🌤 Weather at Paintsville Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–76 °F | 60–86 °F | 32–80 °F | 23–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Paintsville 1E, 5 mi away, elevation 630 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Paintsville Lake State Park is a public state park in Kentucky near Staffordsville in Johnson County. Spanning 242 acres and established in 1986, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Nearest City | Staffordsville |
| County | Johnson County |
| Park Size | 242 acres |
| Established | 1986 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Paintsville Lake State Park is located near Staffordsville, Kentucky. The park’s coordinates are 37.8398, -82.8709.
Things to Do
Kentucky state parks are characterized by the state’s extensive waterways, rolling Bluegrass hills, and the rugged Appalachian foothills. They are renowned as “resort parks,” offering excellent amenities alongside outdoor recreation. Activities center heavily around massive recreational lakes perfect for boating, water skiing, and world-class bass fishing. Land activities include hiking forested trails, camping, golfing on championship-level park courses, horseback riding, and exploring massive underground cave networks. The parks also preserve significant Civil War and frontier pioneer history.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Spring (April–May) offers blooming dogwoods, excellent fishing, and comfortable hiking weather. Fall (October) brings beautiful foliage to the forested hills and perfect camping temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and very humid, making it the primary season for lake boating and swimming. Winter is generally quiet, though the Resort Park lodges offer cozy, peaceful off-season getaways with discount rates.
Visitor Tips
Kentucky state parks do not charge a general entrance fee for day use. The system is famous for its 17 “Resort Parks” which feature full-service lodges, restaurants (often serving traditional Kentucky cuisine), and 18-hole golf courses, making them great destinations for those who prefer modern amenities over tent camping. If you plan to camp, book well in advance for summer and fall weekends. Note that some park marinas and pools operate strictly on a Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule.
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
Paintsville Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Paintsville Lake SP — 242 acres on Paintsville Lake (1,140 acres) in the Appalachian Mountains. The park’s lake, mountain forest, and streams support black bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys. Muskie, largemouth bass, and crappie fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Paintsville — adjacent — birthplace of country music star Loretta Lynn (nearby Butcher Hollow). Johnson County — surrounding.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Dawkins Line Rail Trail is a short drive away, and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Paintsville Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 42 sites — 32 Full Service sites (electric hookup with multiple amp options, plus full water/sewer hookup) in the Sites 1-32 loop; 10 Tent sites (no hookups, some with a water hookup) in the Sites 33-42 loop. RV sites range 33-48 feet, back-in or pull-through. Four separate Picnic Pavilions are available for day use (not overnight camping). |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed on camping sites; not allowed at the picnic pavilions. |
| Reservations | Reservations via the park's online system or by phone at (606) 297-8488. |
| Special sites | Boat launch ramp is handicap accessible. |
| Season notes | Campground is open year-round; the reservation system's peak season runs April 1-October 31. |
Camping questions about Paintsville Lake State Park
Can you camp at Paintsville Lake State Park?
Yes. Paintsville Lake State Park has 42 campsites. 32 Full Service sites (electric hookup with multiple amp options, plus full water/sewer hookup) in the Sites 1-32 loop; 10 Tent sites (no hookups, some with a water hookup) in the Sites 33-42 loop. RV sites range 33-48 feet, back-in or pull-through. Four separate Picnic Pavilions are available for day use (not overnight camping).
How do you reserve a campsite at Paintsville Lake State Park?
Reservations via the park's online system or by phone at (606) 297-8488.
Are pets allowed at the Paintsville Lake State Park campground?
Pets allowed on camping sites; not allowed at the picnic pavilions.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Paintsville Lake State 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 Paintsville Lake State 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
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