Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

We loved the dining room meals, especially the DELIGHTFUL Kentucky Hot Brown. The room was much bigger than I expected, and the balcony was FABULOUS. Buckhorn Lake State Resort has the decor, furniture, staff, and atmosphere I enjoy in an authentic lodge. It was exactly what we wanted, and in better shape than some of the lodges at our national parks. We’ll be back to enjoy the peace and beauty of this wonderfully remote spot.

The bedroom was lit up at night by a large security light outside, and the old metal blinds didn’t close all the way. We also had no Wi-Fi or cell service. Our three-bedroom cottage had cheap laminate floors, an uncomfortable green naugihide couch and chair, and a poorly equipped kitchen. Even though we were the only guests in the lodge and cottages, we couldn’t get a working microwave and had to ask three times for bed blankets. I don’t understand why housekeeping couldn’t bring them without repeated trips when the whole park was empty. It was marginal at best and very disappointing. The park system feels outdated and doesn’t seem to care. I can only imagine people stay because there’s no other option.

I enjoyed spending time outside, and the room and lodge were clean. The views are beautiful, though the place has a sad history and so much potential if it were updated. Cell service is little to none, and the location is isolated, so bring food and a cooler. There’s no fridge or microwave in the rooms. The restaurant is basic, and the musty smell in the room needs attention. The thermostat also has set limits.

There’s quite literally nothing else around, and the maintenance guy saved me when my truck tire went flat. It was really low the morning after it started losing air on my way to the lodge. The front desk suggested I take it to maintenance, and he said he’d get me fixed up. He had a floor jack, impact, air compressor, and plug kit, so he pulled the wheel, removed the nail, plugged the tire, and got me back on the road without hesitation. I had over a 2.5 hour drive home, so he really saved my butt. You don’t get this kind of help at a motel. Thanks so much for the early morning effort for a total stranger!