Overview Dewey Lake Shelters offer a day-use area on the shores of Dewey Lake in eastern Kentucky. Located just west of the Appalachian Mountains, the lake shore offers a peaceful, forested setting with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for groups of up to 150 guests.Recreation The picnic shelters are situated…
Overview Dewey Lake Shelters offer a day-use area on the shores of Dewey Lake in eastern Kentucky. Located just west of the Appalachian Mountains, the lake shore offers a peaceful, forested setting with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for groups of up to 150 guests.Recreation The picnic shelters are situated on an open, grassy area with plenty of space for children to play. A hiking trail is located near picnic shelter 4. Fishing is a popular activity from boats and the shoreline, and anglers will find bass, crappie, brim, bluegill, catfish and muskie. Hunting is also allowed in various wildlife management ares throughout the land surrounding the lake. For area hunting maps please visit our Project Office. Dewey Lake Primitive Campground is only accessible by boat or by a short hike (approximately 0.25 mi.) and contains 10 camping sites. Each of these sites are furnished with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post Parking is available at the parking lot on top of the dam, or the parking lot at Picnic Hollow. A water spigot is available and portable restroom facilities. Electric hookups are not available. Fees are $10 per night and paid through an honor vault system found by the information board on the campground. This primitive campground is lake front and will be open for use May 11, 2019 - October 5, 2019. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, which lines much of the western shore of the lake, has many additional amenities and activities, such as off-road bicycling and hiking trails and a marina with boat rentals and docking facilities. Here you may also experience the secluded beauty of the 49-room May Lodge, which overlooks Dewey Lake, surrounded by towering pines and peaceful mountains.Facilities Dewey Lake offers four covered picnic shelters, ideal for family reunions and other large group events. All shelters have electric hookups and are near a playground. Shelter 2 is also adjacent to a baseball field, and shelters 1 and 3 are closest to Dewey Dam
Photos
Dewey Lake Shelter #4, located at Picnic Hollow. — Natural Resources Specialist Ranger: SpanglerDewey Lake Downstream Area containing shelters 1, 2, and 3. — LPA: Jeanie O'BryanKayaking and canoeing is a pleasant way to enjoy the beauty at Dewey Lake. — Dewey Lake Project StaffDewey Lake Shelter #2 — LPA: Jeanie O'BryanAerial Image of all the Dewey Lake Shelter Locations. — Google Earth ImageDewey Lake Shelter #1 — Natural Resources Specialist Ranger: SpanglerDewey Lake offers a variety of opportunities for animal-lovers to watch the wildlife in their natural habitiats. You may just spot a deer, elk, turkey, osprey, otters, or even the beautiful Bald Eagles. — Dewey Lake Project StaffGerman Bridge equestrian trails are nestled within Dewey Lake Wildlife Management Areas. These horse riding trails are 18 miles of pathway located on the upper waters of Dewey Lake near the German Bridge Camp Ground. Trails include benches and hitch post throughout the extensive trails. These are picturesque mountain trail that often have a lake view. — Dewey Lake Project StaffDewey Lake with the conjunction on Jenny Wiley State Park and the City of Prestonsburg offer serveral outstanding hiking opportunities. Trail difficulities varies (and is indicated at all trailheads). — Friends of Jenny Wiley GroupNestled deep within the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, the Sugarcamp Mountain Trail system is a multi-use (mountain biking, hiking, & horse) facility created through the joint effort by Jenny Wiley State Park and the city of Prestonburg. Sugarcamp includes roughly 6 miles of horse friendly, machine built trail which provides spectacular views of Dewey Lake and the surrounding area; as well as an additional 12 miles of hand-carved, technical singletrack dedicated to mountain biking and hiking. Trail difficulty varies (and is indicated at all trailheads), but at least an intermediate skillset is required to navigate all trails within the property. — Sugarcamp Mountain Trail RidersDewey Lake was named after Admiral George Dewey (1837-1917). Admiral Dewey was given the honor to memoralize his duty to his country. Dewey Lake was the first of its kind in our area and exemplies the power of partnerships through conservation and recreation efforts throughout the entire 12,166 acres of the project. — Dewey Lake Project Staff
How to Get There
From US 23 turn at the red light toward Highlands Hospital (Route 302) for about one mile, turn right onto Route 3 for about 1.5 miles; after 1st over pass turn right onto 302 Lake Road, take left at bottom of ramp and Dewey Recreation Area Entrance is one mile on right, Project Office is 1.25 miles on right.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to DEWEY LAKE SHELTER
Heading to DEWEY LAKE SHELTER? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for DEWEY LAKE SHELTER?
No central reservation system listed for DEWEY LAKE SHELTER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234222) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to DEWEY LAKE SHELTER?
From US 23 turn at the red light toward Highlands Hospital (Route 302) for about one mile, turn right onto Route 3 for about 1.5 miles; after 1st over pass turn right onto 302 Lake Road, take left at bottom of ramp and Dewey Recreation Area Entrance is one mile on right, Project Office is 1.25 miles on right.
How do I contact DEWEY LAKE SHELTER?
You can reach the park at phone: (606) 886-6709 LAKE OFFICE.
