Kentucky / Edmonson County / Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Open — Open year-round. Permits required and available via Recreation.gov. During December through February, obtain permits at the Visitor Center. Riverbank camping permits released 7 days in advance only when river level is below 20 feet.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 4:14AM EDT by NWS Louisville KY

3:14 AM — 9:00 AM

A combination of well-above average temperatures, low relative humidity, breezy winds, and worsening drought conditions will result in elevated fire weather conditions for this afternoon. Winds will be out of the southwest this afternoon, gusting up to 20 to 25 mph, and relative humidity values will drop to around 25 to 30% across the area. Conditions will improve after sunset as winds slowly decrease and relative humidity values increase.

About

Mammoth Cave National Park's backcountry offers 13 designated peaceful and scenic campsites spread across 37 square miles of rugged, inviting landscape. The park also provides riverbank and island camping opportunities along the winding Green and Nolin rivers. With more than 66 miles of trails traversing the park's majestic woodlands, karst topography, and diverse ecosystems, backcountry camping here provides opportunities for solitude and appreciation of the park's natural beauty. Backcountry permits are required and cost $10 per trip (up to 14 days) with a non-refundable reservation fee. Permits can be reserved up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov and must be downloaded and printed or saved to your phone up to 14 days prior to arrival. If unable to print, permits can be obtained at the Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk from March 1 through November 30, or at the Visitor Center during December 1 through February 28. Riverbank camping permits are released 7 days in advance and are not issued when river levels reach 20 feet or above. The backcountry is popular for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, birding, and photography. The landscape features soluble limestone, sinkholes, sinking streams, and caves that create the distinctive karst topography. Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers flow through the park, offering scenic paddling opportunities.

Directions

Access the backcountry campsites by parking at designated trailheads within Mammoth Cave National Park and hiking to your reserved site. Note that the Green River Ferry is currently closed due to structural damage from flooding, which may affect travel times within the park.