Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

AVOID SAL HOLLOW SITE AT ALL COSTS! The information provided on the National Park Service site would lead you to believe that every site has easy water acess. That is NOT the case. I understand this is partially my fault as I did not thoroughly check the map for water sources when reserving a spot but, the site says, and I quote, "All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source" (NPS July 19, 2020). We attempted to stay there on July 17th, but it was so massively overgrown, and we really needed to find water. I regret not taking pictures of how badly the site was as evidence. The trail to it was barely visible, and I walked past it at first since the grass was so tall it grew in front of the sign, which stood about 5 feet tall—a real shame since you have to PAY TEN DOLLARS for a primitive site. State parks are usually free and much better maintained. Checking the map, we could have hiked maybe a mile backward to get water, or we could have hiked a little over a mile to the Bluffs site, which is what we did since we didn't have to double back, so it was actually the shorter option. (we were going in a clockwise direction). Thankfully the people at Bluffs were kind enough to let us stay after we explained our situation. This could have gone really bad as it was getting late, and we were planning on having water at the site. I guess the reason I'm writing all this is not that I had a bad time; I feel a little deceived and cheated.
Bluffs really was a beautiful spot, however. I don't get why people are complaining about ticks and the trail being overgrown; that is just part of backpacking in the summer.

AVOID SAL HOLLOW SITE AT ALL COSTS! The information provided on the National Park Service site would lead you to believe that every site has easy water acess. That is NOT the case. I understand this is partially my fault as I did not thoroughly check the map for water sources when reserving a spot but, the site says, and I quote, "All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source" (NPS July 19, 2020). We attempted to stay there on July 17th, but it was so massively overgrown, and we really needed to find water. I regret not taking pictures of how badly the site was as evidence. The trail to it was barely visible, and I walked past it at first since the grass was so tall it grew in front of the sign, which stood about 5 feet tall—a real shame since you have to PAY TEN DOLLARS for a primitive site. State parks are usually free and much better maintained. Checking the map, we could have hiked maybe a mile backward to get water, or we could have hiked a little over a mile to the Bluffs site, which is what we did since we didn't have to double back, so it was actually the shorter option. (we were going in a clockwise direction). Thankfully the people at Bluffs were kind enough to let us stay after we explained our situation. This could have gone really bad as it was getting late, and we were planning on having water at the site. I guess the reason I'm writing all this is not that I had a bad time; I feel a little deceived and cheated.
Bluffs really was a beautiful spot, however. I don't get why people are complaining about ticks and the trail being overgrown; that is just part of backpacking in the summer.

The tent pad at our first site was flooded and then strangers showed up and set up their tent on our site after we were all in our tents trying to get to sleep. The tent pad at our second site was located next to a wasp nest, which was a bit unnerving, but the park itself was beautiful! Make sure to bring extra socks…the trails were pretty muddy and I was glad I was at least able to start each day with dry feet. It was also disappointing to see how much trash previous campers, hikers, and riders had left behind. If you pack it in, please pack it out.

The tent pad at our first site was flooded and then strangers showed up and set up their tent on our site after we were all in our tents trying to get to sleep. The tent pad at our second site was located next to a wasp nest, which was a bit unnerving, but the park itself was beautiful! Make sure to bring extra socks…the trails were pretty muddy and I was glad I was at least able to start each day with dry feet. It was also disappointing to see how much trash previous campers, hikers, and riders had left behind. If you pack it in, please pack it out.

The main trail was well maintained and easy to follow. The final quarter mile that leads to the actual campsite is a bit sketchy as there was a large downed tree blocking the trail leading to the campsite, but we were able to get past it. I will warn you that if you venture off the trail even slightly there is a 99% percent chance you will come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak as the park is absolutely riddled with it. For that reason I recommend wearing long pants and long sleeves for the hiking part of the trip. I was surprised at how clear and spacious the actual campsite was given it is located in seclusion under a canopy of trees so sunblock was not necessary. The fire ring and grate was handy for making food though I had to clean out the fire ring as the ash and soot buildup made it look like it has not been cleaned it out in years. The creek is an added plus as well. A good portion of the creekbed is sand so it's pleasant to walk on barefoot and deep enough (about waist high) in a couple spots to enjoy a little swim or cool down on a hot day. Overall good camping experience. If you are looking for a peaceful place to camp off the beaten path, Rayner's hollow definitely supplies that.

The main trail was well maintained and easy to follow. The final quarter mile that leads to the actual campsite is a bit sketchy as there was a large downed tree blocking the trail leading to the campsite, but we were able to get past it. I will warn you that if you venture off the trail even slightly there is a 99% percent chance you will come into contact with poison ivy or poison oak as the park is absolutely riddled with it. For that reason I recommend wearing long pants and long sleeves for the hiking part of the trip. I was surprised at how clear and spacious the actual campsite was given it is located in seclusion under a canopy of trees so sunblock was not necessary. The fire ring and grate was handy for making food though I had to clean out the fire ring as the ash and soot buildup made it look like it has not been cleaned it out in years. The creek is an added plus as well. A good portion of the creekbed is sand so it's pleasant to walk on barefoot and deep enough (about waist high) in a couple spots to enjoy a little swim or cool down on a hot day. Overall good camping experience. If you are looking for a peaceful place to camp off the beaten path, Rayner's hollow definitely supplies that.

No river access, absolutely miserable hike on a trail that is clearly not maintained. Overgrown with poison ivy, ended up with 31 ticks, I counted and have the marks to prove it.

No river access, absolutely miserable hike on a trail that is clearly not maintained. Overgrown with poison ivy, ended up with 31 ticks, I counted and have the marks to prove it.

First Creek Lake is no longer a lake. Just First Creek with a flat meadow surrounding it. This has been the case for two springs in a row now. Still very beautiful and worth the short hike to see, just don't pack the fishing equipment.

First Creek Lake is no longer a lake. Just First Creek with a flat meadow surrounding it. This has been the case for two springs in a row now. Still very beautiful and worth the short hike to see, just don't pack the fishing equipment.