The best camping in Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

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97% (224)

Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.  

The best camping in Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
97% (224)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mammoth Cave National Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Beardsnest

100%
(149)
5.2mi from Mammoth Cave National Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Cave City, KY
This ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2025, camping here provides a glimpse into the fourth year of succession. This current phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie contrasted with the rocky and steep slopes of the mature forest. Most likely a good fit for self-sufficient types that like campsites with generous spacing, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~7 miles to the Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/ice-cream/pizza/barbecue/bar/food/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails, as if camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. All sites except Spicebush have a filtered water output. Spicebush campers will have water access next to parking. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~525 seedlings as of March 2025), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. If you have only 2 days, a nice way to experience Mammoth Cave NP is to break the trip into 3 layers, covering the underworld (cave tours), upper world (hiking), and the water that connects the two (Green River kayaking). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space of imagining what is beneath the surface, how these worlds are connected, while navigating park land and water. Note that we offer kayak trips that can be tailored to your schedule and travel constraints. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite. Kayaks are hosted on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park. Pending availability, we offer tent setups as well to folks who want to camp but aren't traveling with gear (REI 4 person Half Dome). Tent setup comes with two sleeping pads (you will need pillows, blankets, etc.).
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night

Pine horse farm

100%
(15)
36mi from Mammoth Cave National Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Hodgenville, KY
A working horse farm with some wooded areas and lots of spots to pitch a tent or hammock. We have a friendly dog, 2 mini highland cows and currently 3 horses! We are on 20 acres. We are constantly improving our land and are expanding our horse boarding as we do so. Close to Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace , Mcdougal Lake and the main square in Hodgenville which has cute little restaurants and places to walk During summer there are lots of wild blackberries to pick on the perimeter of the pasture (this is usually June-July only). We are bordered on woods so camping can be done in the trees as well or in our nice open area right as soon as you come up the drive. Outside our barn/house we have water and electric outlets as needed. In the open area or the woods there are several trees that can be used for a hammock as well. We do have a large fire pit near our house and a ton of wood fires can be started as long as we are not under a burn ban if we are having a dry summer or fall. In our camping field we have a smaller black fire pit for use . The pastures are set back from the woods so feel free to walk the perimeter of them. We do have 2 farm dogs that are super friendly and gentle. If you have an RV it’s easier to enter into the 1575 entrance and pull through
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

The Bee Happy Campground

100%
(41)
13mi from Mammoth Cave National Park · 11 sites · RVs · Brownsville, KY
Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam. 4 sites offer full hook up. These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night. Contact me directly (text is best) to book. (270) 799-4648 8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property. All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate. Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations. TEXT IS BEST. Pets are welcome (must be kept on leash and you MUST clean up their waste) Dump station Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome) No bathhouse at the moment. Port A Pot on site. Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville. Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.
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from 
$33
 / night

On the back of the farm

98%
(164)
17mi from Mammoth Cave National Park · 2 sites · Tents · Glasgow, KY
This farm has been in my family for 3 generations, the Road is named after my great grandparents. Sitting right on Barren River Lake we are at the end of a dead end chip sealed road. Come join us for a few nights and share in the little piece of suclusion that we call home. We look forward to seeing you. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the back of our 60 acre farm and stay completely secluded from people.  You will drive 2 miles down a chip sealed road and then almost a mile down a dirt road past where the public road ends.  Stay as connected or as disconnected as you want.  Our farm offers the perfect escape from the day to day race of life.  If you want to get away come spend a few days with us!!!  We only allow booking of one camp site at time to ensure your privacy.  Upon arrival there are 2 sites to pick from(see map in photos section).  Camp firewood available for purchase at the barn on your way in. Signs are in place to take you to camp sites from the address that you will receive upon booking.  Can't wait for you to come spend a couple nights with us! We encourage our guests to check out the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife page and the Barren River Lake Corp of Engineers page to know the local boating and fishing rules for Barren River lake during your visit
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night

Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

90%
(5)
7.1mi from Mammoth Cave National Park · 1 site · Lodging · Horse Cave, KY
Experience the beauty of nature and the excitement of a true outdoors escape at Mollys Ridge, an off-the-grid adventure featuring Glamping and Camping rentals located directly over Mammoth Cave in the largest growing Amish community in Kentucky. This amazing outdoor rental experience is the perfect place to be surrounded by lush green woods and incredible wildlife.  At Mollys Ridge not only can you explore 36 acres of outdoor trails and a immersive off grid experience, but glamp it up daydreaming under clear starlit skies against beautiful sunsets. We're constantly working on Molly's Ridge adding more capacityto share this slice of Heaven with more of our Member guests creating custom experiences around adventures tailored just for you and make everlasting memories like nowhere else in Kentucky!  So come enjoy breathtaking views from your luxury outdoor Glamping tent, camping pad or off grid rental at Mollys Ridge surrounded by nature at its most magnificent; offering endless opportunities to create unforgettable moments you will cherish for a lifetime!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$99
 / night

Other options near Mammoth Cave National Park

The best camping in Mammoth Cave National Park, KY guide

Overview

About

Welcome to a national park where most of the beauty is found underground. Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is the world’s largest cave system, and the national park provides many ways for you to explore it. Take your pick from over 10 organized tours, with varying levels of adventure and accessibility. Above the ground, the rolling hills of the park provide a scenic backdrop for horseback riding, biking, and hiking. Two rivers ripple through the terrain, forming the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a prime spot for kayaking and canoeing. The park offers three onsite campgrounds and 13 backcountry tent sites. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RVers: Mammoth Cave Campground has over 100 sites, with RV camping allowed at select sites.
  • Best for a classic tent-camping adventure: The 13 backcountry sites offer primitive campsites, with some only accessible by hiking or on horseback. 
  • Best for waterfront camping: Open riverside camping is allowed on flood plains and on islands while canoeing the park’s waterways.
  • Best for rustic tent camping: Houchin Ferry Campground has 12 primitive tent sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Campsite reservations are made through Recreation.gov. website on a 6-month rolling basis.
  • Mammoth Cave Campground allows trailers up to 26 feet in length and motorhomes of 38 feet in length at RV sites.
  • Mammoth Cave Campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station. 
  • Campers will not find electric hookups at any of the Mammoth Springs National Park campgrounds, other than the group sites at Maple Springs Campground.
  • Mammoth Cave Campground accepts reservations from March 1 through November 30.

When to go

Mammoth Cave National Park is a year-round destination, with cave tours offered every day except December 25. During the summer and early fall, reservations may run out, so book early during peak season. Cavern temperatures may be significantly hotter or colder than the outdoor air, which goes below freezing during winter and may top the 90s in the summer. Bring appropriate clothing. Spring and fall are most pleasant for camping.

Know before you go

  • Cave tours may be booked before your arrival. Check the NPS website for tour times, which are posted 1-3 months in advance.
  • Upon arrival, stop by the park visitor center to learn about the cave system’s unique geology. The visitor center also has information about ranger-led programs, hiking trails, and more. 
  • Canoe and kayak rentals are available through many outfitters in the region. 
  • In addition to providing river crossing, the Green River Ferry is a popular launch spot for boating and paddling.
97%
224 ratings · 148 reviews