- Cave Camping
The best cave camping near Elizabethtown
97% (160) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Elizabethtown
Lost On Purpose
1. Lost On Purpose
98%
(25)
9.8mi from Elizabethtown · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Secluded 2br 1 bath private and quiet, not a neighbor in sight! We have hiking, biking and horse trails galore. Fishing in the pond is permitted with a barbless hook and catch n release! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, and bring your disc golf or archery bows- we have that too! You will never want to leave!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Beardsnest
2. Beardsnest
100%
(155)
40mi from Elizabethtown · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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 2026, camping here provides a glimpse into the 5th year of succession, which is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie that is flanked by the rocky and steep slopes of a mature forest.
Pet friendly and 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 (~530 seedlings as of March 2026), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species.
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). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space where we imagine what is beneath the surface and how these worlds are linked, while above ground hiking on land or kayaking on the ecologically rich and biodiverse Green River. Kayaking the Green is elemental; like unplugging from one world, pure nature immersion. We offer kayaks (see extras), that leave from camp, tailored to your schedule.
Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project!
Most commonly booked extras:
1. Dried and split firewood bundles, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite.
2. Kayaks on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the NP.
3. Pending availability, we are happy to pitch a tent (REI 4 person Half Dome plus 2 sleeping pads) for those who want to camp but are not traveling with gear.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping
3. Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping
90%
(5)
33mi from Elizabethtown · 1 site
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
Toilets
Showers
from
$99
/ night
Mammoth Cave National Park
4. Mammoth Cave National Park
97%
(72)
National park 38mi from Elizabethtown · 128 sites
Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
O'Bannon Woods State Park
5. O'Bannon Woods State Park
75%
(3)
State park 40mi from Elizabethtown · 291 sites
Discover O'Bannon Woods State Park and its lush landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
AVALON FARM
6. AVALON FARM
100%
(1)
46mi from Elizabethtown · 9 sites
Diversified homestead type farm , with a variety of animals and gardens, fields and wooded hillsides.
Learn more about this land:
Historic farm situated at the edge of a verdant valley amid gently rolling hills, meandering creeks and uniquely sculpted landscapes. In an area of family farms with cattle, tobacco, hay, and woodlands with a variety of wildlife. Great place to relax and experience everyday facets of life in the country.
Several options for basic (unimproved) camp-sites are available in open and wooded areas, according to camper's equipment and preference. There are tents available to rent as well.
Large concrete block fire pit, charcoal grill, camp stove, portable tent potty. Water spigot and hose at barn. Please check the "more details" links or contact me with any questions.
Scenic country roads to explore. Property has 1/4 mile on lovely shaded creek that runs right into the South Fork Little Barren River, a favorite of local folks to take a kayak or canoe on. Also, just a few miles away is the County Lake for fishing and/or to bring a canoe, kayak, small boat (electric motor ok, no gas). A few miles to country style restaurants, Sulphur Well historic park, 6 miles to small town, aprox 20 miles to closest cities.
We plan to be officially open for campers April 1 , but if the weather is nice and you want to come out we would do our best to accommodate you.
(please note: due to the unpredictable nature of farm animals , we must ask that visitors do not go into fenced or unfenced areas containing animals without permission, especially with young children or dogs. )
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
97% (160) • 16 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Elizabethtown
Lost On Purpose
1. Lost On Purpose
98%
(25)
9.8mi from Elizabethtown · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Secluded 2br 1 bath private and quiet, not a neighbor in sight! We have hiking, biking and horse trails galore. Fishing in the pond is permitted with a barbless hook and catch n release! Rock hounders welcome to explore the creek beds, and bring your disc golf or archery bows- we have that too! You will never want to leave!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Beardsnest
2. Beardsnest
100%
(155)
40mi from Elizabethtown · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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 2026, camping here provides a glimpse into the 5th year of succession, which is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie that is flanked by the rocky and steep slopes of a mature forest.
Pet friendly and 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 (~530 seedlings as of March 2026), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species.
