Eastern Kentucky's Hidden Lake in the Mountains
Why Rent On Paintsville Lake
Paintsville Lake is a 1,139-acre reservoir in Johnson and Morgan counties in eastern Kentucky, created in 1983 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and now the centerpiece of Paintsville Lake State Park. The surrounding Appalachian foothills give this lake a dramatically different character from Kentucky’s western reservoirs, with steep, wooded hillsides dropping to the water and a quieter, more remote atmosphere that suits families who want to genuinely get away.
Cozy Cabins in the Appalachian Foothills
Vacation rentals near Paintsville Lake offer cozy cabins and lakehouses with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces set against the wooded mountain landscape of eastern Kentucky. Pet-friendly options are available, and the state park’s trails and boat launches give families immediate outdoor access from the moment they arrive. The peace and quiet here is one of the destination’s most valuable features.
Boating, Fishing, and Mountain Scenery
The lake is well-suited for boating and fishing, with bass, catfish, and crappie present throughout the season. The wooded hillside setting makes kayaking and canoeing along the shoreline a genuinely beautiful experience that flat-water lakes simply cannot replicate. The state park’s facilities are well-maintained, and the lake’s clear, clean water invites swimming in the calmer coves during warm months.
Country Music Highway and Eastern Kentucky Culture
The area around Paintsville sits along US 23, known as the Country Music Highway, a route that celebrates the remarkable number of country and bluegrass legends who grew up in this corner of Appalachia. The Loretta Lynn birthplace in Butcher Hollow is a short drive away and one of the most authentic and moving experiences in Kentucky tourism. The broader eastern Kentucky mountain culture gives any stay here a genuine sense of place.
A Mountain Lake Rental Worth Seeking Out
Paintsville Lake is for families who want something different from the typical Kentucky lake vacation. The Appalachian setting, the quiet water, the state park facilities, and the deep cultural roots of eastern Kentucky combine to create a rental stay that is memorable in ways that larger, more commercial lake destinations rarely achieve. Come here to slow down, fish, hike, and hear some of the best music history in America.
- Surface area (mi)
- 2.86
- Max depth (ft)
- 98.43
- Elevation (ft)
- 708.66
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 57.17
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Marinas on Paintsville Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Paintsville Lake 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.
