🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Mammoth Cave National Park

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

100% (37 reviews)
100% (37 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Mammoth Cave National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Mammoth Cave National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Mammoth Cave National Park

The Bee Happy Campground

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents15 acres ¡ Brownsville, KY
Small campground. 10 sites. Each site has water, electric 30/50 amp, gravel site, picnic table, and fire pit. Dump station Playground Ice for purchase Wood bundles for purchase Near (less than 30 miles) Mammoth Cave National Park, Moutardier, Wax, Nolin Lake/Dam, Blue Holler, Bowling Green, Leitchfield, Brownsville.
from 
$22
 / night
96%
(97)

Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents90 acres ¡ Cub Run, KY
Learn more about this land: This is a horse ranch so you can sleep in the company of horses or in the woods with them in the distance ( check if available/storm damage).We have rolling hills, beautiful views from the hill tops, valley with creeks and a waterfall when not in dry or draught and an abundance of wildlife. Also we're located 5-10 minutes from mammoth cave park border, hike, bike and horse trails, river, lake, blue holler atv park and so much more. If you are sensitive to animal noises you may bring earplugs. There isn't a bathroom/ shower house yet so we ask that you bring a port-a-pot of some sort. We're constantly making upgrades to the Ranch so we hope you enjoy your stay. Please refrain from feeding the horses or dogs because it creates a bad habit and folks that don't know how sensitive a horses gut is can possibly kill them. Respect privacy of others and pack out all that you pack in. Shut any gates you come through. We have a hot wire fenced in section for folks to park in if they do not want to be so close to the horses as well. If you don't like horses or dogs please consider alternative camp site. Limited pet allowance...check before booking please. Also, we've had issues with the site and it offering horse time, ride, Q&A etc. for 5$. We've taken steps to fix this. But if you would like something like that it would be through the Ranch directly and as our time allows. Thank you for taking the time to read everything as well.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(25)

Beardsnest

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents30 acres ¡ Park City, KY
This new-in-formation ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to backcountry camp in our beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along an evolving system of woodland trails. Most likely a good fit for those who are self-sufficient and like to avoid busy camping areas, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~ 1 mi to park border) or visit Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails amidst a young prairie, as if you were camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. Water tap by main house for cleaning dishes, etc. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~400 so far and 75 planned for 2024), establish a prairie, restore wetlands, trail building, and removal of invasive species. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project.
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(7)

Wilson Creek Farm

3 sites ¡ RVs33 acres ¡ Glasgow, KY
We are a working cattle farm on 33 acres with rolling pastures and peaceful wooded areas to enjoy. Hike down to Wilson Creek to search for geodes and explore the woods. Sit a spell by the creek side fire pit. Try fishing, swimming and boating at Barren River Lake, just a short drive from the property. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Down Under and the Corvette Museum are all within 30 min. With two RV sites we can accommodate rigs up to 45' and provide 20/30/50 amp service, water and have full sewer hookups. Needing tent space as well? Reach out and we can see how we can accommodate. follow us on Instagram at wilson.creek.farm
from 
$40
 / night
96%
(847)

The Slab (by the Barren)

