Camping near Carr Creek Lake

Join the fun near Carr Creek Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Carr Creek Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Carr Creek Lake (53)

    1. Carr Creek State Park Campground

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

    $28 / 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."

    2. Littcarr Campground

    5 Reviews
    Vicco, KY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 642-3052

    $24 - $30 / night

    "Very clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a wonderful location on the lake. Site #25 is our favorite, though it could be more level, but the privacy, size, and shade are perfect for us."

    "The canal at the park leads you to Carr Lake."

    3. Kingdom Come State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cumberland, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (606) 589-4138

    $14 / night

    "Kingdom Come State Park is a little jewel in southeastern Kentucky!"

    "If you like fishing there is a small lake which is regularly stocked with Trout. Bass, Blue Gill, Sunfish, and a few others. It's just a short walk from the campsites."

    4. Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake

    4 Reviews
    Hazard, KY
    19 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."

    6. Buckhorn Dam Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hazard, KY
    25 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.  "

    7. Portal 31 RV Park

    1 Review
    Lynch, KY
    20 miles
    +1 (606) 848-1530

    "This small park is located across the street from an exhibition coal mine, portal 31. It is in the former train depots former switch yard. Small, with electric hookups and a communal water spout."

    8. Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Big Stone Gap, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 523-0055

    "We visited the local museums and walked the green belt. The green belt is next to the camp ground within walking distance. We will be back!"

    "Quaint park tucked away in the hills of VA in Big Stone Gap next to South Fork Powell River. Although our site is right on top of our neighbor, that is NOT the norm."

    10. Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Breaks, VA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (276) 865-4413

    $20 - $38 / night

    "It was surrounded by a lot of trees, so it had shade. It was a short walk to the bathhouse which was very clean with nice showers. 

    The campground has 4 different loops."

    "A wonderful getaway when you want to be away from it all. Several campground sections to choose from with primitive sites to full hookup with electric, water, and sewer."

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Recent Reviews near Carr Creek Lake

178 Reviews of 53 Carr Creek Lake Campgrounds


  • Carol J.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Great spot for nature lovers

    This is a very well maintained park, with many hiking and overlook opportunities.  White tail deer are frequent, and very tame.  Bathrooms are clean and well maintained.  Lots of hot water and water pressure in the showers.  There is a pool and waterpark on site, and a gift shop and camp store.  Was disappointed that the Visitor Center was only open on the weekend (and it was still prior to Labor Day).  Staff was helpful and friendly, although there was no camp host on site on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday nights.

  • Lisa Horton
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    We took off for 4 days and decided to go to the Breaks and fish, camp out, and just enjoy our time with one another.

    It was a very nice camping spot and it also had a grill that we used to cook out. They also have a restaurant in the park that has some of the best food I have ever ate.

  • Beth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Clinch River Family Campground

    Be prepared for 7 mile drive from main road

    We chose this campground because it was close to Natural Tunnel and Devils Fork trail (30-45 min). Both of these are worth doing if you are in the area. We chose to only hike to Devils bathtub (about 2 miles one way). It was exceptional but difficult.

    Most of the final road to campground is paved with exception of last mile, its wide enough but slow going. You will lose cellular pretty quickly when you turn on that road.

    Campground is well maintained, lots of playground equipment for kids and a launch for tubes/kayaks. At main road there is a public launch if you want to put in there and then float to campground.

    No laundry. Bathhouse is just ok, dated but functional.

    Owners are nice, and communicate quickly by email or phone. We had issue with the site we reserved and just moved over one site when setting up late and in the rain…told owner next day and it was no problem.

  • 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.

  • papa G.
    May. 24, 2025

    Clinch River Family Campground

    Spectacular

    What a great experience for the whole family and kids and enjoyed the privacy water was a little cold this time of year but I had a great fire next to the river Under the Stars roasting s'mores

  • paul C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Hiker's dream

    Wonderful park for pretty much everything from zip line to water park, and to some of the most gorgeous trails in the region. The campground was extremely clean including bathrooms and showers that are immaculate. There are tons of sites to accommodate pretty much any rig. Nice camp store with firewood and propane refill. Most site are full hookup, but not all.

  • Bob M.
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Breaks Interstate Park Campground

    Nice

    Very scenic place!! We spent 6 nights here, hiked & biked a lot. Off season, so some of the amenities were closed (pool looks awesome). The campground itself isn't really all that great, prepare for some levelling. We lucked out in the B loop, as a small trail (Grassy Overlook trail) took us to see the northern lights one evening. I highly suggest stopping here for a few nights, an under rated area.

