Summer is warm and humid with highs in the mid-80s, ideal for Paintsville Lake swimming. Winter rentals are possible too, mild compared to northern states, with daytime temps often in the 40s. Pro tip: time your trip with the Kentucky Apple Festival in early October for an unforgettable small-town experience.
weather.gov/jkl/I have never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one around Paintsville?
You have got this. First time renting an RV is usually easier than people expect, especially around Paintsville. Every RVezy host provides a full walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, propane, water systems, and the dump tank. Local roads are forgiving for beginners: US-23 and the Mountain Parkway are wide and well maintained, and most campgrounds have pull-through sites. A travel trailer with a capable tow vehicle or a Class C motorhome is a good first choice for easier maneuvering. Pro tip: ask your host for a quick parking-lot practice loop before you leave, or request delivery if you would rather skip the driving entirely for your first Paintsville RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you are at Paintsville Lake, in Daniel Boone National Forest, or cruising US-23. Coverage typically includes flat tires, battery issues, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. Your host is usually just a text away to walk you through quirks of their specific RV, such as how to reset the water pump or find the inverter switch, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before pulling out, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN and license plate.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Paintsville rental on a longer road trip across state lines?
Yes, interstate travel is allowed on most RVezy rentals from Paintsville, and the location is well placed for it. You are under 3 hours from West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park, about 2.5 hours from Cincinnati, Ohio, and roughly 4 hours from the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the host and their insurance terms, so confirm by message before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: confirm the mileage policy with your host first, since an unlimited mileage RV rental is the smart choice for a multi-state Appalachian loop from Paintsville.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Paintsville RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable cost on an RV trip, so it pays to plan ahead. Class C motorhomes around Paintsville average 8-10 MPG, Class A coaches get 6-8 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (typically 10-14 MPG while towing). Kentucky gas prices tend to run below the national average, with stations in Paintsville and along US-23 usually among the most competitive. For a 5-day local trip with 400 miles of driving, plan on roughly $150-$220 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Paintsville before heading into the more remote stretches of Daniel Boone National Forest, prices climb at the small mountain stations along scenic detours.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Paintsville?
For peace of mind, book Paintsville-area campgrounds 2 to 4 months ahead for summer weekends and major events, and 4 to 6 months ahead for fall foliage season, with October being peak. Kentucky State Parks, including Paintsville Lake and Jenny Wiley, take reservations through the official Kentucky State Parks reservation system up to 12 months in advance. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (April, May, late September) are usually still open just a few weeks out. Pro tip: if weekend bookings are full, look at Tuesday through Thursday stays, which are often less crowded and give you better choice of lakefront sites at Paintsville Lake State Park.
reservations.parks.ky.gov/What are the roads and driving conditions like around Paintsville?
Driving in Paintsville is more forgiving than you might expect for the Appalachians. The main artery, US-23 (the Country Music Highway), is a four-lane divided road that handles RVs of all sizes comfortably. KY-40 and KY-321 connect you to local lakes and trails on two-lane mountain roads with some curves and grades, so take them at a relaxed pace. Watch for occasional morning fog in low-lying valleys, and slow down on steeper descents near Daniel Boone National Forest. Pro tip: avoid narrow forest service roads not rated for large vehicles, and stick to state-maintained routes when driving a larger motorhome or towing a travel trailer.
transportation.ky.gov/Pages/Home.aspxWhat amenities will I find at Paintsville campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Paintsville are well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Paintsville Lake State Park offers water and electric (30-amp) hookups, a central dump station, hot showers, and a marina with boat rentals. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park has full hookups (water, electric, sewer) at many sites, free Wi-Fi in common areas, laundry, and a swimming pool. Most Kentucky State Park campgrounds have fresh water fill stations near the entrance and dump stations near the exit, so you can arrive and leave easily. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank at the campground entrance even if your site has hookups, water pressure can vary, and you'll appreciate the buffer if you boondock on the way home.
parks.ky.gov/paintsville/parks/recreation/paintsville-lake-state-parkWhat is actually inside the RVs available in Paintsville?
Paintsville motorhome rental options on RVezy come fully equipped for a comfortable home-on-wheels experience. Expect sleeping space for the whole group (queen beds are common in Class C and travel trailer rentals), a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control with AC and furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many listings include a TV, awning, and outdoor chairs, and generators or solar setups are common on newer rigs, which is great if you plan to boondock near Daniel Boone National Forest. Pro tip: filter your search by the specific amenities that matter most for your trip so you can quickly find the right rig.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Paintsville%2C%20KentuckyWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Paintsville hosts on RVezy offer a smart menu of add-ons that can transform your trip. Popular extras include camping kits (linens, towels, cookware), bike racks, generators, kayaks (a must for Paintsville Lake), portable grills, and outdoor chairs. Delivery and setup is the most-loved option, the host brings the rig to your destination and gets you set up. Mileage policies vary: some hosts offer unlimited mileage RV rental, while others include 100-150 miles per day with a small per-mile fee beyond that. Pickup and dropoff times are flexible and arranged through the RVezy messaging system. Pro tip: book a kayak add-on for any rental near Paintsville Lake, the calm 1,140-acre lake is made for paddling.
parks.ky.gov/paintsville/parks/recreation/paintsville-lake-state-parkHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment for your Paintsville RV rental is handled securely through RVezy, with no cash exchange with the host. You pay your booking total (rental, protection, and fees) at the time of booking through the platform. A refundable security deposit is also placed on your card before the trip, typically ranging from a few hundred dollars up to around $1,500 depending on the rig, and it is released after the host confirms the RV was returned in good condition. Pro tip: take a quick video walkaround of the RV at pickup and dropoff covering the interior, exterior, mileage, and fuel level. It only takes a few minutes and helps ensure your deposit is returned smoothly.
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