79 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres ¡ Fountain Run, KY
Welcome to Heaven on Earth for those that love the Great Outdoors!! If you cant find something to do here then you obviously don't want to do anything and thats ok we have ya covered there too!! WE HAVE MOVED SOME OF OUR SITES!! PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU VERIFY YOUR SITE NUMBER AND LOCATION BEFORE BOOKING!! Site Numbers 16 and up have ALL moved!! We will be hosting some special events in 2024 that we would like to make you aware of first thing so you can plan your visit accordingly!! March 16 and 17. MSXC Cross Country Racing Come out and watch these guys and girls race their hearts out all over the farm. This will be the final race of their winter series and we are excited to welcome this great group of people to our farm and watch them race!! MAY 18th... Jeeps Invade The Farm and Kick Off Summer Concert!! What better way to start the summer than with Jeeps, an Obstacle course, Show and Shine contest, a Mud Bog, a Poker Run, Down Hill Barbie Jeep Races, AND a Concert featuring Moccasin Creek with special guest Caden Wilson!!! All Water Activities will open for the Season on May 18th so there really is something for everyone!! Make plans to come enjoy ALL of the activities we have to offer for this special weekend. Tickets for the Jeep Invasion and Concert can be purchased at www.ticketbud.com or in person at check in. Each person age 10 and up MUST PURCHASE a concert/event ticket to be on the farm that Saturday!! Our 4th of July Bash will be held here at the farm on July 6th!!! This is our 3rd year for our huge fireworks show and like everything else it just keeps getting Bigger and Better!! This year along with our fireworks display we will also be having... Our 2nd Annual Home Made Boat Race that morning and our Down Hill Barbie Jeep Races that afternoon. That Evening we will hold a Concert in our Amphitheater and will announce the artists that will be playing that night shortly. And of course our AMAZING fireworks show will take place after the concert that night!! Like our other events you will need to purchase concert tickets at www.ticketbud.com or in person at check in. Everyone ages 10 and up MUST have a concert ticket to be on the farm that Saturday!! September TBA. We are still working on this event!! Let me introduce you to our little hidden gem in scenic Monroe county Kentucky.  The Slab by the Barren campground is an outdoor recreation area like no other!!!  We are the perfect place for all of your family fun in the sun!!!   We have 75 very large shaded primitive sites spread out all over our 500 acre farm with nice gravel roads to most of the campsites.  We do NOT have any hookups but can accommodate RV's on most sites and you are welcome to run a quiet generator. ( We will be setting up at least 3 sites this winter with hook ups for Rvs. Please follow us here or on facebook for updates on those sites) Sites 1 - 40 are located on the banks of Salt Lick creek and Barren River with direct water access. The gravel bars are open for all campers to enjoy. Camping areas A, B, and C are spread out across different sections of the farm. Even though they aren't directly on the water you are still welcome to go down to the creek at any site and swim and fish and just enjoy the water. If you need any help in choosing the perfect site for your stay feel free to message me or call the office at (812)653-0102 and I will help in anyway I can. On to our amenities!!!! THE BARN!!  Is our converted milk barn where Kent and his mother Linda used to milk cows. The tank room is now our office for check in and camp store that we try to keep stocked with the best ice cream and anything else you might have forgotten at home. The old milk parlor where they actually milked the cows has been converted into 4 separate shower houses that are open 24/7. The Holding barn is currently undergoing some major changes this winter. It was such a large room that we have decided, in order to maximize its space, to split the barn in half and make 2 separate areas out of it. The front half by the showers will remain the kids and family play area, it will still have the pool and air hockey tables, family friendly games, tables and chairs. We will be adding more games to this area this winter and adding some exciting outdoor activities for the whole family for this summer. The other half of the barn is currently becoming the Jenkins Joint at The Slab. The Joint will be our full service bar where those 21 and older can enjoy a cold beverage, a game of pool, live music, karaoke, or just hang out. We