Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, USA

Sharing acreage of both Johnson and Morgan counties in eastern Kentucky, Paintsville Lake has been a recreational staple since its creation in 1983. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impounded Paint Creek for flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife protection. The 26-mile long scenic lake twists and turns through rocky limestone bluffs and wooded coves. Normal summer pool is 709 feet above sea level. Depths can…
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    • All About Paintsville Lake, KY

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Kentucky - Appalachians Region, KY -

    Sharing acreage of both Johnson and Morgan counties in eastern Kentucky, Paintsville Lake has been a recreational staple since its creation in 1983. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers impounded Paint Creek for flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife protection. The 26-mile long scenic lake twists and turns through rocky limestone bluffs and wooded coves. Normal summer pool is 709 feet above sea level. Depths can exceed 100 feet.

    At only 1,139 acres, many tend to underestimate Paintsville Lake, but that’s a mistake, as this little lake packs quite a punch. Begin your stay by choosing a campsite at Paintsville Lake State Park: 32 have water, electricity, and sewer hookups for your RV, and another 10 are primitive. Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities are provided for your convenience; two of the RV campsites are disabled accessible.

    Boat launch ramps are located at Rocky Knob Recreation Area, and you’ll frequently find both boating enthusiasts and anglers launching from there. There’s no horsepower limit at Paintsville Lake, so you’re free to open up the engine and go for a real ride, just be sure to practice safety and respect for your fellow boaters.

    As you zip around the lake, you’ll find soon find out how important fishing is here. Fishing boats dot the lake’s surface, and you’ll watch as anglers eagerly reel in catches of channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, redbreast sunfish, smallmouth bass, and walleye.

    If hiking is your pleasure, then head to the Kiwanis Trail, located across from the Mountain Homeplace Welcome Center. The 1.6 mile hiking trail winds through the area’s beautiful scenery, and introduces visitors to the flora and fauna of Paintsville Lake. If you’re looking for a more advanced hike, try out Adena Trail, a 7 mile long hike that meanders around the dam.

    History buffs will love visiting the Mountain Homeplace Historical Area. Developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Paintsville Tourism Commission the historical home recreates 19th Century eastern Kentucky farm life. Visitors can explore the old house, crop fields, a one-room schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, and so much more. Both fun and informative, this is one activity that everyone in the family will ask for by name.

    Visiting Paintsville Lake is truly an introduction into years gone by: quiet nights, days dominated by the outdoors, and even the opportunity to visit a period farmhouse. You will love the natural beauty of the area and appreciate the recreational enhancements that the lake provides, assuring a restful vacation full of fun, sun, and water.

    Things to Do at Paintsville Lake

    These are some activities in the Paintsville Lake, KY area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Paintsville Lake?

    Paintsville Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Channel Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Redbreast Sunfish
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Paintsville Lake

    If you’re considering a Paintsville Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Paintsville Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Paintsville Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Paintsville Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 1,139 acres

    Shoreline Length: 57 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 709 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 0 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 731 feet

    Maximum Depth: 100 feet

    Water Volume: 40,700 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1983

    Drainage Area: 93 sq. miles

    Paintsville Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

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