About GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS
Overview Grayson Lake Dam Site Shelters are just seven miles south of Grayson, Kentucky on state Route 7 on Grayson Lake. Recreational activities abound on and around this 20-mile long lake. Boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and hunting are the area's most popular draws.Recreation Visitors flock to Grayson Lake for its numerous recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. A marina is located at the dam site for convenient boat storage. Hikers enjoy the Api-su-ahts Trail, with four loops totaling over 22 miles. The trail offers scenic views of the lakeshore and mature hardwood forests as it winds through creek bottoms, hollows and ridgetops in the more secluded region of the Wildlife Management Area east of Grayson Lake.Facilities This site contains four group picnic shelters with water and 15-amp electrical hookups, large grills and picnic tables. Accessible vault toilets are provided.Playgrounds are located next to each shelter! Natural Features Grayson Lake is known for its sculptured sandstone cliffs that rise 30 to 200 feet above the lake's surface, providing many narrow, scenic canyons just waiting to be explored. The gently sloping landscape around the lake is forested with a mixture of oak, white and yellow pine, elm, and Kentucky's state tree, the Tulip Poplar. Fall colors are particularly impressive at Grayson Lake. Nearby Attractions The Grayson Game Refuge Area and Wildlife Management Area are both nearby, offering hiking, hunting, birding and fishing. Grayson Lake State Park is just a few minutes away, with an 18-hole golf course, camping, hiking and more great water activities.
How to Get There
From Huntington, WV, travel west on I-64 approximately 28 miles to Exit 172, or from Lexington, Ky, travel east on I-64 approximately 93 miles to Exit 172. From Exit 172, proceed south on KY Route 7 approximately 8 miles. KY Route 7 passes over Grayson Dam; after passing over dam, take the first right onto lower access road to go to Picnic Shelter 4. To reach Shelters 1, 2, and 3, take the first left onto Launch Ramp Road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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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 GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS
Heading to GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS? 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 GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS?
No central reservation system listed for GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234226) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS?
From Huntington, WV, travel west on I-64 approximately 28 miles to Exit 172, or from Lexington, Ky, travel east on I-64 approximately 93 miles to Exit 172. From Exit 172, proceed south on KY Route 7 approximately 8 miles. KY Route 7 passes over Grayson Dam; after passing over dam, take the first right onto lower access road to go to Picnic Shelter 4. To reach Shelters 1, 2, and 3, take the first l…
How do I contact GRAYSON LAKE DAMSITE SHELTERS?
You can reach the park at phone: 606-474-5815.
References & Official Resources
