Carr Creek Lake sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian region. The surrounding Appalachian terrain creates multiple camping options with varied topography throughout the 710-acre reservoir. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during peak season with higher humidity levels than western Kentucky campgrounds.
What to Do
Fishing from shore: Access fishing spots directly from Buckhorn Dam Campground where anglers can catch bass and other species. "The area itself is very pretty and the water is clear with a ton of fish," notes Nick P. about nearby trails.
Kayaking on the lake: Launch watercraft from various points around Carr Creek Lake. "We kayaked on the lake and while it was enjoyable there was a lot of trash in the lake," reports Aimee G. who visited Carr Creek State Park Campground in fall when crowds thin out.
Hiking trails: Follow moderate trails around the lake basin. "The trails are pretty easy but could be a little better maintained," according to Nick P. who visited Kingdom Come State Park Campground, noting this area offers more forested trails than Carr Creek's main campground.
Swimming at the beach: Cool off at the public swimming area when temperatures rise. "Great campground with a swimming area," mentions Toni A. about camping facilities, while Gary S. states the beach "has gone thru some upgrades this year" and calls it the "best beach" in the area.
What Campers Like
Spacious campsites: Many outer loop campsites offer more room for equipment setup. "Good size sites, especially the outer part of the loop," writes Todd C. about Littcarr Campground where sites provide ample space for larger camping setups.
Clear water quality: The lake features better visibility than many regional reservoirs. "Water was clean and clear," notes one reviewer describing the swimming conditions at the beach area, making it popular for summer visitors.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot regional wildlife. Kingdom Come State Park Campground visitors report bear sightings at a distance: "I saw more bears while at this park then any other time. But it was never scary because they were always far away," shares Jess B.
Quiet camping conditions: Weekdays provide more solitude for campers seeking peace. "We only saw one other camper the whole time we were there. And it was peaceful the whole time," reports a Kingdom Come visitor about off-peak experiences.
What You Should Know
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility cleanliness fluctuates based on season and usage. "Bathrooms are disgusting. Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink," reports Polly J. about maintenance issues that persist during peak season.
Limited cell coverage: Prepare for minimal connectivity throughout the area. "Definitely needed WeBoost to make data functional. Verizon worked best of my carriers," explains Kevin H. about connectivity at Trace Branch - Buckhorn Lake, noting signal challenges throughout the region.
Bear precautions required: Food storage protocols must be followed due to regional bear activity. "The area is known for bear activity, but we saw none," mentions Sarah at Kingdom Come, where ranger staff provide specific guidance on securing food and trash.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate limited schedules outside summer months. "Not a lot going on here. We had to drive to get to a place to hike," explains Aimee G. about October camping when some amenities close for the season.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. Buckhorn Dam Campground provides "a large bathhouse with super clean bathrooms" and "hands down the best playground for kids we have seen in a campground," according to Marissa G.
Dog friendly campgrounds at Carr Creek Lake: Pet owners find accommodations throughout the area for their animals. Buckhorn Dam Campground is particularly accommodating where "pets allowed on leash" and Martha states it's "Perfect for families with kids!"
Beach proximity matters: Choose sites that minimize walking distance to swimming areas. Martha appreciates that "the beach wasn't far from our site" and notes "People was friendly!" when describing the family atmosphere at campgrounds around Carr Creek Lake.
Educational opportunities: Regional mining history provides learning experiences for children. The Portal 31 exhibition coal mine located across from Portal 31 RV Park offers historical tours where "If you want to see the history of coal production in southeast Kentucky, this is the place," according to Grant M.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Large rigs face navigation issues on some approach roads. "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," warns Damon O. about the roads leading to some camping areas.
Site leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. Sites at Carr Creek State Park vary in terrain with some campers reporting sites 7, 8, 26, 28 and 31 as "washed out, not good for putting up a tent" according to Gisela C., which affects RV setup as well.
Electrical reliability issues: Power connections sometimes fail at individual sites. "Our electric didn't work (site 33) but we were with another couple and plugged into theirs next to us," explains a reviewer who encountered infrastructure problems during an August stay.
