Houchin Ferry Campground

Mammoth Cave National Park

This lush campground is located 15 miles from the park Visitor Center on the south bank of the Green River. Houchin Ferry campground includes 12 primitive campsites (TENT ONLY) with riverfront views. This is a prime spot if you just want to enjoy the outdoors birdwatching, fishing or canoeing or take a short drive to the Visitor Center where you can plan tour adventures in the Mammoth Cave, the worlds longest cave system.

The 12 primitive campsites are surrounded by aromatic trees and for your added enjoyment, the Green River is at your feet. Potable water and portable restrooms are located at the head of the campground. This is a primitive campground (TENT ONLY).

Need to Know

Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit www.dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Firearms must be carried in accordance with Kentucky state law, but all other weapons are prohibited. Possession of firearms in the park buildings and cave is prohibited. The use of firearms is prohibited anywhere within Mammoth Cave National Park.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am central time.
** Check-in is 1:00 pm, cst. Check-out is 11:00 am, cst.

Natural Features

This campground is part of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 52,800-acre park that includes the Green River Valley, rolling Kentucky hillsides, and the expansive Mammoth Cave with grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways.

This remote campsite is quiet, peaceful and ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and coyotes.

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

Recreation

A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.

Changes & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

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

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Mammoth Cave National Park PO Box 7 Mammoth Cave KY 42259

Physical Address

Houchin Ferry Campground Houchin Ferry Rd. Brownsville KY 42210

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 270-758-2180

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps or similar automated navigation systems to get to the Houchin Ferry Campground. Routes can be misleading and incorrect.

Directions from the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255, about 4 miles you turn left on 255 just before entering the park, follow this to Brownsville Rd, turn left and follow this all the way until it ends at Hwy-101, turn right go about a quarter mile to Houchin Ferry Rd. (Minit Mart on corner), turn right and follow this to campground.

Directions from the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 follow this into the park, when you come to the stop sign turn left and follow this to Brownsville Rd, turn left and follow this all the way until it ends at Hwy-101, turn right go about a quarter mile to Houchin Ferry Rd. (Minit Mart on corner), turn right and follow this to campground.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!