Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Mammoth Cave National Park encompasses 52,830 acres in south central Kentucky and protects the diverse geological, biological and historical features associated with the longest known cave in the world. Back-country camping is one of the many outdoor pleasures that visitors enjoy. There are 13 designated peaceful and scenic backcountry campsites.
Please Note: There is a $10.00 Non Refundable Reservation Fee Regardless of number of nights booked.
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is not a physical campground located at one location. the 13 designated sites are located within the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park where you hike to the reserved site. This is primitive, backcountry camping in tents. Visitors must park at a designated trailhead and backpack to all locations and carry all of their gear, food and water. Campsites are equipped with a campfire ring and tent pad.
Notifications and Alerts
Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following all CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates.
Need to Know
- Mammoth Cave Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping at designated campsites. Permits can be obtained on-line at www.recreation.gov or in person at the Mammoth Cave Campground kiosk.
- No pass discounts are applied for backcountry camping, there is a $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee regardless of number of nights booked.
- Overnight camping is permitted at designated campsites. 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.
- Maximum group size is limited to 8 people per campsite. Camping may not exceed 14 consecutive days.
- 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.
- 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.
- When leaving your car, always lock the doors and store all items out of site.
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.
All plants and animals in Mammoth Cave National Park are protected. Do not disturb or kill any wildlife, including snakes. Collection of any portion of a plant is prohibited unless specifically authorized by regulation.
- Entering any cave within the park without a permit is prohibited.
- Possessing, destroying, removing, digging, or disturbing archeological resources is prohibited.
In accordance with Tital 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. Persons with valid concealed weapons permits may carry concealed weapons in these areas also. 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.
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.
Sharing Multi-Use trails: Horses have the right-of-way, and must remain on designated trails. Hikers yeild to bicyclists.
Natural Features
Backcountry camping offers opportunities to find solitude and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mammoth Cave National Park's rugged hills, majestic woodlands, and scenic rivers. Soluble limestone, sinkholes, sinking streams and cave create a landform called Karst Topography.
Nearby Attractions
Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/canoeliveries.htm
Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/horseback.htm
Mammoth Cave offers tours, check the park website for schedules and reservations. www.nps.gov/maca
Recreation
The parks backcountry, 37 square miles of this rugged, inviting landscape await you along more than 66 miles of trails, and the winding turns of the Green and Nolin Rivers. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, birding, and photography.
Changes & Cancellations
For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:
https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Mammoth Cave National Park PO Box 7 Mammoth Cave KY 42259
Physical Address
Mammoth Cave National Park PO Box 7 Mammoth Cave KY 42259
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 270-758-2180
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
- Please click the link for "Driving Directions" under the addition links tab on the right hand side of the page for detailed directions.
Available Campsites
- Site First Creek 1, Loop First Creek 1, Type Hike To
- Site Raymer Hollow, Loop Raymer Hollow, Type Hike To
- Site Sal Hollow, Loop Sal Hollow, Type Hike To
- Site Ferguson, Loop Ferguson, Type Hike To
- Site Collie Ridge, Loop Collie Ridge, Type Hike To
- Site White Oak, Loop White Oak, Type Hike To
- Site Bluffs, Loop Bluffs, Type Hike To
- Site McCoy Hollow, Loop McCoy Hollow, Type Hike To
- Site Turnhole Bend, Loop Turnhole Bend, Type Hike To
- Site Second Creek, Loop Second Creek, Type Hike To
- Site Homestead, Loop Homestead, Type Hike To
- Site First Creek 2, Loop First Creek 2, Type Hike To
- Site Three Springs, Loop Three Springs, Type Hike To
