Kentucky / Edmonson County / Mammoth Cave National Park

Houchin Ferry Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations required through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 14 days per calendar year.

About

Houchin Ferry Campground sits at the former site of the historic Houchin Ferry crossing on the Green River within Mammoth Cave National Park. This primitive campground offers 12 tent-only sites surrounded by aromatic trees with beautiful riverfront views, providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Located 15 miles from the park's main Visitor Center and two miles east of Brownsville, Kentucky, the campground serves both as an overnight camping area and day-use site with public picnic facilities and boat launch access. The remote location makes this an ideal base for outdoor activities including birdwatching, fishing, and paddling along the Green River. Wildlife such as deer, turkey, and coyotes are commonly spotted. Each primitive site includes a fire ring and picnic table with drive-up access, accommodating up to 8 campers per site. The campground provides potable water and portable restrooms at the head of the camping area. From here, visitors can take a short drive to explore Mammoth Cave's extensive cave tours, miles of hiking trails, and the rolling Kentucky hillsides that define this 52,800-acre national park.

Directions

From I-65 Exit 53 (Cave City): Turn right onto KY-70, follow 70/255 for about 4 miles, turn left on 255 before entering the park, continue to Brownsville Rd, turn left and follow to Hwy-101, turn right for a quarter mile to Houchin Ferry Rd (Minit Mart on corner), turn right and follow to campground. From I-65 Exit 48 (Park City): Turn left onto KY-255, follow into park to stop sign, turn left to Brownsville Rd, turn left and follow to Hwy-101, turn right for a quarter mile to Houchin Ferry Rd, turn right and follow to campground. Do not rely exclusively on GPS.

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