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.

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Compare rooms and suites by Independent in Buckhorn with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds, rollaway beds, free WiFi

"Suited my needs for a clean motel room for the night."

AED 363 total

includes taxes & fees

27 May - 28 May

"Very nice cabin located in a very private area. The views from the cabin are amazing. I highly recommend staying here!"

"I loved, amazing cabin "

AED 802 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Jun - 17 Jun

Comfort Cabin, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchenette, Valley View | Terrace/patio

"Great place to stay! Owner went out of his way to make sure our experience was good! Will stay again when we are in the area"

AED 758 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Jun - 11 Jun

"Our family had a great time!!! The location is great from the quiet comfy setting to how close the all activities were. We had some minor issues on how clean the house was when we arrived but the owner came over quickly and helped fix them. The 3rd bedroom is not actually a bedroom but across from the livingroom. Very comfortable beds. I would recommend this place anytime. "

"Beautiful and peaceful I recommend this place to anyone who is looking to get away and back to nature!!"

AED 793 total

includes taxes & fees

29 May - 30 May

"We had a great time staying at the cabin, the hot tub and pool table were great after long climbing days!"

"Every one in the family enjoyed the house it was fully stocked and the beds were wonderful and it was super clean hot tub was a great idea as we all loved it thanks"

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Recent reviews of Buckhorn hotels

5/5 Excellent

Very satisfied

"Very happy with clean friendly service."

A verified traveler stayed at American Elite Inn

Posted 3 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Red River Gorge

"This property was perfect! It was close to the activities we had planned. It was in a low traffic area and had all of the amenities we wanted. We enjoyed the hot tub, the fire pit and using the back deck to grill dinner. It was a beautiful and well kept property and all 5 of us would highly recommend!"

A verified traveler stayed at Peaceful Country Cabin with hot tub near Red River Gorge

Posted 7 days ago

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

5/5 Excellent

Private with Views

"Remote but easy access to nearby towns. Saw bunnies, birds, and a wild turkey, Great getaway!"

A verified traveler stayed at Secluded with best views in E. KY. Can see 3 states.You won’t be disappointed!!!

Posted 7 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Secluded.

"This is a great place to get away from it all. The cabins have gorgeous views. This is a great place just enjoy the sounds of nature and views it provides."

A verified traveler stayed at Secluded with amazing view from hot tub.Gated mountain top.Won’t be disappointed

Posted 2 weeks ago

3BR 1.5BA w/ King Bed/Hot Tub in Heart of RRG!

5/5 Excellent

Easter vaca

"The property is in a very nice scenic area. It had everything we needed. Zip lines are right there, we didn’t realize they were that close. Highly recommend zip lining. Great place for a small family. Lots of games to play. Great hiking area. Excellent directions provided, the tip about google map vs apple map was very helpful. "

A verified traveler stayed at 3BR 1.5BA w/ King Bed/Hot Tub in Heart of RRG!

Posted 1 month ago

Best views in the area. See 3 states on a clear day. Pics don’t do it Justice.

5/5 Excellent

Great view and many rooms

"Amazing cabin that's cozy, yet has a lot of space for multiple couples/families. Great view, clean rooms, and pretty much everything you need for a weekend getaway. "

A verified traveler stayed at Best views in the area. See 3 states on a clear day. Pics don’t do it Justice.

Find all hotels by Independent in Buckhorn, KY from AED 339

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Compare rooms and suites by Independent in Buckhorn with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

American Elite Inn

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

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

2 BD 1 BA Sleeps 5-6 Near RRG-Nice Sunrise-Quiet

3BR 1.5BA w/ King Bed/Hot Tub in Heart of RRG!

Hot Tub, WiFi, Pet-Friendly - Heavenly Hideaway - near Red River Gorge, Kentucky!

Peaceful Country Cottage with Game Room & Hot Tub

3BR/3BA large house near Red River Gorge

Small Town Charmer - Rent Entire Home

Pet-Friendly Cabin w/ Hot Tub in Daniel Boone NF

Recent reviews of Buckhorn hotels

American Elite Inn

Peaceful Country Cabin with hot tub near Red River Gorge

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

Private Cabin-Pond-Deck-2BD-1BA-Sleeps 8

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

Pet-Friendly Cabin w/ Hot Tub in Daniel Boone NF

2 BD 1 BA Sleeps 5-6 Near RRG-Nice Sunrise-Quiet

3BR 1.5BA w/ King Bed/Hot Tub in Heart of RRG!

Best views in the area. See 3 states on a clear day. Pics don’t do it Justice.

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