Paintsville Lake State Park

Tucked into the rolling hills of eastern Kentucky near Staffordsville in Johnson County, Paintsville Lake State Park offers 242 acres of rugged Appalachian beauty centered around the striking 1,139-acre Paintsville Lake. With a 4.7-star rating from over 645 reviews, this park consistently earns praise from visitors who discover one of Kentucky’s quieter gems.

The lake is the main draw here. Fed by Paint Creek and framed by steep, wooded hillsides, the water runs remarkably clear by Kentucky standards, making it a favorite for fishing, boating, and swimming. Anglers target largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, with spring and early fall producing the best catches. A marina provides boat rentals and launch access for those who didn’t trailer their own.

Beyond the water, the park’s trail system winds through dense hardwood forest with ridgeline views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The terrain is hilly — expect a workout — but the overlooks reward the effort. Mountain biking is popular on select trails, and the park sees excellent bird diversity during spring migration.

The park is best visited from late April through October, when water activities are in full swing and the forest canopy is at its most dramatic. Fall color season, typically mid-October, transforms the lake’s shoreline into a vivid patchwork of orange and gold.

Whether you’re casting a line at dawn, hiking a ridgeline trail, or simply watching the sunset reflect off still water, Paintsville Lake State Park delivers an unhurried Appalachian escape that keeps visitors coming back.

Explore Nearby

• Country Music Highway — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Yatesville Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky
• East Fork Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky
• Red River Gorge Scenic Byways — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Daniel Boone National Forest — National Forest in Kentucky