will have a food truck set up every Friday thru Sunday until we get our kitchen completed and can serve our own food. The food truck and the kitchen will be available for anyone that would like to order food, especially those that check in late and don't feel like cooking their first night. KAYAKING!!! Take a relaxing paddle down the river in your kayak or ours. We have multiple trips 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 miles and offer a shuttle service, and kayak rentals for those that don't have their own. LAZY RIVER TUBING!!!! Go with the flow in your tube or ours and float your cares away on our 2 mile float down Barren River. Float as many times as you would like per day, stop at the rope swing, or hang out at your campsite and then take off again. TANKING!!! Yes you read that right we now offer Tanking!! I'm sure you have never heard of it but let me tell you, as one group of campers exclaimed... "It is the most genius, redneck, fun thing we have ever done". Depending on the size of your group we will either put you in a 6ft or 8ft round metal cattle water tank and float you 2 miles down the river in it!! We have designed them for the maximum amount of fun and relaxation you can have on the water without getting wet... unless you want to. We have installed benches in them so all you need to bring is your cooler and friends and come spend the day on the river with new unique experience. FISHING!! Multiple fishing holes where you can catch stripe, small mouth, rock bass, Kentucky bass, channel cats, flat heads, and walleye on a regular basis. HIKING We have trails all over the farm from the scenic views on top of the bluffs to the quiet spring fed slate rock holler there is a trail for everyone to enjoy while you explore the farm.  WATER SLIDE!!!! On the upper side of the Slab bridge is a 75 ft long water slide into one of our many swimming holes. It is steep and fast and you are sure to make a splash!!! SLIP N SLAB 600!!!! New at the end of 2023... is my Greatest Creation!! The Slip N Slab 600. What is it you might ask.... well.... It is the LONGEST Slip N Slide in ALL of Kentucky!! Come take a ride down our 600 Ft long Slip N Slide!! It starts up at the top of the hill by the office and you slide down the natural hollar and end in the pond just below the amphitheater. It really is Fun for the WHOLE Family!! We have had people as young a 2 and as old as 73 slide down it and each and every one of them came back up to the top with a smile on their face and was ready to do it again!! NOW ON TO THE RULES!!!! NO OUTSIDE FIRE WOOD!!!  We sell large bundles for $10 at the camp store. We DO NOT allow ANY outside fire wood to be brought onto the farm!! DO NOT CUT DOWN ANY TREES ON THE FARM NO MATTER HOW SMALL!!! CAMPSITES WILL BE CHECKED AFTER YOUR STAY.  IF WE FIND ANY TREES CUT DOWN ON YOUR SITE  YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND WILL BE CHARGED 7 TIMES THE MATURE VALUE OF THE DAMAGED TREE. BOOKING A CAMPSITE AT THE SLAB BY THE BARREN THRU THIS SITE MEANS THAT YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS.  We hate to have to do this but we have had trees chopped down for no reason. There is firewood available at the camp store and you are welcome to burn anything laying on the ground, trim low hanging branches, or pull stuff out of our brush piles. just don't cut down any trees. NO GLASS BOTTLES ARE ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! If we see them we will confiscate and dispose of them!! We are a WATER park and people run around barefoot. The last thing we need is broken glass all over the farm and people cutting their feet. So leave the GLASS AT HOME!! DIRT BIKES AND ATVS ARE NOW ALLOWED ON THE FARM!! Rider be respectful of our campers and ONLY ride on the designated trails!!  There are idle only areas around Pickett Bottom cabin and ALL Campsites. If you are caught riding with throttle down the gravel roads in the campground or thru campsites you will be given ONE WARNING!!  THE SECOND TIME it happens YOUR VEHICLE WILL BE IMPOUNDED for the remainder of your stay and you will receive A LIFETIME RIDING BAN FROM OUR CAMPGROUND. Be respectful and courteous and we will all have a great time!! We are trying to be inclusive to new activities while still staying the quiet peaceful slice of heaven that everyone has come to love. Please bear with us while we grow and try to work with everyone to make the Slab a place that everyone can enjoy. Thank you for your interest in our campground and we look forward to meeting you this 2024 camping season. God Bless!!
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(10)

