How much does camping cost at Buckhorn Campground?

Camping fees at Buckhorn Campground range from $14-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buckhorn Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buckhorn Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buckhorn Campground before I book?

Yes! Buckhorn Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buckhorn Campground?

Buckhorn Campground is open May 01 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buckhorn Campground?

Yes, Buckhorn Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Buckhorn Campground have?

Buckhorn Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buckhorn Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Buckhorn Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buckhorn Campground?

Buckhorn Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buckhorn Campground?

Popular activities at Buckhorn Campground include Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buckhorn Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Buckhorn Campground?

Fire policies at Buckhorn Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.33

122 reviews

804 BUCKHORN DAM RD

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Kentucky Boating Camping Kentucky

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,096 ft

Price

$14 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,096 ft

Price

$14 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Buckhorn Campground

$14.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BOAT IN: $14.00; Large Shelter: $60.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-68731: $32.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; Shelter: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $14.00....

Hike and Bike Site Fee$14.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

606-398-7220

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

804 BUCKHORN DAM RD

Buckhorn Campground

804 BUCKHORN DAM RD

Nearby places

Hazard, KY - approximately 15 miles. Booneville, KY - approximately 23 miles.

Driving directionsTraveling north from Lexington, take I-64 to the Mountain Parkway. Exit at Slade, take KY 11 South through Beattyville. Continue on Highway 11 to Booneville, continuing past the courthouse to KY 28 West. Follow KY 28 about 23 miles to Buckhorn. Traveling east from Hazard, take KY 15 North 9 miles to 28 W (left turn) through Chavies. Follow Highway 28 West straight and go 15 miles to Buckhorn.

Weather at Buckhorn Campground

Current alerts(2)

No alcohol allowed
Off-road vehicles are permitted; restrictions apply

Best Time to Camp at Buckhorn Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Buckhorn Campground because warm, humid days (typically highs in the mid-70s to low-90s °F, nights in the 60s) make Buckhorn Lake ideal for swimming, boating, and peak-season fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan water activities for mornings and check forecasts, but overall summer provides the fullest range of lake-based recreation and family-friendly amenities. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends (July–August) and take advantage of the Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with best lake access; playground and swimming popular among families.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 1 - September 30. Reservable start dates: June 20.

About Buckhorn Campground

Buckhorn Campground sits on Buckhorn Lake in the Kentucky foothills, offering electric and water hookups for tent and RV campers. The small seasonal campground features a swim beach, boat access, and amenities including showers, laundry, and a camp store. Families appreciate the accessible facilities and lake-focused recreation during the warm summer months.

Buckhorn Campground accommodates a variety of camping types, including tent camping, RV sites, and group shelters. Boat-in camping is also an option.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Buckhorn Campground because warm, humid days (typically highs in the mid-70s to low-90s °F, nights in the 60s) make Buckhorn Lake ideal for swimming, boating, and peak-season fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan water activities for mornings and check forecasts, but overall summer provides the fullest range of lake-based recreation and family-friendly amenities. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends (July–August) and take advantage of the Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1096 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a spot where narrow valleys wind between steep Appalachian ridges at 1,096 feet elevation. Buckhorn Lake stretches across 1,230 acres, surrounded by dense hardwood forests typical of the Cumberland Plateau. The terrain is rugged. Ancient rivers carved these serpentine valleys over millions of years, creating dramatic overlooks and intimate hollows. America's largest River Birch Tree grows here, recognized by the National Register of Big Trees. Morning mist often hangs over the lake, and the forested ridgelines provide a green backdrop that shifts with the seasons.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations, but the campground offers diverse site types, including primitive tent sites, RV sites, and group shelters.

Programs & ActivitiesMonthly interpretive programs are offered during summer months, catering to campers interested in cultural and educational activities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights per visit at this campground.

Groups

Group shelters with electric and non-electric options are available, accommodating larger gatherings. Specific capacity details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground is noted for its robust accessibility, including accessible campsites, boat ramps, flush toilets, playgrounds, showers, picnic shelters, grills, fishing docks, and trails.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size, with some large enough for RVs and others tailored for tents.

PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy. Some users found the sites very open and compared the setting to a KOA, while others appreciated the peaceful atmosphere.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesMany campers recommend sites near the water for scenic views and easy access to activities like fishing.

Need help booking Buckhorn Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Buckhorn Campground offers a wide range of amenities geared towards ensuring camper comfort and enjoyment. Facilities include a basketball court, playground, horseshoe pits, swimming area, boat ramp, free wireless internet (though some reviews suggest connectivity is limited to the gatehouse area), electric hookups, laundry facilities, hot showers, vending machines, a dump station, and flush toilets. The campground also provides fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water. Accessibility features include accessible boat ramps, campsites, flush toilets, playgrounds, showers, picnic areas, grills, fishing docks, and trails.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Buckhorn Campground offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming, and relaxing. On-shore activities include a playground, basketball court, and horseshoe pits.

Swimming

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingOn-site trash and recycling facilities are provided. Specific locations or pickup schedules are not stated.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews exist about cell phone service. One user reported having 4 bars of 4G LTE with AT&T and Verizon, while others mentioned no cell service. This discrepancy may depend on specific locations within the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

122 reviews

Recommended

Buckhorn Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight both positive and negative aspects of the campground. While many praise its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere, others express concerns about lax enforcement of rules, inconsistent Wi-Fi availability, and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 122 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 122 reviews.

C13Loved
C13: Praised by families for its peaceful environment.
C18Loved
C18: Positive feedback on facilities and cleanliness.
C06Issues noted
C06: Complaints about hard-to-open shower doors.
C09Issues noted
C09: Mixed experiences with nearby campers' noise.

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly hosts, family-oriented environment, accessibility features, scenic location, and a variety of recreational activities.

Based on 122 reviews

Common Concerns

Inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours, limited Wi-Fi connectivity (restricted to the gatehouse area), lack of a proper beach, occasional maintenance issues with showers and restrooms, and crowded...

Based on 122 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies, as the campground is remote and lacks nearby large stores. Consider visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience. Families with children will appreciate the...

Based on 122 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are the busiest, with the playground and swimming area being popular among families. Fall is quieter and more relaxing, making it ideal for adults seeking a peaceful getaway.

Based on 122 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bath and shower houses were clean, the shower stalls are huge and amazing, A+.' - Belinda D. 2. 'It’s a great campground. Erica was so helpful and was top notch.' - Michael S. 3. 'Everything...

Based on 122 reviews

Accessibility Features

Highly praised for accessible features, including paved sites, large showers, and accessible fishing docks.

Based on 122 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Buckhorn Lake

Buckhorn Campground

About Buckhorn Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Buckhorn Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Buckhorn Lake, KY is situated in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky. This is an area that possesses a landscape as rugged as any found in the State. The plateau is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds and covered by a network of continuously branching streams. Originating in the southeast and flowing generally northwestward, the Kentucky River is one of the region's major rivers.

Directions

From Hazard, 9 miles north on KY 15, 20 miles east on KY 28.