Camping in Mammoth Cave National Park

97% (147 reviews)

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

Top camping in Mammoth Cave National Park

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
97% (147 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mammoth Cave National Park adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Mammoth Cave National Park

95%
(1009)

The Slab (by the Barren)

80 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents500 acres · Fountain Run, KY
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are broken hearted to announce that we will be closing our doors at midnight on July 13th 2025. We want to thank everyone that has came out to the farm over the past five years and supported us. It was a genuine pleasure to have the opportunity to meet each and every one of you, and to share our beautiful family farm with you, your families and friends. We will be refunding anyone with reservations after the 13th of July 2025 and hope that you all can find another hidden gem like ours, and continue to enjoy and make memories in the great outdoors. Thank you so much for all of your amazing support, reviews, and recommendations over the years. Our hipcampers are what made The Slab such an amazing place, and we are truly sorry that things didn't work out to where we could stay open. Kent and I are still looking into other options as to how we could move forward in the future with the part of the farm that we still own. So stay tuned for announcements for 2026. You never know what the future holds...
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$30
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99%
(191)

Barren River Magic

83 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Edmonton, KY
Welcome to Barren River Magic — a peaceful, nature-filled retreat tucked away in Center, Kentucky, surrounded by the serene waters of the Barren and Little Barren Rivers. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a family camping adventure, or a unique glamping experience, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Choose from scenic tent sites, RV-friendly spots, and creative glamping stays like our repurposed grain bin or our open air structures. Please note: for most glamping stays, you’ll need to bring your own bedding (sleeping mats, bags, blankets, pillows). The Fox Den and Peace Pipe are the only exceptions—they come fully equipped! Spend your days kayaking, fishing, tubing, or simply relaxing beside the river. The surrounding area is full of Kentucky gems—Mammoth Cave, Cave City, Nolin Lake, Green River Lake, Diamond Caverns, and more—all just a short drive away. We’re a pet-friendly property because we know adventures are better with your furry friends. Campfires are welcome, and we even provide firewood to make your evenings extra cozy. You’ll also find portable toilets and two centrally located showers (naturally warmed by the sun!) for your convenience. IMPORTANT: We do not accept late-night bookings or late arrivals. All guests must arrive by 6 PM local time. This allows us to personally greet you and guide you to your glamping site or campsite. If something unexpected comes up and you’re concerned about arriving late, please send us a message in advance—we’ll do our best to help. Thank you for understanding and helping us keep the experience smooth and enjoyable for all our guests! Come breathe the fresh air, explore the riverbanks, and unwind under the stars. We can’t wait to welcome you to Barren River Magic—where memories are made, and nature does the rest.
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100%
(128)

Beardsnest

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Cave City, KY
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 the fourth year of succession, 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 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 the land and water. We offer custom kayak departures and pick-ups 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 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.).
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98%
(48)

Twisted River

2 sites · Tents120 acres · Scottsville, KY
A recent addition to our already spacious and secluded bed and breakfast.  A tremendous wooded area with trails, woods, water and an awesome camping/fire pit area!  If you enjoy watching the stars after a delicious, over the campfire cooked meal, you'll love the sights, sounds and smells of backwoods Kentucky. The land is bordered by a winding, twisting river that is ample enough for bathing, boating and/or fishing that seems to go on for days. Idea for overnight stays, weekend getaways or family or group gatherings.Learn more about this land:A long flowing log trail that travels through gorgeous woods and time then temporarily halts at the centerpiece campsite for fire, food and laughs.   Space around a stone framed fire pit for up to 5 tents to enjoy peace or family at the same time.  Off you continue along a groomed 4 wheel trail that guides you past our deer plot, beaver workings, stretches of wild low lands and a refreshing creek for swimming, fishing, boating, you name it!  The main camp site is about a :15 minute hike off the main road but close enough to receive support if required.
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$20
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98%
(152)

On the back of the farm

2 sites · Tents100 acres · Glasgow, KY
This farm has been in my family for 3 generations, the Road is named after my great grandparents. Sitting right on Barren River Lake we are at the end of a dead end chip sealed road. Come join us for a few nights and share in the little piece of suclusion that we call home. We look forward to seeing you. Learn more about this land: Pitch your tent in the back of our 60 acre farm and stay completely secluded from people.  You will drive 2 miles down a chip sealed road and then almost a mile down a dirt road past where the public road ends.  Stay as connected or as disconnected as you want.  Our farm offers the perfect escape from the day to day race of life.  If you want to get away come spend a few days with us!!!  We only allow booking of one camp site at time to ensure your privacy.  Upon arrival there are 2 sites to pick from(see map in photos section).  Camp firewood available for purchase at the barn on your way in. Signs are in place to take you to camp sites from the address that you will receive upon booking.  Can't wait for you to come spend a couple nights with us! We encourage our guests to check out the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife page and the Barren River Lake Corp of Engineers page to know the local boating and fishing rules for Barren River lake during your visit
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100%
(34)

