Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is a state resort facility with a lodge located in the Daniel Boone National Forest at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau. The 856-acre property sits on a wooded landscape and includes a reservoir, camping areas, trails, and various recreational facilities.

The Buckhorn Dam was authorized by Congress in 1938 as part of flood control efforts and created a new reservoir in the region. This 162-foot structure fundamentally changed the landscape by establishing a permanent water body.

The place holds the history of Native American groups and European settlers who shaped farming and logging in this Appalachian region. Visitors today can sense this frontier heritage as they move through the wooded landscape.

The park provides a 24-room lodge, camping sites, boat docks, and fishing piers for overnight stays and fishing activities. Visitors can also use horseback riding trails, walking paths, and a small golf course throughout the grounds.

The reservoir expands and shrinks seasonally, growing from its standard 550 acres to as much as 1230 acres depending on water levels. This shifting water body creates changing conditions that support fish populations and attract waterbirds throughout the year.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: 1964

Website: http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/buckhorn-lake/default.aspx

GPS coordinates: 37.30560,-83.43920

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05