🏆 Official Guide: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park — A full-service resort park in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, overlooking the 1,100-acre Dewey Lake — featuring May Lodge (49 rooms), cottages, 121-site campground, 10+ miles of hiking trails (including the 8.9-mi Jenny Wiley Trail), Dewey Lake boating + fishing (bass, crappie, catfish), 18-hole disc golf, the renowned Jenny Wiley Theatre (outdoor amphitheater), and a mountain bike loop.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is Eastern Kentucky’s premier outdoor destination — a full-service resort perched above the scenic Dewey Lake in the heart of Appalachian mountain country. Named for the legendary pioneer woman who was captured by Native Americans and escaped through these very mountains, the park combines comfortable lodge accommodations with rugged backcountry trails, lake recreation, and the celebrated Jenny Wiley Theatre’s Broadway-style productions.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Prestonsburg, KY — Eastern Kentucky mountains |
| Lake | Dewey Lake — 1,100 acres |
| Lodge | May Lodge — 49 rooms, lake overlook |
| Trails | 10+ miles — multiple difficulty levels |
| Theatre | Jenny Wiley Theatre — outdoor amphitheater |
| Nature Center | Local history, wildlife, mining heritage |
Accommodations
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| May Lodge | 49 rooms — balconies, restaurant, seasonal pool |
| Cottages | 1 + 2 bedroom — private lodging |
| Campground | 121 sites — hookups, showers, dump station |
| Dining | Music Highway Grill — on-site at lodge |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 10+ mi — incl. 8.9-mi Jenny Wiley Trail (strenuous) |
| Mountain Biking | 3-mi loop + Sugarcamp Mountain Trail system |
| Boating | Dewey Lake — pontoon + boat rentals, slip rentals |
| Fishing | Largemouth + hybrid striped bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole championship course |
| Swimming | Seasonal outdoor pool — lodge guests |
| Camping | 121 sites — full hookups available |
| Theatre | Jenny Wiley Theatre — Broadway-style musicals |
| Golf | Stonecrest Golf Course — adjacent to park |
| Nature Center | Cultural + natural history exhibits |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jenny Wiley?
Jenny Wiley (1760–1831) was a frontier pioneer who was captured by a band of Native Americans in 1789 after her family was killed. She endured months of captivity before making a daring escape through the Appalachian wilderness — through the very mountains surrounding this park. Her story of survival is legendary in Eastern Kentucky.
Can I rent boats on Dewey Lake?
Yes — pontoon boat rentals and boat slip rentals are available at the park marina. You can also bring your own boat. The 1,100-acre lake offers excellent fishing and scenic cruising through the mountain-framed waters.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Dawkins Line Rail Trail (a short drive away) or Paintsville Lake State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Kentucky state parks online at kentuckystateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
