Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Probably the best backcountry campsites I've ever stayed at. Loved that there was a marked tent pad, metal fire ring, and food bag pole for hanging. The hike back out is steep but only for a short section.

The hiking trails were all deep mud from the horseback riders. i turned around 4 miles into my 8 mile hike and returned to my car. im never returning!

Very well marked trail which was nice so I didn’t have to keep checking my phone to make sure I was staying on trail. There were a few signs down and a tree across the Sal Hollow trail close to the campsite turnoff which required some off trail navigating Other than the horse traffic and recent rain making it muddy and rough in places it was a great trail. The Buffalo trail back to the trailhead wasn’t as interesting and even more churned up with sometimes no way to walk beside the trail. Biggest negative was all the prickly vines growing up right next to the trail made me worry about my dog. Luckily her coat is dense enough they didn’t seem to bother her.

Very well marked trail which was nice so I didn’t have to keep checking my phone to make sure I was staying on trail. There were a few signs down and a tree across the Sal Hollow trail close to the campsite turnoff which required some off trail navigating Other than the horse traffic and recent rain making it muddy and rough in places it was a great trail. The Buffalo trail back to the trailhead wasn’t as interesting and even more churned up with sometimes no way to walk beside the trail. Biggest negative was all the prickly vines growing up right next to the trail made me worry about my dog. Luckily her coat is dense enough they didn’t seem to bother her.

The location of the campground is great. It is close to several freshwater sources and very quiet. Beautifully situated in the middle of the forest. The trail to the site is very narrow and difficult to navigate at times due to horses using it as well, but it is easy to find and follow.

The location of the campground is great. It is close to several freshwater sources and very quiet. Beautifully situated in the middle of the forest. The trail to the site is very narrow and difficult to navigate at times due to horses using it as well, but it is easy to find and follow.

Myself and 6 other men went on a 2 night 3 day kayak adventure down the green river and through Mammoth Cave National Park. We put in at the Munfordville boat ramp. Getting out at Houchin Ferry Picnic Area. Kayaking 41 miles. The river was 13ft at the Mammoth Cave gauge when we began and ended around 10ft.
We purchased river side camping and found suitable camping sites to accommodate for 5 hammocks and 2 tents.
There were several sand bars large enough to pull ashore and explore for camping sites.
The only complaint our group found was the take out location at Houchin Ferry Picnic Area. The road ends in the water and makes for a very steep put in or take out location. There are no steps, no railings, and no foot holes to make getting out easier. We helped each other out and carried our kayaks up the steep gravel/concrete area.
I do feel others may have easier time getting in and our if they do not have kayaks full of gear and food for a weekend trip.
All and all the the only other thing we would have done differently was to put in at Dennisson Ferry if we wanted a shorter trip. This would have reduced our trip by about 15 miles or better.
This would make the totwl round trip around 25 miles. From Dennison to Houchin.
This was a great experience.
Donna from the Mammoth Cave offices was very helpful with our online reservations helping us get our camping /vehicle permits.

Myself and 6 other men went on a 2 night 3 day kayak adventure down the green river and through Mammoth Cave National Park. We put in at the Munfordville boat ramp. Getting out at Houchin Ferry Picnic Area. Kayaking 41 miles. The river was 13ft at the Mammoth Cave gauge when we began and ended around 10ft.
We purchased river side camping and found suitable camping sites to accommodate for 5 hammocks and 2 tents.
There were several sand bars large enough to pull ashore and explore for camping sites.
The only complaint our group found was the take out location at Houchin Ferry Picnic Area. The road ends in the water and makes for a very steep put in or take out location. There are no steps, no railings, and no foot holes to make getting out easier. We helped each other out and carried our kayaks up the steep gravel/concrete area.
I do feel others may have easier time getting in and our if they do not have kayaks full of gear and food for a weekend trip.
All and all the the only other thing we would have done differently was to put in at Dennisson Ferry if we wanted a shorter trip. This would have reduced our trip by about 15 miles or better.
This would make the totwl round trip around 25 miles. From Dennison to Houchin.
This was a great experience.
Donna from the Mammoth Cave offices was very helpful with our online reservations helping us get our camping /vehicle permits.

Just a couple things to point out. My son and I stayed at the three springs campsite on McCoy Hollow Trail. We had a blast. However, in the lantern hook pole, there is a wasps nest. At the base of most of the trees (hammock people) there is poison Ivy. Finally Repel Tick defense do NOT work on the ticks in the area. My son and I both ended up with roughly 100 tick bites each. All that said. I think it was a hike that we will never forget.

Just a couple things to point out. My son and I stayed at the three springs campsite on McCoy Hollow Trail. We had a blast. However, in the lantern hook pole, there is a wasps nest. At the base of most of the trees (hammock people) there is poison Ivy. Finally Repel Tick defense do NOT work on the ticks in the area. My son and I both ended up with roughly 100 tick bites each. All that said. I think it was a hike that we will never forget.