Houchin Ferry Campground
This lush campground is located 15 miles from the park's Visitor Center, along the south bank of the Green River. Houchin Ferry Campground offers 12 primitive, tent-only campsites with beautiful riverfront views. Serving as a day-use area, it's an ideal spot for birdwatching, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. If you're looking to explore more, take a short drive to the Visitor Center to plan your tour of Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave system.
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
| Tent-only | 12 |
Site guide
12 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Water / sewer | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houchin Ferry Site 1 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | None | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 2 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | None | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 3 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | None | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 4 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Partial | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 5 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Partial | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 6 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Partial | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 7 | 25 | Paved | Partial | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic | |
| Houchin Ferry Site 8 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Partial | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 9 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Partial | No / – | Riverfront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Houchin Ferry Site 10 | Back-in | 25 | Gravel | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
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
| Max vehicle length | 30 ft |
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Nightly/Daily Rates $20.00 |
| Dark sky | Inside Mammoth Cave National Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park |
The 12 primitive campsites are nestled among aromatic trees, offering a peaceful experience with the Green River just steps away. Potable water and portable restrooms are available at the head of the campground. This is a primitive, tent-only campground and also serves as a day-use area. The picnic tables and shelters are available for public use, and the boat launch is open for public access.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps or similar automated navigation systems to get to the Houchin Ferry Campground. Routes can be misleading and incorrect. Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70.
| Nearest town | Brownsville, 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. |
Explore
Video
Houchin Ferry Campground, Mammoth Cave NP
Natural features
This campground is part of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 52,800-acre park that includes the Green River Valley, rolling Kentucky hillsides, and the expansive Mammoth Cave with grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways. This remote campsite is quiet, peaceful and ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and coyotes.
Recreation
A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.
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 Houchin Ferry Campground?
Sites at Houchin Ferry Campground 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 Houchin Ferry Campground?
Nightly/Daily Rates $20.00
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Houchin Ferry Campground?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Houchin Ferry Campground have?
12 sites, including 12 tent-only sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Houchin Ferry Campground?
The longest site here provides 30 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Houchin Ferry Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Houchin Ferry Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Houchin Ferry Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Houchin Ferry Campground good for stargazing?
Yes. Houchin Ferry Campground sits inside Mammoth Cave National Park, a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Source: DarkSky International
What is there to do at Houchin Ferry Campground?
A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Houchin Ferry Campground?
Brownsville, Kentucky. Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park.
Source: Getting there
Which national park is Houchin Ferry Campground in?
Houchin Ferry Campground is a Mammoth Cave National Park campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.
Source: Mammoth Cave National Park