Camping near Buckhorn Lake

Join the fun near Buckhorn Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Buckhorn Lake is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Buckhorn Lake (75)

    1. Buckhorn Dam Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hazard, KY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 398-7220

    $14 - $60 / night

    "Nestled in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, this campground has all the things your family could want to do in nature.

    Check in was super easy and the staff was great."

    "This is a small campground near Buckhorn Lake. It is close to the water for boating and swimming, there is a playground, but for much else you will need to travel outside the area.  "

    2. Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake

    4 Reviews
    Hazard, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 672-3670

    $24 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Buckhorn Dam Rec Area - Buckhorn Lake

    2 Reviews
    Hazard, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 398-7220

    "This is a small campground near Buckhorn Lake. It is close to the water for boating and swimming, there is a playground, but for much else you will need to travel outside the area.  "

    4. Lago Linda Hideaway

    23 Reviews
    Beattyville, KY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 464-2876

    $12 - $115 / night

    "This big campground is a hidden gem near Red River Gorge. The road getting to the campsite is mostly one lane so is you are in an RV, go slow."

    "The trail around the lake was very nice, short but hilly so a good morning walk. It rained the first evening which led to some pretty little waterfalls the next day."

    5. Koomer Ridge Campground — Daniel Boone National Forest

    47 Reviews
    Pine Ridge, KY
    34 miles
    +1 (606) 663-8100

    $24 - $36 / night

    "We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."

    "It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."

    6. Middle Fork Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    42 Reviews
    Slade, KY
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 663-2214

    $23 - $35 / night

    "I would rank the Red River Gorge area as the most beautiful place in the Kentucky. Any time I get the chance to head out this way, I do."

    "Pros: clean bath house, convenient to SUP Kentucky/Gorge underground, level sites (smaller though)

    Cons: traffic noise, no cell service (which is a pro for some)"

    7. Carr Creek State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Carr Creek Lake, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 642-4050

    $33 / night

    "Small beach area, clear water for swimming, but have quite a few steps to walk down to the lake. Playground equipment was taken down, only had a couple of swings."

    "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it. Overall the campground is clean and staff is extremely helpful. The bathhouses are a bit run down and updated or something."

    8. Turkey Foot Campground

    12 Reviews
    McKee, KY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 864-4163

    "There’s a privy near the campsites and a creek the runs nearby. All sites have fire rings and lamp post along with picnic tables."

    "Beautiful remote location. Great moderate hiking trails. Clean 🚻."

    10. Gabriel Fork Cabin

    Be the first to review!
    Manchester, KY
    7 miles
    +1 (859) 433-2692
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Recent Reviews near Buckhorn Lake

397 Reviews of 75 Buckhorn Lake Campgrounds


  • Andy M.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    S-Tree Campground

    Great camping spot for Off-Road enthusiasts!

    A very well-developed camping area that caters to the off-road community. There are 2 loops for camping; loop B is still being upgraded. The park will begin implementation of fees as soon as the loop is completed. There are several sets of vault toilets, but no running water nor trash pickup, even though they have built a pad for a dumpster.

  • Jennifer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2025

    Westgate RV Campground

    It'll do

    It'll do for a quick stay. Staff was very friendly. Sites are literally mom and pop developed land. Grounds weren't filthy. But the bathrooms are curtain closed the shower is small and meh. Cops frequently circle do either high crime suspected (very possible) or they like the area. Either way I felt safe.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Turkey Foot Campground

    Good free camping

    This place takes winding back smaller roads to get there, but is very quiet and beautiful! We fit with our 21 foot camper and truck. Large spots, river alongside campground. Sad to see people left a lot of trash. Free is free!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Grove Drive-in Campground

    I absolutely love this place

    Grove campground is a must for people who like the peaceful nature. It is more expensive than advertised. We paid $46 per night no reservation.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Paintsville Lake State Park Campground

    My Eastern KY Fav!

    This campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous.

    The campground has many full hookup sites. I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available. There is a playground for children.

    Lots of boating and fishing occurred.

    Both the staff and the other campers were friendly and considerate. Quiet hours were observed.

    We've already made reservations for next season!

  • Polly J.
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Carr Creek State Park Campground

    Disgusting

    Bbathrooms are disgusting.  Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years.  They don't seem to care.

  • Jacklyn A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Natural Bridge Campground

    Wonderful All Around

    The staff was amazing, little games available like badminton, and very clean!

  • Katrin M.
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Whittleton Campground — Natural Bridge State Resort Park

    Nice campground in the Red River Gorge area

    We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. We had campsite 38, one out of 3 that are away from the rest of the sites. The campground is not very big, but very well maintained. The sites are very close together. A big plus was definitely the little creek, perfect for the dogs to play in. The bathhouse was very clean. One of the 2 showers had no bench, which makes it difficult to keep all your stuff dry while you shower. There are 2 trails that you can hike from the campground. Both were dog friendly, the rest of the park is not. Nearby is Miguel's Pizza, which is a pretty place to stop and ear breakfast, lunch, or dinner with outdoor seating
    The whole area is absolutely gorgeous. We hiked to Gray's Arch, which is about 15 min from the campground. The skylift to the Natural Bridge is very close by.


Guide to Buckhorn Lake

Camping near Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At Koomer Ridge Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are several trails that start from the campground," making it easy to get out and enjoy nature.
  • Fishing: Buckhorn Lake is great for fishing. Campers at Carr Creek State Park Campground noted, "The beach wasn’t far from our site," which makes it convenient for a day of fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, check out Red River Gorge Retreats (Miguel's Pizza). One visitor said, "Great facilities, great location," perfect for climbers looking to tackle the nearby cliffs.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Middle Fork Campground mentioned, "The bathhouse was clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the roomy sites at Koomer Ridge Campground. One reviewer said, "It was very spacious and clean," making it a comfortable spot for families.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At Lago Linda Hideaway, a visitor noted, "Jessica was very helpful in answering all my questions," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Turkey Foot Campground mentioned, "Limited to no cell service," so be prepared to disconnect.
  • No Hookups at Some Sites: If you're bringing an RV, check for hookups. A reviewer at Natural Bridge Campground said, "There are only 2 men’s and two women’s shower/toilet rooms for the entire camp," indicating limited facilities.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Kentucky Natural Bridge State Park noted, "Biggest downside is the noise from the big trucks going up and down the hill," which might affect your peace.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. At Whittleton Campground, one camper said, "Perfect for a quick one night stay while traveling!" which is great for families on the go.
  • Check for Accessibility: If you have family members with mobility issues, consider places like Lago Linda Hideaway, where a reviewer mentioned, "Being near a restroom that has accessible options made things very comfortable."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants nearby. A visitor at Red River Gorge Retreats said, "Great breakfast, lunch, and dinner at their on-site restaurant," making meal planning easier.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: If you're traveling in a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. A camper at Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park Campground mentioned, "Big rig friendly," which is essential for a smooth stay.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campers at Carr Creek State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure to bring extra power cord and water hose," as some hookups may not be conveniently located.
  • Check for Dump Stations: Before you go, make sure your chosen campground has a sanitary dump station. A visitor at Middle Fork Campground noted, "The dump station was well positioned and easy to navigate," which can save you time during your trip.

Camping near Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Buckhorn Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Buckhorn Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Buckhorn Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Buckhorn Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buckhorn Lake is Buckhorn Dam Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buckhorn Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Buckhorn Lake.

What parks are near Buckhorn Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 33 parks near Buckhorn Lake that allow camping, notably Carr Creek Lake and Daniel Boone National Forest.