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
Select a site to view details
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
kristian E
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: White Oak, Loop: White Oak
Trail was difficult to hike. At least 50+ down trees on the trail. Expect to hike 2x your normal hike time for the length. There was a really cool old chimney you can see from the trail, and a cemetery not far from the trail. River access. The put in for kayaks at Dennison Ferry is directly across the river. I would say its the least traveled backcountry campsite.
kristian E
VerifiedJune 19, 2023 • Stayed at: Raymer Hollow, Loop: Raymer Hollow
Not a bad hike. The trail was easy, up until the last bit from the 'campsite' sign to the campsite. Wasn't marked well and some down trees. Definitely use a GPS app for this one. Campsite was nice. There is water access, the hike down is steep but its really pretty.
Robert G
VerifiedMay 12, 2023 • Stayed at: Collie Ridge, Loop: Collie Ridge
While I was on my hike I saw a river otter and that ment a lot to me besides that I love being isolated at my campsites gives me time to think and reflect and I always leave feeling better than when I showed up the national parks are the nations greatest treasures
Richard M
VerifiedApril 19, 2023 • Stayed at: Collie Ridge, Loop: Collie Ridge
The recent storms caused many trees to be blown down across trails. Some of these downed trees were cut and this was greatly appreciated. But my son and I had to cross over or go around at least 100 blow down areas. The public should be kept informed of trail conditions so my recommendation is to post trail conditions as severe as the ones we encountered for the public as safety information. As trails are cleared then post the trail as having no serious issues. Thanks
Molly O
VerifiedApril 13, 2023 • Stayed at: Turnhole Bend, Loop: Turnhole Bend
The mammoth cave backcountry is wonderful. We visited 4/2023. The individual campsites are amazing. The only problem is the trails are very poorly maintained. We literally had to climb over, crawl under, or bushwhack around dozens and dozens of down trees. Many of the trees had been down long enough that social trails had formed around them. The resulting situation is not particularly safe. The down trees are a significant enough that I feel that the park should consider shutting down the trails until they can be repaired. I cant wait to return after trail crews have done some magic.
Devin R
VerifiedApril 4, 2023 • Stayed at: Bluffs, Loop: Bluffs
Sick campsite nestled in a Boulder-strewn bluff over Buffalo Creek. There is a creek downhill from the campsite (possibly an ephemeral stream) and a waterfall on the approach trail. The hike into the campsite was the coolest trail I saw in the area.
Aimee C
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2023 • Stayed at: Bluffs, Loop: Bluffs
Beautiful secluded campsite! We passed a creek with a small waterfall on the way there! The hike out of the campsite is vertical and a little challenging with a backpack full of gear, but totally worth it!!
Jordan D
VerifiedJanuary 28, 2023 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
Good campsite near water
Kim H
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2023 • Stayed at: Raymer Hollow, Loop: Raymer Hollow
Big rocks added to backcountry trails at mammoth cave national park make it difficult and dangerous for hikers and backpackers. Put there due to overuse by horse traffic. Many hikers now choose not to hike there because we feel like administration caters to the horse back riders.
kathleen j
VerifiedDecember 9, 2022 • Stayed at: Second Creek, Loop: Second Creek
Trail is reasonably well marked and maintained. Beautiful park. Plan water carefully, it was not as plentiful as it appeared on the map and generally not available at the campsites.
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.
