Trace Branch Campground

Star4.12
92 reviews
804 Buckhorn Dam Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

968 ft

Price

$24 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 - Se...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Trace Branch Campground site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Trace Branch Campground
$24.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard electric sites are $24 per night; group shelter electric sites are $60 per night during peak season. Certain discounts may apply, such as...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
606-672-3670
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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 92 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanfriendly

"User reviews of Trace Branch Campground highlight mixed experiences, with praise for cleanliness, helpful staff, and scenic surroundings, but concerns about small campsites, poor road conditions, and limited privacy. Accessibility challenges and lack of cell service are also noted."

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Campground Map

804 Buckhorn Dam Road

Trace Branch Campground

804 Buckhorn Dam Road

Driving directionsFrom Lexington, KY, take I-75 south 83 miles to London. Take exit 41 or 38 to Daniel Boone Parkway east and continue 44 miles to Hyden Spur. Exit towards Tim Couch Pass and turn left towards Thousandsticks onto Bull Creek Road. Go 2.5 miles to KY Highway 257, then head north about 9 miles to the Confluence bridge. Turn right and cross the bridge, then take a left on Mosley Bend Road. Continue 2 miles to Trace Branch Campground on your left.
The road is narrow, often single-lane, with tight hairpin turns and loose gravel. Many user reviews caution against relying on GPS for navigation due to misleading directions. "DO NOT TRUST YOUR GPS to get you there, otherwise you will end up on single lane roads with impossible hairpin turns and with pieces of the road that have slid down the hill."
Nearby places
London, KY (approximately 44 miles away)
Hyden, KY (approx. 9 miles away).
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies location specifics are not mentioned in authoritative sources or reviews. User reports do not include this detail.

Best Time to Camp at Trace Branch Campground

Experience the dramatic moods of eastern Kentucky's climate, where winter's crisp embrace gives way to pleasantly mild summers perfect for lakeside camping. Mysterious fog often rolls across the water at night, wrapping the campground in an ethereal blanket that amplifies the sense of peaceful seclusion—one visitor noted how the heavy nighttime fog made the experience feel wonderfully remote and otherworldly. The prime camping season stretches from May through September, when comfortable temperatures invite long days of exploration and cozy evenings around the campfire.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is ideal for water activities and fishing; peak season runs May–Sept with good reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground is open May 1–Sept 30; main fall months are outside open season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 1) is available and pleasant; early spring camping not supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed outside May–Sept; winter camping and winter sports not supported on-site.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 1 - September 30 during peak season. Reservable dates start June 20.

About Trace Branch Campground

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.
Trace Branch Campground primarily accommodates RVs and tent camping, with standard electric and group shelter sites available. Primitive camping is not mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in details are not specified in authoritative sources.
Check-out
Check-out details are not specified in authoritative sources.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights and 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Trace Branch Campground include swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, water sports, and wildlife viewing. The nearby playground enhances the experience for families. The campground's proximity to Buckhorn Lake makes it ideal for water-based recreation.
HikingWhile hiking opportunities are available, multiple reviews note a lack of clearly marked trails within the campground. The nearby Cumberland Plateau offers trails for adventurous hikers.
FishingBuckhorn Lake is known for secluded muskie fishing and less fishing pressure due to limited boat traffic. Fishing from the bank is also popular.
SwimmingSwimming is available but not highly recommended due to reports of dirty water. Designated swimming spots are not mentioned in the reviews.
BoatingThe campground offers access to Buckhorn Lake for boating activities. Users highlight a boat ramp and favorable conditions for water sports.
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities for observing wildlife, with a peaceful environment surrounded by mountains and nature.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads leading to the campground are narrow, poorly marked, and prone to washouts. The area is prone to flooding. "Campground is prone to flooding when lake levels are high."
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Trace Branch Campground

Reviews

4.1
92 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Trace Branch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Trace Branch Campground highlight mixed experiences, with praise for cleanliness, helpful staff, and scenic surroundings, but concerns about small campsites, poor road conditions, and limited privacy. Accessibility challenges and lack of cell service are also noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 92 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include clean facilities, friendly and accommodating camp hosts, scenic views, peaceful environment, and good fishing conditions.
Based on 92 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include poor road conditions leading to the campground, small campsite sizes unsuitable for larger trailers, limited privacy, lack of cell service, and accessibility issues with...
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Based on 92 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips recommend reserving waterfront sites at the back for better space, using surge protectors due to flooding risks, and contacting the campground for safe driving directions to avoid narrow or...
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Based on 92 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews suggest summer as ideal for water activities and fishing; however, flooding risks and muddy conditions are noted during rainy periods. Winter temperatures may make some amenities...
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Based on 92 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The showers and restrooms were very clean and well kept, the communal garbage reciprocal was always emptied so it was never smelly." - Anneliese Mulder. "The camp host is fantastic. Getting your...
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Based on 92 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight issues like incorrect site numbering and size challenges for larger trailers. Some users recommend specific sites for better views and access.
Based on 92 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns include steep pathways to restrooms and showers, limited accessible routes, and no clearly marked paths for those with mobility challenges.
Based on 92 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific pet-friendly features or policies are not detailed in the reviews.
Based on 92 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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