About DEWEY LAKE SHELTER
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
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
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.
References & Official Resources
