Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Mammoth Cave National Park spans 52,830 acres in south-central Kentucky, preserving the diverse geological, biological, and historical features of the world’s longest known cave. Backcountry camping is a popular outdoor activity, with 13 designated peaceful and scenic campsites available. Riverbank and island camping are also options for adventurers. Note that Riverbank Camping permits are only available for purchase up to 7 days in advance and are not issued if the river level is 20 feet or higher. Once printed, reservations cannot be modified.
More like this: reservable in Kentucky · tent only in Kentucky · pets allowed in Kentucky · dark sky in Kentucky
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Boat-in | 81 |
| Hike-in | 13 |
Site guide
94 sites in 14 loops. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Loop | Type | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluffs | Bluffs | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| Collie Ridge | Collie Ridge | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| Ferguson | Ferguson | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| First Creek 1 | First Creek 1 | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| First Creek 2 | First Creek 2 | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| Homestead | Homestead | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| McCoy Hollow | McCoy Hollow | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| Raymer Hollow | Raymer Hollow | Hike-in | Partial | 8 / – | Yes | |
| Riverside Camping | Riverside Camping | Boat-in | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes |
| Riverside Camping 1 | Riverside Camping | Boat-in | Partial | Riverfront | 8 / – | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | A $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee applies regardless of number of nights booked. Pass discounts do not apply for backcountry camping, |
| Dark sky | Inside Mammoth Cave National Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park |
There are 13 designated sites that are located within the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park, where you hike to the reserved site. This is primitive, backcountry camping in tents. Visitors must park at a designated trailhead and backpack to all locations and carry all their gear, food, and water. Campsites are equipped with a campfire ring and tent pad. Riverbank Camping is another option which requires a permit. You may purchase this permit online or at Mammoth Cave Campground or Visitor Center. Permits are not issued if river level is 20 feet or above. You must kayak or canoe to camp along the riverbank of Green River.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
| Nearest town | Mammoth Cave, Kentucky |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 37.20° N, 86.13° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Good to know
- Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is NOT a physical campground located at one location.
Explore
Video
Mammoth Cave National Park | What Tour is Best for You? | Campground Review
Natural features
Backcountry camping offers opportunities to find solitude and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mammoth Cave National Park's rugged hills, majestic woodlands, and scenic rivers. Soluble limestone, sinkholes, sinking streams and cave create a landform called Karst Topography.
Recreation
The parks backcountry, 37 square miles of this rugged, inviting landscape await you along more than 66 miles of trails, and the winding turns of the Green and Nolin Rivers. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, birding, and photography.
Nearby
Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park.
Guidebooks for Mammoth Cave National Park and Kentucky
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Sites at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
A $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee applies regardless of number of nights booked. Pass discounts do not apply for backcountry camping,
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping have?
94 sites, including 81 boat-in sites and 13 hike-in sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Yes, pets are allowed at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping good for stargazing?
Yes. Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping sits inside Mammoth Cave National Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Source: DarkSky International
What is there to do at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
The parks backcountry, 37 square miles of this rugged, inviting landscape await you along more than 66 miles of trails, and the winding turns of the Green and Nolin Rivers. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park.
Source: Getting there
Which national park is Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping in?
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is a Mammoth Cave National Park campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.
Source: Mammoth Cave National Park