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). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space where we imagine what is beneath the surface and how these worlds are linked, while above ground hiking on land or kayaking on the ecologically rich and biodiverse Green River. Kayaking the Green is elemental; like unplugging from one world, pure nature immersion. We offer kayaks (see extras), that leave from camp, tailored to your schedule.
Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project!
Most commonly booked extras:
1. Dried and split firewood bundles, usually a mix of oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle, delivered to the campsite.
2. Kayaks on a suggested donation basis ($45) providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the NP.
3. Pending availability, we are happy to pitch a tent (REI 4 person Half Dome plus 2 sleeping pads) for those who want to camp but are not traveling with gear.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping
3. Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping
90%
(5)
33mi from Elizabethtown · 1 site
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
Toilets
Showers
from
$99
/ night
Mammoth Cave National Park
4. Mammoth Cave National Park
97%
(72)
National park 38mi from Elizabethtown · 128 sites
Find magic below ground—and above—at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
O'Bannon Woods State Park
5. O'Bannon Woods State Park
75%
(3)
State park 40mi from Elizabethtown · 291 sites
Discover O'Bannon Woods State Park and its lush landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
AVALON FARM
6. AVALON FARM
100%
(1)
46mi from Elizabethtown · 9 sites
Diversified homestead type farm , with a variety of animals and gardens, fields and wooded hillsides.
Learn more about this land:
Historic farm situated at the edge of a verdant valley amid gently rolling hills, meandering creeks and uniquely sculpted landscapes. In an area of family farms with cattle, tobacco, hay, and woodlands with a variety of wildlife. Great place to relax and experience everyday facets of life in the country.
Several options for basic (unimproved) camp-sites are available in open and wooded areas, according to camper's equipment and preference. There are tents available to rent as well.
Large concrete block fire pit, charcoal grill, camp stove, portable tent potty. Water spigot and hose at barn. Please check the "more details" links or contact me with any questions.
Scenic country roads to explore. Property has 1/4 mile on lovely shaded creek that runs right into the South Fork Little Barren River, a favorite of local folks to take a kayak or canoe on. Also, just a few miles away is the County Lake for fishing and/or to bring a canoe, kayak, small boat (electric motor ok, no gas). A few miles to country style restaurants, Sulphur Well historic park, 6 miles to small town, aprox 20 miles to closest cities.
We plan to be officially open for campers April 1 , but if the weather is nice and you want to come out we would do our best to accommodate you.
(please note: due to the unpredictable nature of farm animals , we must ask that visitors do not go into fenced or unfenced areas containing animals without permission, especially with young children or dogs. )
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
j
jessica
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great spot! So convenient to get to Mammoth National Park and so nice to have the option to rent the tent and kayak!
See more
Fiona
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a great spot for a stop! Location is perfect for Mammoth Caves. The grass in the lawn was great for kids running around, Aswell as all the trails cut out around the property to explore. Kevin was responsive and friendly. Would stay here again!
See more
L
Leslie
October 2025
E
Emily
October 2025
23 ft Class B
Kevin was super helpful with instructions and letting us know about the trails and features on the property. We had our area of land behind the barn to ourselves and enjoyed listening to the birds in the morning. His pups were sweet and hung out while we made breakfast outside. Would love to stay again the next time we are in the area.
See moreL
Lia
October 2025
14 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a wonderful time. It was quiet and beautifully maintained. We had asked for wood and it was raining when we arrived. Kevin was thoughtful enough to leave the wood under a wheel barrow and message us about it. The communication was great and it was conveniently close to Mammoth Cave.
See moreS
Scott
October 2025
Tent
Absolutely peaceful. The woods and the fields reminded me of where I grew up, sadly my youth and that land is gone. Would highly recommend staying here
See more
K
Ken
September 2025
Tent
Pretty cool spot. Privacy from the forest around, not a huge hike in.
Had a little trouble finding the particular site once we got to the property. Recommend this adjustment to the Forest Rim Overlook directions: make your way to the treeline behind the house. Go left along the treeline. Right at the Y.
Unexpected pluses:
Running and filtered water close to the site. Cute, well-behaved puppies running around.
