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Beardsnest

100%

102 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.

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.).

Natural features

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RV/tent sites 3 sites

Backcountry Rim

100% (49)

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · 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, 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. Please note that if we are in a persistent wet period, the trails over could be too delicate for car travel (bound to occur a few times per year), thus becoming walk-ins. The main site has a 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.

Hickory Field

100% (41)

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

Hickory Field sits in a scenic open field under the shade of a mature hickory tree. This is a great place to watch a sunset, enjoy a campfire with friends, or to walk along the network of mowed paths that radiate from the site. It is easily accessible by car, providing a nice option for those camping out of or wishing to be near their vehicle.

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 35 ft

This is a mowed open site for folks traveling in a campervan or pulling a teardrop camper who need an electric hookup 20A 110V). It is near the main house and barn studio, opening onto our frisbee lawn with trails leading out in all directions. 20 amp electric (110V).

Tent sites 2 sites

Spicebush

100% (10)

Tent site · Sleeps 3

Spicebush is in a lush valley that is surrounded by a panorama of steep, rocky hillsides as well as sinkholes which are characteristic of the karst topography. This site is accessible by a fairly strenuous trail, so if considering this option please make sure you are comfortable with a natural corridor that resembles the effort expended walking up/down 6-10 flights of stairs. This site provides an intimate stage within a large natural amphitheater, surrounded by moss-covered rocks, towering trees, wood ferns and spice-bush. The trail to this site winds down natural rock staircases and around a scenic sinkhole, before traversing 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 birdwatching, trail walking, drawing and writing, as well as generally figuring out important things. 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.

Forest Rim Overlook

100% (3)

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 fire-pit, tea table, and 2 chairs. Suitable for most 4 person tents 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 can accommodate up to a four-person tent, fits perfectly for an REI Half Dome. We offer as an extra, a tent and gear setup for this and the other sites for folks traveling without gear.

Reviews

100% Recommend119 ratings · 102 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

Ariana N.

4 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Absolute delight!

Tent · With pets ·

Frisbee Lawn

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.

Jordan K.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Best Place to Camp in Mammoth Cave!

Tent ·

Hickory Field

You just won’t find a better place to set up camp in the Mammoth Cave area. Kevin and his boys are the BEST hosts and the land is absolutely beautiful. Don’t even get me started on the sweetest doggos you’ll ever meet! I’ve stayed at Beardsnest many times and will be back many more!

Keegan M.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Backcountry Rim Adventures

Tent ·

Backcountry Rim

Had a fantastic at the Backcountry Rim at Kevin's property. The property was fantastic. They keep everything in great shape and it's a super relaxing, quiet, peaceful, beautiful location. Great views of the prairie and open sky to see the stars at night. Kevin and his boys were exceptionally accommodating and went above and beyond to make sure we had what we needed. They even delivered firewood to the campsite. Kevin gave us several great suggestions for activities in the area, was super responsive, and great to chat with. They offer kayak rentals and were able to spot us and pick us up for a 3-hour float on the green river. Highly recommend. They made sure we had everything we needed and made sure we had an enjoyable experience. You can tell they put a lot of time and effort into their work at the property and that makes it a great place to stay.

Mitchell G.

5 reviews

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·

Frisbee Lawn

Excellent communication, well thought out space. Simple to access.

Derric P.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Tent ·