Fishtrap Lake Shelters
Campground · Kentucky · 4 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
Fishtrap Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 4
- Bookable sites
- 18 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 100
- People per site
- 3
- Accessible sites
- 801 ft
- Elevation
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.
The facts
- 4 bookable sites
- 4 sites for day use only
- 3 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 18 ft
- Up to 100 people per site
- Loops: SHELTERS
Site types
- 2 Group Shelter Electric
- 2 Group Shelter Nonelectric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
- Campfires allowed — not available
Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, fire pits, grills.
4 campsites at Fishtrap Lake Shelters
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | SHELTERS | Group Shelter Electric | Pull Through | Paved | — | — | 100 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 002 | SHELTERS | Group Shelter Electric | — | Paved | — | — | 100 | ♿ |
| 003 | SHELTERS | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | — | 100 | ♿ |
| 004 | SHELTERS | Group Shelter Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | Lakefront | 18 ft | 50 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
37.43583, -82.34750 · 37°26'9.0"N 82°20'51.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.5 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 5.2 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 4.0 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Fishtrap Lake Shelters
- Can you reserve a site at Fishtrap Lake Shelters?
- Yes, Fishtrap Lake Shelters is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Fishtrap Lake Shelters have?
- 4 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Fishtrap Lake Shelters?
- 18 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Fishtrap Lake Shelters?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Fishtrap Lake Shelters.
- Does Fishtrap Lake Shelters have hookups?
- Electric, Water.
- Are campfires allowed at Fishtrap Lake Shelters?
- Campfires are not allowed at Fishtrap Lake Shelters.
Camping near Fishtrap Lake Shelters
- John W. Flannagan Day Use 13.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lower Twin Campground (Va) 14 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pound River Campground (Va) 17.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cranesnest Campground (Va) 20.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Phillip's Creek Group Picnic Area 28.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cane Patch 29.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dewey Lake Shelter 29.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- R.D. Bailey Lake Group Shelters 33.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Littcarr Campground 35.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Guyandotte Campground 35.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Flatwoods Group Picnic Area 36.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Birch Knob Observation Site 15 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 606-437-7496
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments