Warning
GeneralRoad construction near our facility may limit parking or cause traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.
Featured amenities
Pet Friendly
About Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Number of accommodations: 94
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Year-round
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
94 Sites Available
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Site Details
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94 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (262)
What Guests Are Saying
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping offers beautiful, private campsites with great views and reliable water sources. Many reviewers appreciated the scenic surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere, especially at sites like Collie Ridge and Bluff's campsite. However, some challenges include navigating overgrown trails, horse droppings, and occasional issues with ticks and mud; planning ahead and bringing sufficient water is advised.
What Guests Are Saying
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping offers beautiful, private campsites with great views and reliable water sources. Many reviewers appreciated the scenic surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere, especially at sites like Collie Ridge and Bluff's campsite. However, some challenges include navigating overgrown trails, horse droppings, and occasional issues with ticks and mud; planning ahead and bringing sufficient water is advised.
Review Summary
Austin R
VerifiedJuly 15, 2023 • Stayed at: Raymer Hollow, Loop: Raymer Hollow
I’ve been backpacking at Mammoth Cave for at least twenty years and have many great memories. Even though the cave is the main attraction the campsites have always been easy to access and worth a short weekend trip . Most campsites have water.
Austin R
VerifiedJuly 15, 2023 • Stayed at: Raymer Hollow, Loop: Raymer Hollow
I’ve been backpacking at Mammoth Cave for at least twenty years and have many great memories. Even though the cave is the main attraction the campsites have always been easy to access and worth a short weekend trip . Most campsites have water.
Joel C
VerifiedJuly 14, 2023 • Stayed at: Bluffs, Loop: Bluffs
The campsite was great! I loved how quiet, peaceful, and isolated it was. The dripping “waterfall” nearby made for fresh, clear water that was easy to access.
I hiked in from the Maple Springs trailhead and the walk was good, but not excessively challenging. The trail was well-marked, except for one place where a tree had fallen across a left-hand turn that was easy to miss (especially for someone like me).
I understand that severe storms had recently been through the area, but the trees that had fallen across the trail made the hike more difficult than it needed to be. Several times I had to remove my pack and send my dog through, then follow after by climbing over/under limbs and trunks. Other times we had to go around through the brush. Presumably these trees will be cleaned up after the more well-trafficked parts of the park are cleaned up.
Also, I was disappointed with the amount of trash left in the campsite. Someone had left water bottles, contact garbage, corn husks, and foil heaped in the fire pit. I had to remove it in order to use the fire pit. If you come here, please pack our your trash!
Overall, a very pleasant experience. The Bluffs are a great place to go for a peaceful, quiet camping experience!
Joel C
VerifiedJuly 14, 2023 • Stayed at: Bluffs, Loop: Bluffs
The campsite was great! I loved how quiet, peaceful, and isolated it was. The dripping “waterfall” nearby made for fresh, clear water that was easy to access.
I hiked in from the Maple Springs trailhead and the walk was good, but not excessively challenging. The trail was well-marked, except for one place where a tree had fallen across a left-hand turn that was easy to miss (especially for someone like me).
I understand that severe storms had recently been through the area, but the trees that had fallen across the trail made the hike more difficult than it needed to be. Several times I had to remove my pack and send my dog through, then follow after by climbing over/under limbs and trunks. Other times we had to go around through the brush. Presumably these trees will be cleaned up after the more well-trafficked parts of the park are cleaned up.
Also, I was disappointed with the amount of trash left in the campsite. Someone had left water bottles, contact garbage, corn husks, and foil heaped in the fire pit. I had to remove it in order to use the fire pit. If you come here, please pack our your trash!
Overall, a very pleasant experience. The Bluffs are a great place to go for a peaceful, quiet camping experience!
Jack D
VerifiedJune 22, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
Awesome area and a great time.
Jack D
VerifiedJune 22, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
Awesome area and a great time.
kristian E
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
Took the longer way in from the First Creek Trailhead. First few miles weren't a bad hike, but the last 2 1/2 were very rocky and parts washed out or really muddy from being horse trails also and raining recently. Was a pretty hike though. The campsite was nice and clean. Will go back, but start at The Temple Hill trailhead
kristian E
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: Collie Ridge, Loop: Collie Ridge
Most of the trail was a very easy hike. The last little but to the campsite was a skinny trail and a bit rocky. Has 3 different nice rest points with trashcans and picnic tables. Pretty stream close to the campsite. Campsite was clean and nice.
kristian E
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: Three Springs, Loop: Three Springs
Was a short, but rough hike in. Skinny trail that's a bit over grown, and is rocky and lots of hills. Stream close by, with nice campsite area. Would definitely do again!
kristian E
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: Ferguson, Loop: Ferguson
Trail was nice, but downhill going in, so of course up hill hike out. Really pretty stream where you find the marker for the campsite trail. There are some really cool waterfalls relatively close to the trial. Campsite over all was small, but nice. Only complaint is the tent pad has a slope and had to keep repositioning at night.
Location Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Address:
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
United States
- Please click the link for "Driving Directions" under the addition links tab on the right hand side of the page for detailed directions.
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is located near Interstate 65, which is approximately 20 miles to the east, providing major access to the area.
Policies & Rules
General
- Please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits. All permits must be registered as walk-ups at the Visitor Center during this time.
- Permits Required. Mammoth Cave Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping at designated campsites and floodplain. Permits can be obtained online up to 6 months in advance or in person at the Mammoth Cave Campground kiosk or Visitor Center.
- Your Camping Permit must be downloaded and printed by accessing your Recreation.gov account. If you cannot print your permit or save to your phone, you may visit Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk during March 1st through November 30th. During the closed season please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits.
- Green River Ferry is subject to last minute closings. Please check the NPS website or call (270) 758-2166 for current Ferry Conditions. When the Ferry is down it can take 45 minutes to get from the Visitor Center to the Maple Springs Campground and Backcountry trail heads.
- WILDLIFEDo not disturb or kill any wildlife, including snakes. All plants and animals in Mammoth Cave National Park are protected. Collection of any portion of a plant is prohibited unless specifically authorized by regulation. Pets are permitted, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under physical restraint at all times. Do not leave pets unattended.Ticks are common in the park and their bites can spread diseases. Learn steps to prevent tick-borne illness.
- CAMPING Designated Campsites. Overnight camping is permitted at designated campsites (*must be 50 feet from river edge). Stay on designated trails. Backcountry trails are marked with blue blazes and spur trails to the campsites are marked with oranges blazes; the numbers on the blazes are not for mile markers, only reference points. The exception is Riverside camping (*must be 100 feet from Ferry) Riverside Camping - is only accessible by boat. Maximum Group Size. Maximum group size is limited to 8 people per campsite. Camping may not exceed 14 consecutive days. Be prepared for emergencies. Take a first aid kit, flashlight, matches and appropriate clothing for inclement weather possibilities. Carry a map or guide, a compass and water, know where you are. Lock your car. When leaving your car, always lock the doors and store all items out of sight. No potable water is available. Boil and treat water before drinking, or carry in your own drinking water.
- LEAVE NO TRACE Fires are permitted in designated campsites. Keep campfires small, and build fires only in established metal rings. When camping on the floodplain or river islands, you may start a fire in any safe location. Use only dead wood that is down. Never leave a fire that is unattended and be sure fire is completely out before leaving the area. Dispose of human waste at least 3" deep. Dispose of wash water at least 100 feet away from water source, trails and campsites. Carry all trash out of the backcountry and properly dispose of it. "Pack it in, pack it out". Never bury trash.
- TRAILS Sharing Multi-Use trails: Horses have the right-of-way, and must remain on designated trails. Hikers yeild to bicyclists. Mountain Biking: Permitted in the backcountry on Big Hollow Trail, Maple Springs Trail and White Oak Trails only. Excessive speed is prohibited. Do not exceed 15 mph. Downhill riders yield to cyclists riding up hill.
- REGULATIONS Caves: Entering any cave within the park without a permit is prohibited. Archeological Resources: Possessing, destroying, removing, digging, or disturbing archeological resources is prohibited. Firearms: In accordance with 36 CFR 2.4 and Kentucky Law, visitors may openly carry firearms on trails, in campgrounds, or any other area in which carrying is not specifically prohibited. Weapons of any kind are prohibited in all federal facilities, on all cave tours, on the park's tour busses, and in the facilities of the park concessionaire. Boating: All boat passengers must wear a USCG approved PFD at all times while in boat. River use is prohibited when river levels are at or exceed 20 feet (6m) on the park''s water level gages. Alcohol: is prohibited on all waterways within the park.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralRoad construction near our facility may limit parking or cause traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.
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Last updated: July 10, 2026
