The best cave camping near Scottsville

28mi from Scottsville · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Cave City, KY

(152)

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.).

2. Camp Nashville Highland Rim

95%

(349)

36mi from Scottsville · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Goodlettsville, TN

Primitive camping near Nashville on a secluded hilltop nestled in a hardwood forest. Flat areas for tents, car / van camping, and trees for hammocks. Plan to carry your trash out with you. Do not leave trash on property. Please read all details / rules, and share with family or group. Drive to camping location. First arrive / first choice of favorite of available spaces upon arrival. Spaces are not numbered or pre-assigned. Camping guests supply camping gear. No gear rental available. Amenities: 2 community water hydrants, community vault toilet, fire pit at each site. Outdoor hot water heater for shower Apr-Oct, after forecasted freezing temperatures. Kid friendly. No extra charge for children. (verify not charged for children if selected.) Camping location north of downtown Nashville on a ridge at a higher elevation overlooking Nashville. Camp away from noisy highways, convenient to I65 near multiple amenities, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops . 5 miles from three I65 exits. 14 miles from I24. 18 miles from I40. 18 miles from Nashville downtown riverfront. Uber or Lyft to Nashville available. Check in & out times are flexible. Quiet hours after 10PM. If you're hanging out or arriving after 10PM.... keep it quiet for other guests. Pets permitted under owner supervision. Clean up after pets, and do not allow pets to interfere with other guests. Please be sure all guests know camping rules! Do Not Leave Trash!! Trash policy is carry in / carry out with you for disposal somewhere else. Trash service is not provided as part of camping fees. $50 trash disposal will be requested if trash left on property. Vault toilet works on a septic system and is not pumped. Only place toilet paper in toilet. Wipes, feminine products, excess tp should be placed in trash can outside vault toilet (only trash exception). Do not burn noncombustible items. materials or cigarettes in fire pits or leave trash in firepits. Only firewood or ashes should remain in firepit. Do not use knives, hatches, axes, saws on live trees. This will be considered damaging to property.

3. Mollys Ridge Glamping and Camping

90%

(5)

36mi from Scottsville · 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!

4. Barren River Lake State Resort Park

100 sites · Scottsville, Kentucky

Discover Barren River Lake State Resort Park's natural splendor.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

5. Mammoth Cave National Park

96%

(71)

128 sites · Park City, Kentucky

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Squirrel Oaks Farm

23mi from Scottsville · 1 site · Lodging · Woodburn, KY

CAVE TOUR or Porch Sitting! Fast WiFi! This entire house and farm is perfect for Mammoth Cave and Lost River visitors, family vacations, and weekend getaways. . Only one bathroom downstairs with standard tub /shower. Gr8 for one or 2 families. Firepit with stocked wood/picnic table/grill/full kitchen. Gr8 heating/cool air. Country living on 5 acres , 15 minutes- downtown BG. 1 hour-Nashville/ 3 large bedrooms/Beech Bend Park/Chaneys Dairy Barn/Wfree Wif The space Large-3-bedrooms with 7 beds. Rustic decorations. Big Living Room with ROKU TV. A Dining Room that seats six people. Huge house located out in the country on the South side of Bowling Green. Firepit/Picnic Table and grill for outside fun. Fully functional kitchen and bathroom with bathtub/shower. Great heat and air. Inside board games and outside corn hole games with sandbags. Guest access 5 acres of property. Entire house with plenty of parking space. Smooth Gravel road and key location given upon booking and one week before check in. No parking on lawn -just on gravel drive. Other things to note Maximum four cars in the rear of the house. No parking on the lawn. No parties or events. Smoking allowed outside

7. The 50 Acre Wood

49mi from Scottsville · 1 site · Tent · Lancaster, TN

My property is located in a gentle valley with easy road access and a hiking hill that features several level clearings perfect for pitching camp. There’s a 450-foot-long cave and several sinkholes scattered throughout the property. At the top of the hill, where the land levels off, you’ll find a treehouse, and the property continues a little farther beyond. About halfway up the hill, there’s a rope swing to enjoy.

8. AVALON FARM

38mi from Scottsville · 9 sites · Tents · Edmonton, KY

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. )

9. Dale Hollow Lake

407 sites · Celina, Tennessee

(4)

Dale Hollow Lake is blue gem and green oasis—a glorious retreat from the Tennessee summer heat. You’ll find plenty of adventure on the water when you explore coves and shorelines from your boat or canoe, or even as you zip along on water skis! Fisherman can catch trophy smallmouth bass and trout fishing is truly something special. With hiking, biking, and snowmobile trails, Dale Hollow is fun in any season, though autumn is particularly beautiful with a wide array of colors and chirping birds. Unique primitive camping and spots for your RV mean you can bring yourself and your crew to Dale Hollow Lake any time of year for a weekend (or more) of fun!

