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. Backcountry camping is one of the many outdoor pleasures that visitors enjoy. There are 13 designated peaceful and scenic backcountry campsites. There is also the option of riverbank/island camping. Permits for Backcountry Camping and Riverbank Camping may be purchased online in advance on www.recreation.gov or obtained at Park (Please see * below for details.) Riverbank camping permits are not released to purchase till 7 days out. Also, Riverbank camping permits are not issued or released if river level is 20 feet or above. For any questions, please call the Visitor Center at 270-758-2180.
*Please Note: Camping Permits should be emailed to you if you made a reservation through Recreation.gov website. 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.
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 Fee.
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is NOT a physical campground located at one location. There are 13 designated sites that 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 their gear, food, and water. Campsites are equipped with a campfire ring and tent pad.
Riverbank Camping is another option which requires a permit. You may purchase this permit online or at Mammoth Cave Campground or Visitor Center. Permits are not issued if river level is 20 feet or above. You must kayak or canoe to camp along the riverbank of Green River.
Notifications and Alerts
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.
Need to Know
- Permits Required. Mammoth Cave Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping at designated campsites and floodplain. Permits can be obtained on-line at www.recreation.gov or in person at the Mammoth Cave Campground kiosk or Visitor Center.
- Fees and Pass Discounts. A $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee applies regardless of number of nights booked. Pass discounts do not apply for backcountry 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.
- Pets. 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.
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.
- 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 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.
- Do 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Riverside Camping 47, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 7, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 18, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 31, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 79, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 60, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 77, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 35, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 69, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site First Creek 1, Loop First Creek 1, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 10, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 52, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 4, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 33, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 59, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 5, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 70, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 20, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 39, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 38, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 66, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Raymer Hollow, Loop Raymer Hollow, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 23, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 34, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 19, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Sal Hollow, Loop Sal Hollow, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 49, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Ferguson, Loop Ferguson, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 28, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 29, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 1, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 67, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 57, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Collie Ridge, Loop Collie Ridge, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 16, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 61, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 11, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 41, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 3, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 55, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 24, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site White Oak, Loop White Oak, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 72, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 22, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 26, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 74, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 48, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 37, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 40, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 64, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Bluffs, Loop Bluffs, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 68, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 17, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 44, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 9, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 6, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 36, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 62, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 65, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 21, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site McCoy Hollow, Loop McCoy Hollow, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 42, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 54, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 80, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 13, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 25, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Turnhole Bend, Loop Turnhole Bend, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 46, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 76, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 50, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 43, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 30, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 51, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Second Creek, Loop Second Creek, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 58, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 63, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Homestead, Loop Homestead, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 71, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 2, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 56, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site First Creek 2, Loop First Creek 2, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 14, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Three Springs, Loop Three Springs, Type Hike To
- Site Riverside Camping 8, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 32, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 12, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 53, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 15, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 78, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 73, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 45, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 27, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
- Site Riverside Camping 75, Loop Riverside Camping, Type Boat IN