Davis Bend Farms

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents250 acres ¡ Canmer, KY
250 acres of beautiful rolling hills, river frontage/access for swimming, kayaking, canoeing. Two acre pond for fishing. 40+ acres of wooded areas for hiking, watching wildlife, etc. This is a working cattle farm, so there are plenty of opportunities to assist with farm chores. A wonderful cook is available to prepare meals for a modest fee. Hope to see you soon!
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(128)

Prayer Mountain Mushroom Farms

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents48 acres ¡ Upton, KY
Step off the grid and into the peace and quiet of our lovely 50 acre farm. Every site is private and absolutely beautiful. We provide wood, because who needs that hassle and expense. The Folks at Prayer Mountain want everyone to be able to enjoy a nice relaxing stay off the grid. All you need is a car and a love for the outdoors. Pick up some of our delicious mushrooms and farm fresh eggs on your way in. You will not regret picking Prayer Mountain. Safe and Happy travels to you. All booking must go through the Hipcamp app. Cash or in person reservations are never accepted. To extend your stay please use the app.
from 
$20
 / night
98%
(32)

Twisted River

4 sites ¡ RVs, TentsScottsville, KY
A recent addition to our already spacious and secluded bed and breakfast.  A tremendous wooded area with trails, woods, water and an awesome camping/fire pit area!  If you enjoy watching the stars after a delicious, over the campfire cooked meal, you'll love the sights, sounds and smells of backwoods Kentucky. The land is bordered by a winding, twisting river that is ample enough for bathing, boating and/or fishing that seems to go on for days. Idea for overnight stays, weekend getaways or family or group gatherings.Learn more about this land:A long flowing log trail that travels through gorgeous woods and time then temporarily halts at the centerpiece campsite for fire, food and laughs.   Space around a stone framed fire pit for up to 5 tents to enjoy peace or family at the same time.  Off you continue along a groomed 4 wheel trail that guides you past our deer plot, beaver workings, stretches of wild low lands and a refreshing creek for swimming, fishing, boating, you name it!  The main camp site is about a :15 minute hike off the main road but close enough to receive support if required.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(123)

Barren River Magic

75 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres ¡ Edmonton, KY
Welcome to our serene and nature-filled property nestled right on the tranquil banks of the Little Barren River! If you're seeking a getaway that combines outdoor adventures with peaceful relaxation, you've found your perfect destination. Choose from cozy tent sites, convenient RV sites, or glamping stays. PLEASE NOTE, for our glamping stays, bedding, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows are to be brought along by guests. The Fox Den and Peace Pipe glamping sites are the only exception. Our location offers an array of water-based activities just steps away from your accommodation. Whether you enjoy kayaking, paddling, fishing, or simply floating lazily in a tube, the Little Barren River welcomes you to indulge in its beauty. For those eager to explore the surrounding area, you'll find an abundance of local fun activities to partake in. Explore the wonders of Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Horse Cave, Diamond Caverns, Nolin Lake, Barren River, KY Down Under, and Green River Lake, all within easy reach from our property. We understand that your four-legged friends are a part of the family, which is why we are pet-friendly! Feel free to bring your furry companions along for the adventure. Campfires are permitted on our property and firewood is provided! We have portable toilets available for campers to use. Additionally, there are two centrally located showers accessible to all campers. While the water may be lukewarm, it is heated naturally by the sun, embracing our commitment to eco-friendly practices. Our location boasts an abundance of nature and tranquillity, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the great outdoors. Whether you prefer fishing, boating, birding, or hiking, our property offers a natural playground for all to enjoy.
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(114)

On the back of the farm

2 sites ¡ Tents100 acres ¡ 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
from 
$20
 / night
100%
(6)

Backyard RV Camp

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Glasgow, KY
Beautiful, private, level RV space located in our backyard on a quiet country road in Glasgow KY. Views across the hills are gorgeous. Blacktop driveway and turn-around area for easy drive In access to this packed in gravel pad. Minutes away from hiking, golf, downtown entertainment, skating and Barren River Lake! 15-20 minutes off I65. Less than 30 minutes from Mammoth Cave! 50/30/20 amp electric and water hookups along with a fire pit and picnic table!
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

The EH frame

5 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents10 acres ¡ Fountain Run, KY
Enjoy the lovely setting of this A Frame that is sitting on a bluff overlooking a creek through the trees. Behind the A Frame is an open meadow up top with a firepower area and also the shower house/washroom. From the parking area, you can walk up a trail to get up to the cabin; or if you have more of an off road vehicle you may drive up top and around to the back side of it. On quiet evenings, hear the sound of the creek down below and listen to the woodland sounds!
from 
$40
 / night

The best camping near Mammoth Cave National Park 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.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.