🌤 Weather at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–78 °F | 60–87 °F | 34–80 °F | 24–49 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Buckhorn Lake, 7 mi away, elevation 780 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is a public state park in Kentucky near Buckhorn. Established in 1961, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Nearest City | Buckhorn |
| Established | 1961 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is located near Buckhorn, Kentucky. The park’s coordinates are 37.3833, -83.3500.
Things to Do
Kentucky state parks are characterized by the state’s extensive waterways, rolling Bluegrass hills, and the rugged Appalachian foothills. They are renowned as “resort parks,” offering excellent amenities alongside outdoor recreation. Activities center heavily around massive recreational lakes perfect for boating, water skiing, and world-class bass fishing. Land activities include hiking forested trails, camping, golfing on championship-level park courses, horseback riding, and exploring massive underground cave networks. The parks also preserve significant Civil War and frontier pioneer history.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Spring (April–May) offers blooming dogwoods, excellent fishing, and comfortable hiking weather. Fall (October) brings beautiful foliage to the forested hills and perfect camping temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and very humid, making it the primary season for lake boating and swimming. Winter is generally quiet, though the Resort Park lodges offer cozy, peaceful off-season getaways with discount rates.
Visitor Tips
Kentucky state parks do not charge a general entrance fee for day use. The system is famous for its 17 “Resort Parks” which feature full-service lodges, restaurants (often serving traditional Kentucky cuisine), and 18-hole golf courses, making them great destinations for those who prefer modern amenities over tent camping. If you plan to camp, book well in advance for summer and fall weekends. Note that some park marinas and pools operate strictly on a Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule.
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Buckhorn Lake SRP — 856 acres on Buckhorn Lake in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park’s lake, Appalachian forest, and mountain streams support black bears, bald eagles, and wild turkeys. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Buckhorn — adjacent. Perry County — surrounding. Daniel Boone NF — surrounding.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Carr Creek State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Natural Bridge State Resort Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 36 sites — 36 sites with electric hookups for RVs and tents, plus a separate designated area for primitive tent camping without utilities. Free wireless internet, laundry facilities, hot showers, vending machines and flush toilets. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Two 2-bedroom and three 3-bedroom executive cottages, booked separately via the lodge/cottage reservation system, not the campground; kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, sink and microwave (no oven/stove); tableware, cooking utensils and linens provided. The park's 36-room lodge is not included here (not camping). |
| Reservations | Not part of the statewide ReserveAmerica online booking system; contact the park directly at (606) 398-7510 for camping reservations. |
| Special sites | Dump station on-site; boat ramp, swimming area, basketball court, playground and horseshoe pits nearby. |
Camping questions about Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Can you camp at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park?
Yes. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park has 36 campsites. 36 sites with electric hookups for RVs and tents, plus a separate designated area for primitive tent camping without utilities. Free wireless internet, laundry facilities, hot showers, vending machines and flush toilets.
How do you reserve a campsite at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park?
Not part of the statewide ReserveAmerica online booking system; contact the park directly at (606) 398-7510 for camping reservations.
Are there cabins at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park?
Two 2-bedroom and three 3-bedroom executive cottages, booked separately via the lodge/cottage reservation system, not the campground; kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, sink and microwave (no oven/stove); tableware, cooking utensils and linens provided. The park's 36-room lodge is not included here (not camping).
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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