Buckhorn Campground

Carr Creek Lake

804 Buckhorn Dam Road

Discover the hidden gem of Trace Branch Campground, where the misty mornings of Kentucky's Cumberland Plateau create an enchanting backdrop for your outdoor adventure. Perched along the pristine shores of Buckhorn Lake, this tranquil retreat offers campers a front-row seat to Appalachian beauty, with most sites providing coveted waterfront views. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with nature here—enjoy water and electric hookups at your site, refresh in the well-maintained shower house, and let the kids explore the playground while you perfect your toss at the horseshoe pits. With fishing spots just steps away, anglers can cast their lines at dawn without ever leaving the comfort of camp.

Buckhorn Lake

US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

Tucked away in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, Turkey Foot Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This hidden gem features 15 secluded campsites scattered through a canopy of mature forest along the babbling waters of War Fork Creek. As a true primitive camping destination, Turkey Foot provides the essentials for a memorable outdoor adventure – each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table for gathering, a fire ring for evening stories, a level tent pad for comfortable sleeping, and a lantern pole to light your way. Modern conveniences are limited to well-maintained vault toilets, keeping the focus on the natural world around you. Best of all, this slice of wilderness comes without a price tag – all sites are completely free, making it perfect for budget-conscious adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity.

804 Buckhorn Dam Road

Buckhorn Lake

LONDON RANGER DISTRICT, LONDON, KY 40744, USA

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky's wilderness, Craigs Creek Group Area stands as the perfect basecamp for unforgettable group adventures. This exclusive tent-only retreat welcomes gatherings of 30 to 60 people, where memories are forged around crackling campfires and laughter echoes across pristine sports fields. With thoughtfully designed picnic areas, convenient grills for group cookouts, and spotless facilities, this hidden gem near the sparkling waters of Laurel River Lake transforms ordinary reunions into extraordinary outdoor experiences.

80 Kendall Road

Nestled in the shadow of the impressive Wolf Creek Dam, Kendall Campground serves as your gateway to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Cumberland, where endless adventures await. This well-appointed retreat features 116 spacious campsites, each equipped with water and electric hookups, making it perfect for both RV enthusiasts and tent campers seeking modern conveniences. Launch your boat from the on-site ramp for a day of fishing or water sports, then return to clean your catch at the dedicated fish cleaning station. When you're ready to explore on foot, scenic hiking trails wind through the property, while families can gather at the playgrounds and picnic shelters scattered throughout the grounds. The entire campground is embraced by a canopy of mature hardwood forests, where dappled sunlight filters through the leaves and wildlife moves quietly through the underbrush.

1802 St. Rt. 1271, Kuttawa, KY 42055

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Barkley, Eureka Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This charming Corps of Engineers-managed retreat beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtful amenities, including water and electric hookups, refreshing hot showers, and a delightful playground for young adventurers. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp and explore the lake's hidden coves, or simply wade into the designated swimming area for a refreshing dip on warm afternoons.

10000 HWY 761, Nancy, KY, 42544, USA

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky, Cumberland Point Campground offers a peaceful 30-acre retreat where water and woodland converge. This lakeside haven features 30 thoughtfully positioned campsites shaded by towering hardwoods, with 14 coveted waterfront spots that put you just steps from the water's edge. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with natural beauty, including clean flush toilets and hot showers, fresh drinking water throughout the grounds, and a convenient dump station. Adventure awaits with an on-site boat ramp providing direct lake access, while families can gather at the day-use area, relax under the picnic shelter, or watch children explore the playground as the sun sets over the water.

US Forest Service/US Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office KY-1193 London, KY 40744

Perched high on a forested ridge above the winding Horse Lick Creek, S-Tree Campground offers adventurers a true back-to-nature experience in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive mountaintop retreat has become a beloved basecamp for OHV enthusiasts who come to explore the surrounding trail networks. Each wooded campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with the essentials—a sturdy picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, level tent pad, and traditional lantern pole—creating the perfect blend of rustic charm and practical comfort. The centerpiece of the campground is a beautifully preserved 1930s stone picnic shelter, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps workers who helped shape these forests. Modern vault toilets provide necessary facilities while maintaining the campground's wilderness character.

P O Box 93, Dunmor, Kentucky, 42339, United States

Nestled along the serene shores of a 788-acre lake, Lake Malone State Park offers an intimate camping experience with 25 thoughtfully positioned sites. Whether you're seeking a peaceful tent camping spot beneath the canopy or prefer the convenience of water and electric hookups for your RV, this small but charming campground provides the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. The shaded sites offer welcome relief from summer sun, while the proximity to the water ensures fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers are just steps away from their next adventure.

Koomer Ridge Campground, KY 15, Red River Gorge Area, Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

Escape to Koomer Ridge Campground, where towering hardwoods create a natural cathedral above your tent and the whisper of wind through leaves becomes your evening soundtrack. This semi-primitive sanctuary in the heart of the Red River Gorge Geological Area beckons those who seek authentic connection with Kentucky's wilderness. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the protective canopy or navigating a small RV through the winding forest roads, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's embrace. While modern hookups are absent, the essentials remain: a welcoming bathhouse with seasonal showers, fresh mountain water, and trails that begin right at your doorstep. Each campsite feels like a private woodland retreat, where dense foliage creates natural walls between neighbors and filtered sunlight dapples the forest floor.

991 Laurel Branch Road

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Laurel Branch Campground offers an idyllic escape where the water meets the forest. With 71 thoughtfully positioned campsites—many offering breathtaking waterfront views or easy lake access—this outdoor haven provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and modern comfort. Families and adventurers alike will appreciate the full-service amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a welcoming playground for young explorers. Launch your boat from the convenient ramp, cast a line from the shore, or simply relax on the public beach as the sun sets over the water. Well-maintained nature trails wind through the surrounding landscape, while practical touches like a fish cleaning station and fresh drinking water ensure your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable.

1543 Cave Creek Road, Falls of Rough, KY 40119

Nestled along the pristine shores of Rough River Lake in south-central Kentucky, Cave Creek Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 65 thoughtfully positioned campsites amid rolling hills and ancient forests. Whether you prefer the convenience of one of the 36 electric hookup sites or the rustic charm of primitive camping, you'll find modern comforts including hot showers and a convenient dump station. Beyond your tent or RV, adventure awaits with an 18-hole disc golf course winding through the trees, a peaceful fishing pier extending into the lake, and a family-friendly playground where children's laughter mingles with birdsong.

3451 Sky Bridge Road Stanton, KY 40380

Spanning an extraordinary 29,000 acres of ancient wilderness, Red River Gorge stands as one of the East's most breathtaking geological treasures. This natural playground beckons adventurers year-round with its legendary hiking trails, secluded primitive camping spots, peaceful paddling waters, and abundant wildlife encounters. Whether you're scaling sandstone cliffs at dawn or watching fireflies dance through the forest at dusk, the Gorge offers an escape into a world where nature's artistry takes center stage.