10. Cedars of Lebanon State Park

96 sites · Lebanon, Tennessee

(7)

Discover the enchanting beauty of ancient cedars at this outdoors destination just outside Nashville.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Public campgrounds near Scottsville

10mi from Scottsville · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Barren River Lake Campground

Mammoth Cave Campground is really beautiful.

97%

(54)

Mammoth Cave Campground

31mi from Scottsville · 109 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mammoth Cave National Park

One of our 2 dogs enjoying the pet-friendly campgrounds.

90%

(10)

Houchin Ferry Campground

31mi from Scottsville · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mammoth Cave National Park

32mi from Scottsville · 7 sites · in Mammoth Cave National Park

(7)

Maple Springs Campground

43mi from Scottsville · 79 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dale Hollow Lake

Dale Hollow Damsite Campground

47mi from Scottsville · 96 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cedars of Lebanon State Park

(7)

Cedars of Lebanon Campground

49mi from Scottsville · 83 sites · Tents, RVs · in Dale Hollow Lake

Willow Grove Campground

Stories from the community

J

Jordan

3 weeks ago

Tent

Rally cool place to camp amd get away from the city . Great views of the sunset

j

josh

3 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

We rolled in at night so locating the entrance wasn’t as straight forward as it would have been during the day, which ir was pretty clear to see the entrance during the day. The entrance is STEEP. Passed all that. It was a very secluded a lot. There were what we could see 4 different flat areas to stay and view of the city was beautiful.

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Ben

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Tent camping here was a breeze. It felt very secluded despite only being 15 minutes or so from Nashville. We did hear some faint traffic nearby but not a peep during the night hours. There were some people hunting way far off in the distant and we heard some rifles go off a few times during the day, but we didn't feel unsafe by any means during our stay. The site was beautiful, fully surrounded by trees at the top of the hill--exactly what I was hoping for. Speaking of hills, there is a pretty steep hill to get up, yes--but with 4WD it wasn't really an issue for me at all. The sites are first come first serve and there was only my fiance and myself plus one other family that showed up several hours later. They were far enough away that we could barely see them. There's potable water and a toilet a decent walk from the site, but we didn't use either so I can't speak to those. Our interaction with the host was very minimal since it's self check-in and check out, but we didn't need anything other than the directions that were provided (which were very easy to follow). Overall I'd highly recommend this site if you're looking for some seclusion but don't want to drive hours away from the convenience Nashville area.

Fiona

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Beardsnest

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!

A

Artie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Great place for a quick camping getaway in the Nashville area. Once you’re out there it feels as though you are much farther out than you are. Hassle free, good communication from the host. Highly recommend!

M

Matt

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

We enjoyed the campsite. Close to Nashville where we live, so it’s a nice place for a quick weekend camp. Don’t really see how 8 different bookings could fit up there though without sharing a fire or being right next to each other. Will be back though!

S

Sydnie

October 2025

Tent

This was a great spot to set up with my tent. Not actually hard to find, the red reflectors by the road helped a ton!! Beautiful land, spacious sights and got to eat breakfast with some deer. Will 100% be back and will direct my other camping friends straight here!

K

Kevin

October 2025

17 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Camp Nashville Highland Rim

My wife and I stayed in a 17 foot teardrop. The drive up ( and then down) the gravel road was a bit challenging but we made it with no problem. The site was primitive but beautiful (see pic). Our camper has a toilet and that was handy as I did not see any usable facilities.

A

Anna

October 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Peaceful and beautiful spot, would definitely go back.

E

Emily

October 2025

23 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

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.

Kimberly

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

This is our second time staying here, this time we took the spot up top. Another good night, and we recommend it.

L

Lia

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Beardsnest

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.

c

casey

October 2025

16 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Just stopped in for the night on a long drive home. Nice secluded location on the top of a ridge, we had the place to ourselves so it was great. If you're booking for the toilet and shower they could use a bit of work. We'd stay again if in the area

K

Ken

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

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.

S

Steve

September 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Nashville Highland Rim

Very cool place. The driveway up the hill is a bit nerve wracking, but it’s worth it once you get to the top. Very private and secluded.

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.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

The space was simple and great. VERY close to Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, and Kevin has great land to hike back into as well.

J

Joey

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Beardsnest

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!

I

Ian

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Beardsnest

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.

D

Denisse

July 2025

Tent