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Beardsnest

Hosted by Kevin · Cave City, Kentucky

5 sites · RV, Tent · 30 acres

100%

149 reviews

Best Hipcamps in Kentucky

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.

Near Mammoth Cave National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the New Entrance.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

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.

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Tent-only sites

2 sites

Spicebush

100%

(13)

Tent site · Sleeps 3

The Spicebush campsite is perched over a canal that cuts lower until eventually entering the subterranean realm via a series of downstream sinkholes. Nestled in an opening, the camp sits just above a lush, wood-fern filled valley that is guarded by a panorama of steep, rocky hillsides and towering trees. Spicebush provides an intimate stage within a large natural amphitheater, surrounded by moss-covered rocks, old growth trees, ferns and spice-bush. The trail to this site winds down natural rock staircases and around a scenic rock-lined sinkhole, before traversing across a valley of stinging nettle and ancient rock formations, into a fern, moss, pawpaw, and spicebush wonderland. We think of the entire area as living art, and the walk down is like a tour through the museum. A great option for nature immersion, trail walking, drawing and writing, summoning gnome magic, as well as generally figuring out important things. The site has a fire-pit and a horizontal tree bench. While most of our sites are easily navigated without help, Spicebush requires the host be available for a guided tour to the area both to illustrate the trail down and to point out ecologically sensitive areas and best practices for treading lightly in a rugged albeit delicate landscape. The site was designed for a 4 person REI Halfdome tent. We offer to setup the tent, along with two sleeping pads, pillows, and sheets for a one-time fee (see extras).

Hike-in access only

Campfires allowed

No toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

Forest Rim Overlook

100%

(11)

Tent site · Sleeps 2

Forest Rim Overlook is a walk-in site tucked onto a shaded ledge overlooking an upland forest that gradually becomes more steep to the east as it approaches an interesting canyon formation. The short walk (~60 yds) from parking winds through a successional prairie before opening into the campsite, which is positioned as a type of dock into the forest. Visitors will find a filtered water spigot, fire-pit, tea table, and 2 chairs. Suitable for most 3 person tents and/or hammock camping. Numerous woodland or young prairie trails are accessible from this location. The hosts and friends often use this spot to cool off in summer, to listen for birds, chat over a campfire, or to glimpse forest creatures. From the elevated scenic perch of the tent, campers have an excellent and private vantage of a sloping upland habitat littered with boulders to enjoy forest sounds. This site fits perfectly for an REI 4 person Half-Dome (94”x86” footprint). We offer to setup and loan an REI Halfdome, sleeping pads (Exped MegaMat an/or aThermarest Dreamtime), pillows and sheets, as well as a lantern for a flat fee (see extras).

Short walk to site

Campfires allowed

No toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No showers

RV/tent sites

3 sites

High demand

Backcountry Rim

100%

(72)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 24 ft

Backcountry Rim sits high on a private corner with excellent views of the setting sun. A few steps away in the south direction, is a wooded wilderness area that becomes a steep hillside and rugged country, providing a vantage of the forest as well as surrounding prairie. This campsite is suitable for car camping, small group, tear-drop or smaller trailers, roof or van camping. Paths radiate from Backcountry Rim onto a young successional prairie which overlooks a wetland seam on a bookended hillside to the north. The site has a filtered water output, fire-pit + 2 heavy cast chairs, and adjacent mowed ovals and zones allow for either additional tents or places to throw frisbee and things of that nature. Though the main site is open, adjacent areas provide flat, shaded options on hot days or pitching a hammock.

Campfires allowed

No toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Hickory Field

99%

(49)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 21 ft

This campsite sits up on a ledge, interrupting a gently sloping hill and a steeper drop-off onto a low prairie. Many visitors pitch a tent under the canopy of the bitternut hickory. and for reference, the fire-pit sits not far away under an open sky. Great spot to watch a sunset, enjoy a campfire/dinner with friends, stargaze, or walk out along the labyrinth of mowed paths that radiate away from the campsite. *filtered water spigot, fire-pit, + 2 heavy cast chairs.

Campfires allowed

No toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

Instant book

Frisbee Lawn

100%

(20)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 35 ft

This is a mowed open site suitable for dispersed tent camping, as well as campervans or teardrop campers. The site has a water spigot, fire-pit, and a 20A 110V outlet. It is near the main house and barn studio, opening onto our frisbee lawn with trails leading out in all directions.

Campfires allowed

No toilet

Potable water

Pets allowed

Electrical hookup

No water hookup

Reviews

100% Recommend172 ratings · 149 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Tent ·

Frisbee Lawn

Well kept campground with easy access and a friendly host. Perfect if you're visiting the Mammoth cave area.

William F.

7 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Best campsite in Cave City

Tent ·

Hickory Field

I spent a night at Hickory Field and it was magical. The campsite is beautifully landscaped. Campsite has soft grass to set out your tent, nice fire pit too. The real show begins at sundown, that is when hundreds of fireflies start their show all around you. Kevin is a great host, he made sure we had everything we needed.

Simon R.

4 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

29 ft travel trailer ·

Frisbee Lawn

First time to this incredible part of Kentucky. Plenty of flat, level land and privacy on Frisbee lawn for my car and trailer. Especially enjoyed the dogs, Kevin’s kindness, hospitality, knowledge of the local ecosystem, and recommendations. Great vibes!

Scott U.

9 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

8 ft rooftop tent ·

Beardsnest

Select a site

Tent-only sites

Spicebush

Forest Rim Overlook

RV/tent sites

Backcountry Rim

Hickory Field

Frisbee Lawn

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Kevin W.

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