Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, United States

Warning

General

Road construction near our facility may limit parking or cause traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.

Back-country camping
Backcountry Trail
Raymer Hollow Campsite
The Green River
White Oak Campsite

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

About Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Mammoth Cave National Park spans 52,830 acres in south-central Kentucky, preserving the diverse geological, biological, and historical features of the world’s longest known cave. Backcountry camping is a popular outdoor activity, with 13 designated peaceful and scenic campsites available. Riverbank and island camping are also options for adventurers. Permits for both Backcountry Camping and Riverbank Camping can be purchased online in advance at www.recreation.gov or obtained at the park (please see * for details). Note that Riverbank Camping permits are only available for purchase up to 7 days in advance and are not issued if the river level is 20 feet or higher. For more information, please call the Visitor Center at 270-758-2180.  *Please Note: Your camping permit must be downloaded and printed from your Recreation.gov account up to 14 days prior to your arrival. Once printed, reservations cannot be modified. If you are unable to print your permit or save it to your phone, you can visit the Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk from March 1st through November 30th. During the closed season (December 1st through February 28th), please go to the Visitor Center to obtain all camping permits.Please Note: There is a $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee regardless of number of nights booked, specific to backcountry and/or floodplain/riverside camping. No discounts are applied towards the $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee.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.

Number of accommodations: 94

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

94 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ Bluffs, Loop: Bluffs
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Collie Ridge, Loop: Collie Ridge
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Ferguson, Loop: Ferguson
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ First Creek 2, Loop: First Creek 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Homestead, Loop: Homestead
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ McCoy Hollow, Loop: McCoy Hollow
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Raymer Hollow, Loop: Raymer Hollow
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 1, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 10, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 11, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 12, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 13, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 14, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 15, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 16, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 17, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 18, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 19, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 2, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 20, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 21, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 22, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 23, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 24, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 25, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 26, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 27, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 28, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 29, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 3, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 30, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 31, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 32, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 33, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 34, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 35, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 36, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 37, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 38, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 39, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 4, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 40, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 41, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 42, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 43, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 44, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 45, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 46, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 47, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 48, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 49, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 5, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 50, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 51, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 52, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 53, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 54, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 55, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 56, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 57, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 58, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 59, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 6, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 60, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 61, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 62, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 63, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 64, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 65, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 66, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 67, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 68, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 69, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 7, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 70, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 71, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 72, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 73, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 74, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 75, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 76, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 77, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 78, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 79, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 8, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 80, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping 9, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Riverside Camping, Loop: Riverside Camping
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Sal Hollow, Loop: Sal Hollow
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Second Creek, Loop: Second Creek
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Three Springs, Loop: Three Springs
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ Turnhole Bend, Loop: Turnhole Bend
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ White Oak, Loop: White Oak
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (262)

Verified Only

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

4.0
262 reviews
5
52.7%
138
4
19.8%
52
3
12.2%
32
2
6.9%
18
1
8.4%
22

Matthew K

Verified

June 13, 2024 • Stayed at: White Oak, Loop: White Oak

5

Great trip, nice trail. pretty flat until you start to make your way to the camp. Not as private as others due to a boat ramp on the other side of the river. 10/10 would go again.

Matthew K

Verified

June 13, 2024 • Stayed at: Turnhole Bend, Loop: Turnhole Bend

5

Awesome spot. Very private, great scene in winter with all the leaves gone. 10/10 will comeback again.

Matthew K

Verified

June 13, 2024 • Stayed at: White Oak, Loop: White Oak

5

Great trip, nice trail. pretty flat until you start to make your way to the camp. Not as private as others due to a boat ramp on the other side of the river. 10/10 would go again.

Matthew K

Verified

June 13, 2024 • Stayed at: Turnhole Bend, Loop: Turnhole Bend

5

Awesome spot. Very private, great scene in winter with all the leaves gone. 10/10 will comeback again.

Michelle H

Verified

May 2, 2024 • Stayed at: Homestead, Loop: Homestead

5

Really nice campsite. Was entirely secluded. There is a water source close by (it does require a short hike down a hill to access), lots of downed wood suitable for firewood, and a nice flat area to pitch a tent. The hike in is muddy and the trail has been pretty torn up with the horses, but it was not a dealbreaker - just wear boots or trail shoes. Make sure to get a map, do not rely on the directions printed on the website (as there is a trail which goes both directions and you need to select the correct one - the instructions did not specify this).

Michelle H

Verified

May 2, 2024 • Stayed at: Homestead, Loop: Homestead

5

Really nice campsite. Was entirely secluded. There is a water source close by (it does require a short hike down a hill to access), lots of downed wood suitable for firewood, and a nice flat area to pitch a tent. The hike in is muddy and the trail has been pretty torn up with the horses, but it was not a dealbreaker - just wear boots or trail shoes. Make sure to get a map, do not rely on the directions printed on the website (as there is a trail which goes both directions and you need to select the correct one - the instructions did not specify this).

Riley S

Verified

April 8, 2024 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1

5

It was magical and lovely, a beautiful hike in and we were all alone in that valley. I would recommend this camp site to anybody and will deffinetly be backcountry camping in Mammoth Cave again.

Riley S

Verified

April 8, 2024 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1

5

It was magical and lovely, a beautiful hike in and we were all alone in that valley. I would recommend this camp site to anybody and will deffinetly be backcountry camping in Mammoth Cave again.

Jiana K

Verified

March 11, 2024 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1

4

Very fun trip, but there was lots of trash at the campsite and the lake was dry.

Jiana K

Verified

March 11, 2024 • Stayed at: First Creek 1, Loop: First Creek 1

4

Very fun trip, but there was lots of trash at the campsite and the lake was dry.

Location Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Address:
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
United States

Highway access

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

General

Road 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

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