Trace Branch Campground
4.1844 reviews804 Buckhorn Dam Road
Trace Branch Campground
$24.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Standard electric sites are $24 per night; group shelter electric sites are $60 per night during peak season. Certain discounts may apply, such as federal senior or access card discounts.
About this 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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationElevation details are not mentioned in authoritative sources.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of Appalachian wilderness, where Buckhorn Lake's serene waters reflect the surrounding peaks and valleys like nature's own mirror. The campground serves as your gateway to a landscape sculpted by time itself—rugged terrain that tells the story of ancient mountains, deep valleys carved by patient waters, and the mighty Kentucky River that feeds the lake. This is a place where morning mist dances across the water, where sunset paints the ridgelines in shades of gold and purple, and where the natural world reveals itself in all its untamed splendor.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky, Trace Branch Campground occupies one of nature's most spectacular stages. This ancient landscape showcases the raw power of geological forces—narrow valleys wind like serpents through the terrain, steep watersheds plunge dramatically toward the lake, and countless branching streams create a complex tapestry of waterways. The Kentucky River's transformation into Buckhorn Lake has created a stunning recreational paradise, where the rugged Appalachian topography meets peaceful waters, offering visitors a chance to experience one of Kentucky's most picturesque natural regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility paths are limited, with steep roads or stairs noted as challenges for some users. A concrete winding path to improve accessibility is suggested by reviewers.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as generally small; larger trailers may face difficulties fitting. Waterfront sites are recommended but may require reserving two spots for space.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is noted as minimal; campsites are close together, and interaction with neighboring campers is common.
Total Campsites28 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the waterfront are recommended for views, but small sites might require renting two for larger setups.
Best CampsitesBest spots are waterfront sites for scenic views, such as sites "at the back of the campground."
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guest limits per site are not specified in authoritative sources.
Groups
Group shelter sites are available with electrical amenities, suitable for larger gatherings or events.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMostly waterfront sites with electric and water hookups. Sites vary in size and may need adjustments for larger trailers.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 - September 30 during peak season. Reservable dates start June 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reports indicate availability of vacant sites even during weekends, but specific details are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before scheduled arrival. Refunds incur a $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees, and late cancellation penalties if canceled less than one day before scheduled arrival.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
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.
Hiking
While 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.Fishing
Buckhorn Lake is known for secluded muskie fishing and less fishing pressure due to limited boat traffic. Fishing from the bank is also popular.Swimming
Swimming is available but not highly recommended due to reports of dirty water. Designated swimming spots are not mentioned in the reviews.Boating
The campground offers access to Buckhorn Lake for boating activities. Users highlight a boat ramp and favorable conditions for water sports.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities for observing wildlife, with a peaceful environment surrounded by mountains and nature.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not detailed in the source materials.Water Sports
Water sports include swimming, water skiing, and boating, supported by Buckhorn Lake's favorable conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but firewood must be sourced locally as per regulations.
- Quiet hours are User reviews suggest quiet times are inconsistently enforced. "We were told by a deputy that we were being 'too loud' even though the site two spots away was playing loud music the entire time."
Hazards
General hazardsRoads 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."
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not specifically mentioned in authoritative sources. User reviews do not provide detailed emergency service locations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash containers are frequently emptied, ensuring a clean environment. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresWaterfront access at Buckhorn Lake for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are challenging, with narrow single-lane paths and misleading GPS directions. "The directions to the campground in Rec.gov were grossly wrong!!!! They led us up a one-lane road that was blocked by a truck that couldn’t make it up a hill."
HostCampground hosts are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness; "The camp host is wonderful, friendly, and helpful."
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
44 reviews
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 44 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive highlights include clean facilities, friendly and accommodating camp hosts, scenic views, peaceful environment, and good fishing conditions.
Based on 44 reviewsCommon 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...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
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 44 reviewsAccessibility 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 44 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but specific pet-friendly features or policies are not detailed in the reviews.
Based on 44 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025