Camping near Buckhorn Lake
Buckhorn Lake in eastern Kentucky features several established campgrounds across the Appalachian foothills. Buckhorn Dam Campground offers water and electric hookups with both tent and RV sites, while Trace Branch provides lakeside camping with water access for boaters and anglers. Several campgrounds in the area feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities, with most sites providing at least basic amenities like drinking water and trash collection.
Access to some campgrounds requires navigating winding mountain roads that may challenge larger vehicles. "Do not take Pleasant Valley Road 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," cautioned one visitor to Trace Branch. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from early May through late September, with limited or no services available during winter months. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds like Trace Branch offering no connectivity, making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect. Campers should check road conditions before arrival, especially after heavy rainfall when mountain roads may wash out.
Waterfront camping ranks highly among visitors to the Buckhorn Lake area, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Many sites at Trace Branch back directly to the water, though these tend to fill quickly during peak season. The playground facilities at Buckhorn Dam Campground receive praise from family campers, with one visitor noting it was "hands down the best playground for kids we have seen in a campground." Wildlife viewing opportunities extend beyond the immediate campground areas, with the region known for elk viewing. While bathroom and shower facilities exist at most established campgrounds, their cleanliness and maintenance varies significantly according to visitor reports. The more remote locations offer peaceful settings but require self-sufficiency as amenities and services are limited.