See more
T
Thomas
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Great spot and great host! The fishing lake produced 3 catfish, just make sure to bring barbless hooks. The kids enjoyed it.
See more
D
Derrick
September 2025
1 night at Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping
The stay was really nice! We enjoyed the fire in the evening and went in to the tent as the night went on. After it got cold enough, we used the gas heater and it was more than enough to keep us warm.
The potable water is limited, so if you need lots (cooking, cleaning) be sure to bring it in.
It was extremely private and lovely, but it looks like there may be a new cabin being built at the top of a very nearby hill which would make the place much less private. We prefer solo private spots, so we might need to check on this for future stays.
See more
R
Robert
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
The space was simple and great. VERY close to Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, and Kevin has great land to hike back into as well.
See moreJ
Justin
August 2025
Tent
Absolutely perfect and was exactly what I needed. Host was fast to respond and had a much needed relaxing camp
See more
J
Joey
August 2025
Tent
Kevin had several fantastic campsites, lots of trails to explore, and was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. He gave us an amazing tour of the sites and trails, had firewood available, and was happy to help us get the most out of our stay. We also got to meet his dogs who were extremely friendly and fun!
See moreI
Ian
August 2025
Tent
Super great site with easy acess. Hike down was pretty easy and well marked trail. Also kevin gave us great tips aboit where to go and what to do in our free time.
See moreJ
Joseph
July 2025
Tent
Great spot near Mammoth Cave National Park and Cave City. The site is well maintained and private. Would love to stay again next time I’m in the area
See more
Jordan
July 2025
Tent
One of my favorite things about Beardsnest is how much variety there is amongst the different campsites. If you want to enjoy the open sky and swaying grasslands, you have Backcountry Rim, Frisbee Field and Hickory Field. If you want to have a fully immersive and magical experience, there is Spicebush, waiting for you at end of the winding path that leads you down to the forest floor, where you find yourself in a world all your own. Looking for something in the middle? Forest Rim Overlook gives you the experience of being nestled in the woods while still being very easily accessed.
5 stars, every time! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
See more
C
Carly
June 2025
19 ft campervan
We had an amazing time at the frisbee lawn spot in our camper van! Awesome sunsets, beautiful meadow flowers, giant mowed lawn so many options to park depending what views you want with a long cord for power.
Kevin was so knowledgeable about the ecosystem on his property and the surrounding area. You can tell he puts a lot of love into his space
We did the kayak tour, Kevin dropped us off at the Denison ferry kayak landing and picked us up a couple hours later at the Green ferry landing. The water was moving fast so we just floated down the river. It was great!
He was super communicative and we had fun chatting with him
We also bought firewood from
Kevin so that was very conviennent
See more
B
Bruce
June 2025
Tent
Nicely situated and well maintained small camp with a fire pit, table and two chairs. Thanks for an enjoyable overnight so close to Mammoth Cave NP.
See moreK
Kandace
June 2025
23 ft campervan
We very much enjoyed our stay at Kevin's Frisbee Lawn. It was the perfect location for the 3 days we were exploring the Mammoth Cave area. Kevin gave great recommendations of things for us to do in the area, he and his family are extremely friendly, and are very accommodating hosts. We appreciated the ease of getting to the campsite, the amount of seclusion/privacy the site offered, and the accessibility to amenities like the power hook-up. We enjoyed our peaceful evenings cooking on the campfire and watching the lightning bugs. Most of all we were happy to be contributing to a good cause. We would definitely stay here again.
See more
Ariana
May 2025
Tent
With pets
This spot is such a treat! Very close to the national park and to town, yet secluded enough to relax and thoroughly enjoy being outside. Kevin is hands down the best host I’ve encountered so far! The field is very well maintained, not buggy or swampy, and is a dog’s paradise. I will definitely be back.
See moreL
Lindsay
May 2025
Tent
With pets
We did tent camping at the Spicebush site and it was awesome! Kevin was such a helpful and gracious host and the campsite was beautiful and tucked away in a what felt like a magical forest. The walk down to the site is on a lush trail that takes about 10 minutes. If we are back in the area we will definitely stay here again and recommend it to friends!
See more
