Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Star4.08
280 reviews
Mammoth Cave National Park, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

801 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Season opens January...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$10.00 non-refundable reservation fee regardless of number of nights booked. No discounts applied. Additional fees may apply for changes or...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
270-758-2180maca_park_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.08

Satisfactory

Based on 280 reviews

437 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewswatersites

"User reviews indicate mixed experiences. While many appreciate the seclusion, natural beauty, and quiet of the campsites, common complaints include poor trail maintenance, overgrown campsites, and challenges with signage. Several reviewers specifically lauded the peacefulness and opportunities for wildlife observation."

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Campground Map

Mammoth Cave National Park, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Mammoth Cave National Park, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Driving directionsPlease click the link for 'Driving Directions' under the addition links tab on the right-hand side of the page for detailed directions.
Road access involves trailhead parking for backcountry camping; visitors must hike to their reserved sites. Riverbank camping requires kayaking or canoeing. Seasonal ferry closures may require detours.
Nearby places
Mammoth Cave (0 miles, immediate proximity)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available at nearby towns outside Mammoth Cave National Park.

Best Time to Camp at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Each season paints the backcountry with its own distinct character, from spring's vibrant wildflowers to autumn's golden canopy. Summer adventurers should come prepared for encounters with the local tick population, while rain transforms the trails into muddy pathways that challenge and reward hikers with an authentic wilderness experience. Pack accordingly and embrace the ever-changing moods of Kentucky's dynamic climate.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer reviews mention ticks and overgrown trails that can reduce enjoyment.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in KY

Autumn's 'golden canopy' and scenic vistas are highlighted; reviewers praise fall scenery and quiet.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring's wildflowers and vibrant growth praised, though trails can be overgrown in spots.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 7% in KY

Winter noted for peace and quiet, though conditions are colder and amenities limited; permit notes exist.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season spans from January 1st to December 31st each year.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens January 1st and closes December 31st annually; permits during closed season (December 1st-February 28th) must be obtained at the Visitor Center.
  • Current Alerts: Green River Ferry temporarily closed due to flooding damage as of April 2025.

About Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Venture into the untamed wilderness of Mammoth Cave National Park's north side, where 13 secluded backcountry campsites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic primitive camping experience. These hike-in sites, tucked away in pristine woodlands, offer a rare opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in nature's embrace. For those arriving by water, riverbank camping presents an equally enchanting alternative, accessible only by boat along the park's scenic waterways.
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping comprises primitive, hike-in sites and riverbank camping, offering a truly back-to-nature experience. There are no centralized facilities such as bathrooms, potable water, or electricity.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times and regulations not specifically mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out regulations not detailed.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping area offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, birding, and photography. With over 66 miles of trails and access to the Green and Nolin Rivers, there are opportunities for both land and water-based recreation.
HikingHiking is a primary activity with over 66 miles of marked trails. Trails vary from moderate to difficult and are shared with horseback riders, which can result in muddy and uneven conditions. Trail markers are generally available but may be obscured by vegetation or fallen trees.
FishingFishing is permitted in the Green and Nolin Rivers. Specific details about types of fish or fishing quality are not included.
BikingMountain biking is allowed on specific trails such as Big Hollow Trail, Maple Springs Trail, and White Oak Trails. Excessive speed is prohibited.
BoatingCanoeing and kayaking are popular on the Green and Nolin Rivers, with riverbank camping as an option for boaters. Permits are required for riverside camping, and boating is restricted when river levels exceed 20 feet.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, squirrels, and coyotes are commonly observed. Birding opportunities are also highlighted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are prevalent; mud and horse manure can make trails treacherous; poison ivy is common off trails.
Active AlertsGreen River Ferry temporarily closed due to flooding damage as of April 2025.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Reviews

4.1
280 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate mixed experiences. While many appreciate the seclusion, natural beauty, and quiet of the campsites, common complaints include poor trail maintenance, overgrown campsites, and challenges with signage. Several reviewers specifically lauded the peacefulness and opportunities for wildlife observation.
Review Summaries
Based on 280 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the seclusion of campsites, beautiful natural surroundings, opportunities for birding and wildlife observation, and river access. Specific campsites such as 'Bluffs' are...
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Based on 280 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include muddy and poorly maintained trails due to horses, lack of clear signage, overgrown campsites, and insufficient water sources at some sites. Ticks and poison ivy are cited...
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Based on 280 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra water, a map, and GPS due to unclear trails and signage. Others suggest avoiding summer months when ticks and overgrowth are worse. Be prepared for muddy trails,...
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Based on 280 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention ticks and overgrown trails. Winter and fall reviews tend to focus on the peace and quiet of the campsites and the scenic beauty of the area.
Based on 280 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The Bluffs campsite was perfect. I loved the two waterfalls that were very close by for refilling our water bottles." (April L, 2021) "Ticks are common in the park and their bites can spread...
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Based on 280 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The 'Bluffs' campsite consistently receives high praise for its beauty and nearby waterfalls. 'Sal Hollow' is criticized for being overgrown and difficult to use. 'McCoy Hollow' is noted for its...
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Based on 280 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features; general primitive conditions suggest challenges for those with mobility issues.
Based on 280 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Reviewers caution pet owners about ticks and poison ivy on trails.
Based on 280 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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