Home › Kentucky › Fishtrap Lake Shelters
Fishtrap Lake Shelters
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — SHELBIANA · Kentucky · Fishtrap Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Fishtrap Lake |
| Location | SHELBIANA · Kentucky · Fishtrap Lake · 37.43583, -82.34750 · Map |
| Sites | 4 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group shelter electric; 2 group shelter nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 3 of 4 sites (up to 15 amp where reported) Water hookups at 2 of 4 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 4 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 4 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 18 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 10:00 AM · Out 9:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 3 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 606-437-7496 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Nestled among mountains and dense forests, the Fishtrap Lake area will appeal to anyone who loves boating, fishing or hiking. A man-made lake surrounded by natural beauty, Fishtrap Lake was created to help control flooding along the Ohio and Big Sandy Rivers.
The lake's location allows visitors to choose from endless recreational opportunities, whether its water sports on the lake, hiking on nearby trails or picnicking in the picturesque group area. Recreation Boat ramps are available for fisherman and boating enthusiasts. The surrounding wildlife area provides numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding, and additional developed trails can be accessed at the nearby Lick Creek Recreation Area. Facilities Fishtrap Lake Shelters provide covered picnic areas with playgrounds, perfect for kids. While everyone can appreciate the scenery provided by the lake, which serves as a breathtaking backdrop to any party or family get-together.
Shelters one and two are located at the Dam Site Recreation Area, and shelters three and four are located at the Grapevine Recreation Area.
Camping is also available nearby at the Grapevine Recreation Area.
Natural Features Fishtrap Lake sits in the rich coalfield country of Kentucky, surrounded by steep and lush mountainous terrain. The site is well-known for wildlife viewing and has become a haven for local animals, especially deer. Nearby Attractions Downtown Pikeville is 20 minutes North from project which provides; Hatfield Mccoy History tours, Dueling Barrel Brewery and Distillery, Kayaking, Horse Trails, Zipline, Jenny Wiley Theatre, and EXPO Center.
Directions, from the listing
From US-460/Shelbiana Road, continue approximately five miles, then make a slight right onto Kentucky Route 1789/Fishtrap Road. Continue three miles to the Fishtrap Lake Dam Site Recreation Area. Shelter # 1 is the first right turn after entering the dam site, located approximately one mile below the dam. Located along the same road, Shelter #2 is the second shelter on the right near the end of the recreation area.
Fishtrap Lakes' Grapevine Recreation Area is located along State Route 194 at Phyllis, Kentucky. Shelter # 3 is located on the right approximately 1/4 mile from the entrance area on the right andf Shleter #4 is located near the end of Grapevine recreation area near the boat ramp.
Nearest federal campgrounds
27 mi straight-line · Van Lear KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDewey Lake Shelter
30 mi straight-line · VAN LEAR KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersLittcarr Campground
36 mi straight-line · SASSAFRAS KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCarr Creek Lake Shelters
40 mi straight-line · Sassafras KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTrace Branch Campground
58 mi straight-line · BUCKHORN Kentucky
Trip Card — Fishtrap Lake Shelters
SHELBIANA · Kentucky · Fishtrap Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | SHELBIANA · Kentucky · Fishtrap Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 3 |
| Max RV | Up to 18 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 4 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234233 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.