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Established Camping

Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake

Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake, near Buckhorn, Kentucky, is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the hills, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With campsites right on the water, it’s an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying the great outdoors.

The campground offers essential amenities like electric and water hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings for cozy evenings by the fire. Visitors have noted the lack of cell service, making it a great place to unplug and unwind. As one camper put it, “It’s best to visit during the week if you’re looking for peace and quiet.”

For families, there’s a playground and picnic areas, making it a fun spot for kids to run around and make new friends. Just be cautious on the access roads; they can be narrow and winding, so take your time getting there. If you’re up for a little adventure, Trace Branch is a fantastic choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay in nature.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Buckhorn Lake

Overview

The Trace Branch Campground, located on Buckhorn Lake, is a great launchpad for outdoor activities in Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau. The facility features plenty of shade and open grassy areas for spreading out and enjoying the landscape of the Appalachian Mountain Range.

Recreation

Buckhorn lake offers ideal conditions for anglers including seclusion from fishing pressure and boat traffic, producing some of the best muskie fishing in the area. With comfortable water temperatures,swimming and water skiing are popular in summer months and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of the area's many miles of trails.

Natural Features

Buckhorn Lake is situated in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky. The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams. The Kentucky River feeds the lake, originating in the southeast of the state and flowing generally northwestward.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby destinations include the Lilley Cornett Woods, Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area.

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Location

Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake is located in Kentucky

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Lexington, KY, take I-75 south 83 miles to London. Take exit 41 or 38 to Daniel Boone Parkway east and continue 44 miles to Hyden Spur. Exit towards Tim Couch Pass and turn left towards Thousandsticks onto Bull Creek Road. Go 2.5 miles to KY Highway 257, then head north about 9 miles to the Confluence bridge. Turn right and cross the bridge, then take a left on Mosley Bend Road. Continue 2 miles to Trace Branch Campground on your left.

Address

804 BUCKHORN DAM ROAD
Buckhorn, KY 41721-8808

Coordinates

37.2416667 N
83.3727778 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2023

Quiet, remote, water access, playground

This campground is a hidden gem. It's in the hills, far off the beaten path, and half of the campsites are right on the water. In addition to campsites, the park has picnic areas, bathrooms, showers, a playground, and a boat ramp.

Campsites have hookups for electric and water, with a dump site nearby. There are also picnic tables and fire rings, with firewood available to purchase.

Access to the camp may be tough for larger rigs as theres a few miles of windy, one-lane roads with switchbacks, drop-offs, and the occasional washout.

There is also no cell service here, so be prepared to unplug and unwind. =)

This area looks to be prone to flooding in the the spring months when the snows thaw so time your visit accordingly.

The men's bathrooms don't appear to have been cleaned in awhile and weren't cleaned during my week there. Only half of the toilets would flush.

It's a popular place for the locals with kids on the weekends so if you're looking for peace and quiet it's best to visit during the week. Great place to let the kids run wild and make friends though.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 25, 2023

Tropical paradise

Not what I figured it would be but considering it was alright

SiteB3
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2021

Comfy and great for fishing and boating

I stayed here for two night and enjoyed my time. RV spots are a little close to your neighbor but it was quiet and peaceful. This is a great spot if you don't mind not having a network connection or Wi-Fi. Spot comes with an electrical hook-up, water, fire pit, and a picnic table. There are also bathrooms and showers and outdoor trash cans to throw away your garbage. I highly recommend this campsite. I had a great time.

Siterv/tent
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake by Maze M., September 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake by Maze M., September 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake by Maze M., September 6, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

Beautiful campground and site

First off, I want to warn everyone; DO NOT TAKE "PLEASANT VALLEY RD" into the campgrounds! That road takes you on a single lane road and if you meet another vehicle, someone will have to backup. The road is extremely washed out and huge chunks are gone. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! We took Louis Branch Rd, then turn right on 3425, after you go under the highway bridge take the next left on Kentucky River Bridge. After you cross the bridge turn right on 257/Drywall road. You will pass a walking bridge for U.S. ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS. Take the next bridge across the river CR-1475, then turn right on Mosley Bend road. Then, you will come to Krypton-Toulouse-Yerkes Rd. Turn left (it's a very sharp left). Take the next left at the dumpsters and that will take you into the campground.

The employees are fantastic! The bathroom did run out of toilet paper so remember to always take your own!

Site19
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake by j B., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake by j B., July 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake by j B., July 2, 2021
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake?

    Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake allows vehicles up to 55 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is poor, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake?

    There are 29 campsites at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts