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Trace Branch Campground
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — BUCKHORN · Kentucky · Buckhorn Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Buckhorn Lake |
| Location | BUCKHORN · Kentucky · Buckhorn Lake · 37.24167, -83.37278 · Map |
| Sites | 29 public sites counted from the federal listing — 28 standard electric; 1 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 28 of 29 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 28 of 29 sites Sewer hookups at 1 of 29 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 1 of 29 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 70 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 27 sites · 30 ft: 27 sites · 35 ft: 6 sites · 40 ft: 5 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 4:30 PM · Out 4:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 28 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Dump stationFlush toiletsLaundryShowers |
| Phone | 606-672-3670 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview The Trace Branch Campground, located on Buckhorn Lake, is a great launchpad for outdoor activities in Kentucky's lush Cumberland Plateau. The facility features plenty of shade and open grassy areas for spreading out and enjoying the landscape of the Appalachian Mountain Range.
Recreation Buckhorn lake offers ideal conditions for anglers including seclusion from fishing pressure and boat traffic, producing some of the best muskie fishing in the area.
With comfortable water temperatures,swimming and water skiing are popular in summer months and hikers are encouraged to take advantage of the area's many miles of trails. Facilities Trace Branch Campground boasts mostly waterfront campsites with electric and water hookups. Amenities include a shower house, playground, horseshoe pits, and a convenient fishing area.
Natural Features Buckhorn Lake is situated in the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky. The rugged plateau landscape is deeply traversed by a series of narrow, winding valleys separated by steep watersheds with branching streams. The Kentucky River feeds the lake, originating in the southeast of the state and flowing generally northwestward. Nearby Attractions Nearby destinations include the Lilley Cornett Woods, Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and the Red River Gorge Geological Area.
Directions, from the listing
From 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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · BUCKHORN KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCarr Creek Lake Shelters
19 mi straight-line · Sassafras KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersLittcarr Campground
23 mi straight-line · SASSAFRAS KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersGerman Campground
44 mi straight-line · Van Lear KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDewey Lake Shelter
50 mi straight-line · VAN LEAR Kentucky
Trip Card — Trace Branch Campground
BUCKHORN · Kentucky · Buckhorn Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | BUCKHORN · Kentucky · Buckhorn Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 28 · full hookups at 1 |
| Max RV | Up to 70 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 29 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233809 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.