The Bee Happy Campground

11 sites · RVs15 acres · Bee Spring, KY
Small, private campground. 12 RV sites. Located on Jock Rd on a hill in Bee Spring, KY with acres of open space just minutes from Moutardier and Nolin Lake/Dam. 4 sites offer full hook up. These sites are rented monthly but if not occupied are available for nightly rental at $40 a night. Contact me directly (text is best) to book. (270) 799-4648 8 sites have water and electric (no sewer hookup at site). Dump station on property. All sites offer electric 30/50 amp; 110v, gravel sites, picnic table, and fire pit with food grate. Contact me directly at (270) 799-4648 for weekly, monthly, yearly rates/reservations. TEXT IS BEST. Dump station Playground (swings, slide, climbing dome) No bathhouse at the moment. Port A Pot on site. Nearby: Moutardier, Nolin Lake/Dam, Wax, Blue Holler, Leitchfield , Brownsville. Less than 30 miles: Mammoth Cave National Park, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown.
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$33
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96%
(129)

Dragonfly Ranch camping with horses

4 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Cub Run, KY
Learn more about this land: This is a horse ranch so you can sleep in the company of horses or in the woods with them in the distance ( check if available/storm damage).We have rolling hills, beautiful views from the hill tops, valley with creeks and a waterfall when not in dry or draught and an abundance of wildlife. Also we're located 5-10 minutes from mammoth cave park border, hike, bike and horse trails, river, lake, blue holler atv park and so much more. If you are sensitive to animal noises you may bring earplugs. There isn't a bathroom/ shower house yet so we ask that you bring a port-a-pot of some sort. We're constantly making upgrades to the Ranch so we hope you enjoy your stay. Please refrain from feeding the horses or dogs because it creates a bad habit and folks that don't know how sensitive a horses gut is can possibly kill them. Respect privacy of others and pack out all that you pack in. Shut any gates you come through.please understand that my horses are of all ages and that includes young ones and babies and seniors as well. The young ones like to be nosey and are still learning what they are allowed to do and what not to do. They are naturally curious and love attention. If they think you have snacks , they can act like a pack of kindergarteners with the promise of cupcakes...we don't want that but because some campers think they are the exception and gave them snacks, it is something we have to monitor more closely. Remember they are animals and they will get into anything if it's left unattended. Please be a responsible camper and ensure we all stay safe and enjoy the experience.We have a section for folks to park in if they do not want to be so close to the horses as well. If you don't like horses or dogs please consider alternative camp site. Limited pet allowance...check before booking please. Also, we've had issues with the site and it offering horse time, ride, Q&A etc. for 5$. We've taken steps to fix this. But if you would like something like that it would be through the Ranch directly and as our time allows. Thank you for taking the time to read everything as well.
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Other options near Mammoth Cave National Park

Camping in Mammoth Cave National Park guide

Overview

About

Welcome to a national park where most of the beauty is found underground. Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave is the world’s largest cave system, and the national park provides many ways for you to explore it. Take your pick from over 10 organized tours, with varying levels of adventure and accessibility. Above the ground, the rolling hills of the park provide a scenic backdrop for horseback riding, biking, and hiking. Two rivers ripple through the terrain, forming the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a prime spot for kayaking and canoeing. The park offers three onsite campgrounds and 13 backcountry tent sites. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RVers: Mammoth Cave Campground has over 100 sites, with RV camping allowed at select sites.
  • Best for a classic tent-camping adventure: The 13 backcountry sites offer primitive campsites, with some only accessible by hiking or on horseback. 
  • Best for waterfront camping: Open riverside camping is allowed on flood plains and on islands while canoeing the park’s waterways.
  • Best for rustic tent camping: Houchin Ferry Campground has 12 primitive tent sites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Campsite reservations are made through Recreation.gov. website on a 6-month rolling basis.
  • Mammoth Cave Campground allows trailers up to 26 feet in length and motorhomes of 38 feet in length at RV sites.
  • Mammoth Cave Campground has restrooms, showers, and a dump station. 
  • Campers will not find electric hookups at any of the Mammoth Springs National Park campgrounds, other than the group sites at Maple Springs Campground.
  • Mammoth Cave Campground accepts reservations from March 1 through November 30.

When to go

Mammoth Cave National Park is a year-round destination, with cave tours offered every day except December 25. During the summer and early fall, reservations may run out, so book early during peak season. Cavern temperatures may be significantly hotter or colder than the outdoor air, which goes below freezing during winter and may top the 90s in the summer. Bring appropriate clothing. Spring and fall are most pleasant for camping.

Know before you go

  • Cave tours may be booked before your arrival. Check the NPS website for tour times, which are posted 1-3 months in advance.
  • Upon arrival, stop by the park visitor center to learn about the cave system’s unique geology. The visitor center also has information about ranger-led programs, hiking trails, and more. 
  • Canoe and kayak rentals are available through many outfitters in the region. 
  • In addition to providing river crossing, the Green River Ferry is a popular launch spot for boating and paddling.
97%
147 ratings · 91 reviews
  1. Mammoth Cave National Park