Buckhorn, KY

Travel Guide

Long before Buckhorn Lake was created and the state park established in 1964, a small community flourished for many generations here, along the middle fork of the Kentucky River. Early records refer to this area as the Bowling District, founded by Reverend Jesse Boling, his wife Mary Pennington, Reverend Duff and 50 other families. They were led to this remote area under the guidance of Daniel Boone. By the late 1800's Bowlingtown was a thriving community of hundreds. There was a post office, school, churches, grocery, saw mill, blacksmith and the Frontier Nursing Service. Local officials included a sheriff, magistrate, justice of the peace, and tax commissioner. The citizens were primarily farmers and coal miners. They were known to be patriotic, honest, kind, and well-educated people. In 1960, when the construction of Buckhorn Lake began, Bowlingtown had to be abandoned and families relocated. Family graves (873) were re-interred to Buckhorn Cemetery. All were sad to leave their homeland of seven generations. so Where you see water was once The town called Bowlingtown in KY.
Long before Buckhorn Lake was created and the state park established in 1964, a small community flourished for many generations here, along the middle fork of the Kentucky River. Early records refer to this area as the Bowling District, founded by Reverend Jesse Boling, his wife Mary Pennington, Reverend Duff and 50 other families. They were led to this remote area under the guidance of Daniel Boone. By the late 1800's Bowlingtown was a thriving community of hundreds. There was a post office, school, churches, grocery, saw mill, blacksmith and the Frontier Nursing Service. Local officials included a sheriff, magistrate, justice of the peace, and tax commissioner. The citizens were primarily farmers and coal miners. They were known to be patriotic, honest, kind, and well-educated people. In 1960, when the construction of Buckhorn Lake began, Bowlingtown had to be abandoned and families relocated. Family graves (873) were re-interred to Buckhorn Cemetery. All were sad to leave their homeland of seven generations. so Where you see water was once The town called Bowlingtown in KY.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

3.5 out of 5
4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn Buckhorn KY
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Buckhorn. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park and Grover ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (208 reviews)
The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. Excellent price point for accommodations.

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2026

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Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed

Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed

Jackson KY
The price is ￥16,264 per night from Feb 3 to Feb 4
￥16,264
￥33,026 total
Feb 3 - Feb 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cabin in Jackson. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker.
10/10 Exceptional! (326 reviews)
Amazing!

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG

2.5 out of 5
192 Corporate Dr Hazard KY
The price is ￥17,437 per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
￥17,437
￥19,223 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hazard. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (397 reviews)
Best hotel to stay at in hazard, ky
Clean,quick check in and the beds were very comfortable. All staff members were friendly. Highly recommended

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Hazard by IHG
See all 63 properties in Buckhorn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed

Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed

Jackson KY
Stay at this cabin in Jackson. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker.
10/10 Exceptional! (326 reviews)
Amazing!

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed
Secluded with best views in E. KY. Can see 3 states.You won’t be disappointed!!!

Secluded with best views in E. KY. Can see 3 states.You won’t be disappointed!!!

Jackson KY
Stay at this cabin in Jackson. Enjoy patios, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker.
10/10 Exceptional! (404 reviews)
Cabin was perfect for a small minimalist get away. Clean and has a pretty view.

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026

Secluded with best views in E. KY. Can see 3 states.You won’t be disappointed!!!
Sleeps 11, an amazing view. See 3 states on a clear day. Pic don’t do it justice

Sleeps 11, an amazing view. See 3 states on a clear day. Pic don’t do it justice

Jackson KY
Stay at this cabin in Jackson. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and in-room washers/dryers.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (87 reviews)
Cute cabin. Beds could be updated, pillows very hard, went into town to pick some up from Walmart.

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

Sleeps 11, an amazing view. See 3 states on a clear day. Pic don’t do it justice
See all properties in Buckhorn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Buckhorn

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A remarkably beautiful area with excellent service at the lodge and great food at the restaurant.