Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Summary

Mammoth Cave National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities including backcountry camping and riverbank/island camping. Visitors may purchase permits through Recreation.gov to explore the park's diverse features, including 37 square miles of rugged landscape, 66 miles of trails, and the winding turns of the Green and Nolin Rivers. There are also tours, canoeing and horseback excursions available nearby.

Overview

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 campging.

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.

Facilities

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.   

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

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: 

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies