Grayson Lake Damsite Shelters

Closed — This is a day-use only facility, not an overnight campground. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Shelters available for reservation through Recreation.gov.

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About

Grayson Lake Damsite Shelters is a day-use facility located seven miles south of Grayson, Kentucky on State Route 7 at Grayson Lake. The site features four group picnic shelters equipped with water, 15-amp electrical hookups, large grills, and picnic tables. Each shelter has an adjacent playground, making it ideal for family gatherings and group events. The facility sits on the shores of the 20-mile long Grayson Lake, known for its sculptured sandstone cliffs rising 30 to 200 feet above the water's surface. The area offers abundant recreational opportunities including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. A marina at the dam site provides convenient boat storage. Hikers can explore the Api-su-ahts Trail, featuring four loops totaling over 22 miles through creek bottoms, hollows, and ridgetops with scenic views of the lakeshore and mature hardwood forests. The gently sloping landscape is forested with oak, white and yellow pine, elm, and tulip poplar trees, providing particularly impressive fall colors. Nearby attractions include the Grayson Game Refuge Area, Wildlife Management Area, and Grayson Lake State Park with its 18-hole golf course. The area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Directions

From I-64 Exit 172, proceed south on KY Route 7 approximately 8 miles. After passing over Grayson Dam, take the first right onto lower access road for Shelter 4, or the first left onto Launch Ramp Road for Shelters 1, 2, and 3.