Paintsville Lake State Park

Paintsville Lake State Park is a recreational area in Kentucky that covers about 242 acres and includes a 1,139-acre lake surrounded by forested hills. The park has hiking trails, camping areas, picnic grounds, and a boat launch for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed the dam in 1983, with the park officially opening to visitors in 1986. The creation of the lake transformed the area into a regional recreation destination.

The Mountain Homeplace reconstructs daily life in the Eastern Kentucky hills during the 1800s, letting visitors walk through buildings and see how people farmed and worked back then. The site shows the traditions and skills that defined rural mountain communities of that era.

The park provides over 30 campsites with utilities, picnic areas with shelters, and a multi-lane boat launch for easy water access. Amenities are spread throughout the grounds, making it simple to find parking and facilities wherever you plan to spend your time.

The park includes the Kiwanis Trail, a National Recreation Trail that connects to a 12,103-acre wildlife management area stretching into surrounding forests. This connection allows hikers to extend their journey far beyond the park boundaries into less traveled terrain.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: 1986

Website: https://parks.ky.gov/staffordsville/parks/recreation/paintsville-lake-state-park

GPS coordinates: 37.83980,-82.87100

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:06