Beardsnest

100%

98 reviews

· Cave City, Barren, Kentucky

30 acres hosted by Kevin W.

3 RV/tent sites · 2 tent sites

Near Mammoth Cave National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the New Entrance.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Kevin is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Hike-in sites

Hike-in to some sites at this Hipcamp.

This new-in-formation ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to backcountry 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 a 4 year-old successional prairie, which at this phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie seeded with a growing variety of native flowers. 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 (~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 were camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. Water tap and hose by main house parking area, for cleaning dishes, spraying off, or filling reservoirs. 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 3 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 the land and water. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of red cedar and oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle. We also share kayaks (Perception Sound 10.5) now 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.).

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Reviews

100% Recommend114 ratings · 98 reviews

Kevin's campground offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape with easy access to Mammoth Cave National Park. Visitors appreciate the spacious, private sites and the warm hospitality of Kevin and his family, who are always ready to help. Stargazing opportunities and the company of friendly dogs add to the charm. However, the proximity of some sites to the main house may reduce the sense of seclusion for those seeking complete privacy.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Derric P.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Spicebush

Kevin was a great host! The campsites were pretty maintained. Spicebush is a must for the more adventurous camper. Will definitely be back.

Jim L.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

20 ft pop-up camper ·

Backcountry Rim

We had a great camping spot on Kevin's land. He was a perfect host. We look forward to staying there again

Miguel P.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Great camping

Tent ·

Hickory Field

This place is amazing, I spent a night camping and watching stars! Kevin is very nice and helpful. Definitely coming back!

Casey Y.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Backcountry Rim

Easy access and good place to pull up and hang out for a night. Great view of the stars. Excellent communication by host.

Jaime F.

2 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Sunset by the Tree

Tent ·

Hickory Field

Kevin met me as I drove up the driveway. He is polite and will help you with any of your tourist activities if you need it. I had a busy sightseeing plan in place prior to arrival. I was off to go caving. I highly recommend taking him up on the kayak offer for a morning or afternoon float down the river if your day is not packed. The sunset across the field is worth slowing down to view. I walked through the lower forest in the morning and scared all the Wild Turkeys, his dogs even joined me for part of the walk. I was the only camper midweek and he checked to see if I was okay with the dogs being out in the field. This was a great place to pitch my tent for a few days, much more peaceful than a typical campground.

Tom C.

7 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Cave City Cool

16 ft car ·

Hickory Field

Great location and beatiful property! Spent a night with my pups trekking north to Wisconsin. Host Kevin and his son and dog welcomed us and showed me around with a firepit prepped for use.

Location

Cave City, Barren, Kentucky, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking