Trace Branch Campground

Campground · Kentucky · 29 bookable sites ·

Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers

29
Bookable sites
55 ft
Max rig length
up to 60
People per site
1
Accessible site
1,051 ft
Elevation
TRACE BRANCH CAMPGROUND

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.

The facts

  • 29 bookable sites
  • 1 site for day use only
  • 1 accessible site
  • Vehicles up to 55 ft
  • Up to 60 people per site
  • Loops: CMPG, Trace Branch Campground

Site types

  • 28 Standard Electric
  • 1 Group Shelter Electric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Sewer hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Book on Recreation.gov

29 campsites at Trace Branch Campground

Check-in 4:30 PM · Check-out 4:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeAccessWaterMax rigPeople
HostCMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—50 ft6 🐾
S-02CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In—45 ft6 🐾
S-03CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In—40 ft6 🐾
S-04CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—50 ft6 🐾
S-05CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—55 ft6 🐾
S-06CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—20 ft6 🐾
S-07CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—20 ft6 🐾
S-08CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—30 ft6 🐾
S-09CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive In—30 ft6 🐾
S-10CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPavedSlightDrive In—20 ft6 🐾
S-11CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-12CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-13CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-14CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-15CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Hike InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-16CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved——Riverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-17CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront20 ft6 🐾
S-18CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-19CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-20CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-21CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-22CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-23CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-24CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-25CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-26CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-27CMPGStandard ElectricBack InPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
S-28CMPGStandard ElectricPull ThroughPaved—Drive InRiverfront30 ft6♿ 🐾
Maple ShelterTrace Branch CampgroundGroup Shelter Electric—Paved—Drive In——60

Getting there

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.

37.24167, -83.37278 · 37°14'30.0"N 83°22'22.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 44°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F444959707884878580705849
Low °F252732415261656458453428
Precip in4.03.94.84.55.05.05.34.43.33.33.34.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

TRACE BRANCH CAMPGROUND
TRACE BRANCH CAMPGROUND

Member photos

Common questions about Trace Branch Campground

Can you reserve a site at Trace Branch Campground?
Yes, Trace Branch Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Trace Branch Campground have?
29 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Trace Branch Campground?
55 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Trace Branch Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Trace Branch Campground.
Does Trace Branch Campground have hookups?
Electric, Water, Sewer.
Are campfires allowed at Trace Branch Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Trace Branch Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Trace Branch Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.