Warning
GeneralRoad construction near our facility may limit parking or cause traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.
Featured amenities
About Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Number of accommodations: 94
Campground Amenities
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Pet Friendly
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
94 Sites Available
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Site Details
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94 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (129)
What Guests Are Saying
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping offers clean and scenic campsites, with many having reliable water sources and beautiful views. Popular spots like Collie Ridge and the Bluffs provide a peaceful experience, although some trails can be muddy or overgrown, requiring careful navigation. While there are occasional challenges such as pests and downed trees, many visitors found the overall experience rewarding and enjoyable, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
What Guests Are Saying
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping offers clean and scenic campsites, with many having reliable water sources and beautiful views. Popular spots like Collie Ridge and the Bluffs provide a peaceful experience, although some trails can be muddy or overgrown, requiring careful navigation. While there are occasional challenges such as pests and downed trees, many visitors found the overall experience rewarding and enjoyable, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Review Summary
Danielle H
VerifiedAugust 8, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
Nice location. Many trees down on trail, but final destination was not too far from parking and in a scenic spot.
Emery B
VerifiedJuly 31, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
There were six or seven trees down over First Creek Trail, and paths going around them indicating that the trees had been down for quite a while. Otherwise, very nice!
Stevan B
VerifiedJuly 31, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 2, Loop: First Creek 2
Prepare to hike around fallen trees and horse crap! I stayed at multiple sites, and each was well-put-together and clean. Many sites have water access. Just wish trails were marked/maintained better, especially for $10 a night.
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!
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.
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
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| General |
***During the closed season December 1 through February 28 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.*** |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Your Camping Permit must be downloaded and printed by accessing your Recreation.gov account up to 14 days prior to arrival. You can not modify your reservation after it is printed. 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 December 1 through February 28 please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
CAMPING
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| General |
LEAVE NO TRACE
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| General |
TRAILS
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| General |
REGULATIONS
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Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralRoad construction near our facility may limit parking or cause traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.
