Trail to the Three Springs Backcountry Campsite in Mammoth Cave National Park
The backcountry at Mammoth Cave National Park is the land on the north side of the Green River. This consists of 37 square miles of undeveloped land that is crisscrossed by over 60 miles of trails that are open to hikers and horseback riders (two also allow bikes). In addition, 25 miles of the Green River and 6 miles of the Nolan River flow through the park. There are more miles to explore than can be covered in a day, so those wishing to spend substantial time in the backcountry are welcome to camp at primitive campsites both in the interior and along the riverbanks and islands of the Green and Nolan rivers.
Permits are required to camp in the backcountry. At the time of this writing, the cost is $10 per trip of up to 14 days. You can reserve an interior campsite up to six months in advance online at Recreation.gov or get one on the day of departure at the Mammoth Cave Campground Office located at the entrance to the campground. River campsite permits are only available at the park on the day of departure. You must also register your vehicle at the office so Rangers know which vehicles are permitted to park overnight. Provide a photo ID, make and model of your vehicle, and license plate number.
Camp office located at the entrance to the Mammoth Cave Campground
For camping regulations, see the National Park Service’s official Camping Regulations web page for Mammoth Cave National Park.
INTERIOR BACKCOUNTRY CAMPSITES
There are thirteen interior backcountry campsites in Mammoth Cave National Park. Each can hold up to eight people, and all must be from the same party. Thus, only thirteen groups can camp in the backcountry on any given day.
Rarely are all campsites taken. I checked on July 4th and September 22nd, and the busiest day, a Saturday, still had five sites available. I hiked to many of the campsites during an early October trip, and I only saw one occupied. However, this doesn’t mean that a particular campsite you want will be available, so make a reservation as soon as possible. If you don’t care where you camp, there shouldn’t be any problem getting a permit even on the day of your departure.
Backcountry campsites in the interior have only a fire ring and hitching posts for horses. There are no picnic tables, portable toilets, or running water. Most campsites are near a source of water, but it must be boiled and treated with iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide before drinking.
When hiking or horseback riding in the backcountry, do not rely on the map that comes with the free park brochure. Purchase the weatherproof map by National Geographic that is available in the Visitor Center book store or online from various retailers, including National Geographic itself (search National Geographic Mammoth Cave trail map). This map has more detail, and it is going to last much longer than the paper map.
The following are interior campsites I visited. See the campsite review web page for information on how to get there and photos of the campsite.
I could not find the Ferguson Campsite, and the Three Springs Campsite was occupied when I visited, so I did not stop to see it. While I hiked nearly all trails in the backcountry, I did not hike the First Creek Trail where the Second Creek, First Creek #1, and First Creek #2 campsites are located. I did not hike the section of the Sal Hollow Trail that leads to the Sal Hollow and Bluffs campsites. I also did not hike the White Oak Trail to the White Oak Campsite.
RIVER CAMPSITES
There are no designated campsites along the Green or Nolin rivers, so you pretty much just have to be on the lookout for a suitable spot when you are ready to pitch your tent. Camping is permitted on any of the islands or on the river banks where accessible (much of the banks are very steep and / or are overgrown with vegetation).
Up to 80 groups are allowed on any one day, but river campsites are even easier to get than interior sites. When I checked on July 4th and September 22nd, 79 of the 80 spots remained.
River camping cannot be within a half mile of the Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry, or the Dennison Ferry Day Use Area. Furthermore, river camping permits will not be issued if the water level is or is expected to be above 20 feet.
Camping on the Green River near Turnhole Bend in Mammoth Cave National Park
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on September 22, 2024
