Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Open year-round with permits required through Recreation.gov. Green River Ferry is subject to last-minute closures, which can add 45 minutes to reach north-side trailheads. Riverbank camping permits are released 7 days in advance and are not issued when river levels reach 20 feet or above. From December 1 through February 28, permits must be obtained at the Visitor Center.
From Recreation.gov
**Green River Ferry is subject to last minute closures. **Please check the [**NPS website**][1] 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. [1]: https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
From Recreation.gov
Road construction near our facility may limit parking or cause traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.
About
Mammoth Cave National Park's backcountry encompasses 37 square miles of rugged, forested terrain with more than 66 miles of trails winding through hills, woodlands, and karst topography. Thirteen designated backcountry campsites provide solitude and immersion in the park's natural landscape, accessible by hiking from trailheads on the north side of the park. Sites are primitive, equipped only with fire rings and horse hitching posts. Campers must be self-sufficient: no potable water is available, though most sites have nearby water sources that require treatment before drinking. Permits are mandatory and can be reserved up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. There is a $10 non-refundable reservation fee per booking. The maximum party size is 8 people. Riverside camping along the Green and Nolin Rivers offers an alternative experience, accessible by canoe or kayak. These permits are subject to river level conditions and are not issued when levels reach 20 feet or above. Note that the Green River Ferry, which provides access to north-side trailheads, is subject to last-minute closures; when down, the detour from the Visitor Center to Maple Springs trailheads takes approximately 45 minutes.
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.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| maca_park_information@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (270) 758-2180 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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