  • Will and Lucinda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Cross Mountain Campground

    Love this campground! Very quiet!

    This campground is pretty new and not too large, making it a nice quiet getaway.  All the sites are concrete with nice gravel between, along with picnic tables and firepits.  Because it's isolated in the trees, you can't even hear the main road!

    One thing we liked is the great drainage.  Even on the rainy days, there were almost no puddles due to good landscaping and slight slope.   The water pressure is really strong, be sure to use your pressure regulator!

    The bathhouse is nice and clean.  There's a playground with slides and such here, too.

    We were here during the month of October and the owners and helpers decorated the area with pumpkins and little scarecrows.

    The drive up from the main road is 85% paved with nice new asphalt.  Just a short section that's gravel.  On the nice days, we would walk all the way from the campground down the hill to the main road and back.

    There's Wifi available, and it was at least as good as our AT&T cell connection, and we were able to keep our Starlink on pause, saving us a month's cost there.

    We will definitely be staying here again.  No question.

    The only negative I can add is that there's no real "office" to receive packages.  We had to replace our rig's AC unit, and the owner allows me to ship it to his house about a mile away.  When it arrived I drove over and picked it up.  For other stuff, I just got a post office box in town.  (They don't do General Delivery at this USPS location.)


Guide to Carr Creek Lake

Camping near Carr Creek Lake, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing right beside your campsite at Buckhorn Dam Campground. One camper mentioned, "We got to fish right beside our camper. Definitely recommend!"
  • Swimming: Head to the beach area at Carr Creek State Park Campground for a refreshing swim. A visitor noted, "The beach is nice but a lot of steps to get down to it."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Kingdom Come State Park Campground. One camper shared, "There are plenty of hiking trails. Our favorite is the Raven Rock trail which leads to a 450-foot granite rock facing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms are the cleanest I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Carr Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The people working while we were there were great."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Buckhorn Dam Campground appreciate the roomy sites. A family noted, "The site was very easy to get to and nearly perfectly level."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: If you need to stay connected, be aware that cell service can be spotty. A camper at Littcarr Campground said, "Definitely needed WeBoost to make data functional."
  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. A visitor noted, "No outside alcohol signs everywhere."
  • Seasonal Availability: Most campgrounds are open from April to October. For example, Carr Creek State Park Campground operates during this timeframe.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playground Access: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Buckhorn Dam Campground. A parent mentioned, "Very nice playground, basketball court, swing, and volleyball court."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose a campground with nearby activities. One family at Carr Creek State Park Campground said, "We had a blast. Hiking right near the campground and lake is not far away at all."
  • Laundry Facilities: If you're staying for a while, look for campgrounds with laundry options. A camper at Jessie Lea RV Park and Campground appreciated the clean facilities, saying, "Very clean and well landscaped."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Make sure to pick a site that is level for easier setup. A camper at Buckhorn Dam Campground noted, "It had both 30 and 50 amp hookups and water."
  • Dump Station Availability: Check for dump stations before you arrive. One RV owner at Carr Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station was clean and easily accessible."
  • Road Conditions: Be cautious of steep roads leading to some campgrounds. A visitor at Kingdom Come State Park Campground warned, "The road in from Cumberland is STEEP!"

Camping near Carr Creek Lake, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a beach at Carr Creek Lake?

Yes, there is a beach at Carr Creek Lake. Carr Creek State Park Campground features a small beach area with clear water for swimming. The beach is accessible via a stairway that requires walking down quite a few steps to reach the lake. The water is generally clear and good for swimming during the warmer months. The beach area provides a nice recreational option for campers and day visitors looking to cool off during the summer season.

What facilities does Littcarr Campground offer at Carr Creek Lake?

Littcarr Campground offers several amenities for campers at Carr Creek Lake. The campground provides potable water, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Sites are reservable, which is convenient for planning trips in advance. The campground is accessible by both boat and vehicle, making it versatile for different types of visitors. For those seeking alternative camping experiences in eastern Kentucky, Kingdom Come State Park Campground offers tent sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads, though it's located a bit farther from Carr Creek Lake.

Where is the campground at Carr Creek Lake in Kentucky?

The main campground at Carr Creek Lake is Carr Creek State Park Campground, located in Sassafras, Kentucky in Knott County. The lake itself is situated in eastern Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. For alternative camping options near Carr Creek Lake, Littcarr Campground is also available in the same general area. Both campgrounds provide access to the lake's recreational opportunities while being surrounded by the beautiful Kentucky mountains.