Lake with heavenly refelection

Paintsville Lake Vacation Rentals

Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, United States
37.8398° N, -82.8729° W
Paintsville Lake
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Paintsville Lake is a 1,139-acre reservoir in Johnson and Morgan counties in eastern Kentucky. It was impounded from Paint Creek in 1983 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It is the major attraction of Paintsville Lake State Park.
Paintsville Lake officially opened to the public in 1983, three years before Paintsville Lake State Park was established.

On December 9, 1978, ten-thousand Johnson County residences had to be evacuated from the area below the construction site of the Paintsville Lake dam. This is because the area had recently received eight inches of rain, which had caused a leak in the coffer dam that was keeping the construction site of the actual dam dry. Luckily, the dam did not break and the residences were allowed to return to their homes the following day.

Surface area (mi)
2.86
Max depth (ft)
98.43
Elevation (ft)
708.66
Shoreline length (mi)
57.17
Best time to go
Visit Paintsville Lake in late spring, April to June, when lush foliage bursts into emerald hues, and days embrace warmth and sunshine. Experience tranquil fishing mornings, vibrant wildflower blooms, and the annual Paintsville Lake Festival celebrating local culture. Perfect for serene kayaking, this season invites exploration without the crowds.
Water Quality
Paintsville Lake's waters are a deep blue, reflecting the surrounding steep cliffs and wooded coves. The lake is known for its crystal-clear clarity, allowing visibility to depths exceeding 100 feet.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
pencil

Information not accurate?

Help us improve by making a suggestion.

Marinas on Paintsville Lake Vacation Rentals

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Paintsville Lake Vacation Rentals has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, there are restrictions on swimming in Paintsville Lake. Swimming is prohibited at the dam, within 100 feet of the intake structure, and at boat launching ramps. There are no developed swimming facilities, and swimmers should be alert to underwater hazards like rocks and tree branches. Cliff diving and jumping from cliffs are also prohibited.

  • Paintsville Lake is a popular destination because it offers a 1,140-acre lake with steep cliffs and wooded coves. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and water sports, as well as use the scenic campground, lakeside picnic shelters, and recreation areas like playgrounds and basketball courts.

  • The size limit for smallmouth bass in Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, is a 15-inch minimum. There is a daily creel limit of 6 fish, with a combined limit for black bass species. This regulation applies to both largemouth and smallmouth bass in the lake.

  • There is no public beach at Paintsville Lake. Swimming is not permitted at the dam, intake structure, or boat launching ramps, and there are no developed swimming facilities. Swimmers should be cautious of underwater hazards if they choose to swim at their own risk.

  • Towns near Paintsville Lake include Lowmansville, Martha, Meally, Oil Springs, and Staffordsville, all located in Johnson County, Kentucky. These towns are part of the local community surrounding the lake. They offer various amenities and services to residents and visitors.