100% (136) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Loretto
Beardsnest
1. Beardsnest
100%
(156)
50mi from Loretto · 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
100% (136) • 5 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Loretto
Beardsnest
1. Beardsnest
100%
(156)
50mi from Loretto · 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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
R
Rosalie
2 days ago
23 ft Class B
With pets
Kevin was a fantastic host and the camp site was great. The winding trails mown through the field gave the kids and dogs hours of fun. The locations is super close to both mammoth cave park and cave city. We had plenty of room and great privacy, we will definitely be staying here again in the future.
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j
jessica
3 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!
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D
Dottie
December 2025
16 ft car
I only stayed one night on a trip driving to FL but my pup and I enjoyed the site. So close to Mammoth Cave NP where we did a great hike. Would stay again!
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E
Erica
December 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
We had a great stay! Our dogs enjoyed exploring the paths on the property.
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Laurie
December 2025
24 ft campervan
With pets
Near Mammoth Cave, sites are very private and great mowed walking trails through the field with lots of birds. Thanks
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A
Abby
December 2025
16 ft car
Booked last minute. Sight met expectations and host was communicative.
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Drew
November 2025
16 ft car
Enjoyed my time on Kevin’s land again. Always a great spot to camp and explore.
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Sydney
November 2025
Tent
So enjoyed the night away on Kevin’s peaceful property. Site was well kept and safe!
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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!
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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.
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Elizabeth
October 2025
Tent
Loved camping at Beardsnest! So peaceful, quiet, and the stargazing was spectacular. Kevin was able to recommend some wonderful activities in the area and was a pleasure to speak to. Highly recommend!
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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.
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Teri
October 2025
24 ft Class B
Kevin's land was beautiful, just as described. Very nice area to visit!
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Lucas
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Its a perfect campsite, the mowed trails are really cool. We loved our weekend stay
See moreL
Laurie
September 2025
16 ft car
With pets
This was a fantastic spot!! While all the sites were in a open field with trees around the edges - grasses and wildflowers were tall adding privacy and quiet. Closely mowed paths allow for vehicle travel as well as walking paths and spots had a campfire pit and a couple chairs. My pups and I had a great time with a nice view of the sunset! The host Kevin was extremely welcoming, quick to respond and very helpful suggesting good spots to visit while in the area. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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Jared
September 2025
Tent
With kids
My two sons and I had a magical stay at Kevin’s place. It was easy to find, he was a great host, and the clear weather made it all even more enjoyable. From the beautiful ecology to the clear night sky, we couldn’t have found a better spot to spend the night. My boys were almost more excited about the campsite than the caves! Certainly will be returning to the Beardnest to explore more of what the area has to offer.
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Madelon
September 2025
18 ft campervan
This was a great place to stop over for the night in the middle of a long journey. Friendly dogs greeted me and bid be farewell and the property owner gave me recommendations for selecting a tour for mammoth cave. Campfire starter wood was provided.
I’ll be back to stay on Kevin’s property whenever I’m in the area again. I look forward to seeing the progress he’s made.
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Jesse
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful place and friendly host. I would certainly recommend it to anyone in the area.
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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.
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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.
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