Top 9 RV Campgrounds Around Mammoth Cave KY: Ranked!
Our top picks for campgrounds around Mammoth Cave KY
Centrally located in the heart of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is not just home to the longest cave system in the world; it’s also a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking the best spots for camping in Mammoth Cave National Park.
Whether you’re pulling up in an RV or pitching a tent, the area around Mammoth Cave offers a variety of campgrounds that cater to all tastes and preferences. From scenic views to essential amenities, our guide ranks the top 9 RV campgrounds where you can make the most of your visit.
Dive into our comprehensive review to find the perfect base camp for your adventure, uncover the best times to visit, and learn what essential items to bring along to enhance your outdoor experience.
Recognized as a World Heritage Site, Mammoth Cave National Park offers unparalleled natural beauty and extensive cave systems to explore.
Join us as we explore the lush landscapes and hidden treasures of Mammoth Cave, ensuring your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park is spectacular!
What We Look for In Campgrounds
Selecting a campground can be a challenge—almost a burden. After all, our travel time is limited, and there is real pressure to select “the best” campground or risk a bad vacation experience!
Have you been there? Us too!
Here’s a quick list of what we look for when selecting the best campground.
Location
Campgrounds centrally located to our destination are important. Some of our top campgrounds around Mammoth Cave are located about 5 miles from MCNP. At Yellowstone National Park we stayed about 2-miles from the West Yellowstone entrance at Grizzly RV Resort!
Ambiance of the Campground:
We want the campground to have good, positive energy. We like the campground to be clean and well maintained.
Pet Friendly:
Finn, our dog, is like a member of the family. Naturally, we want him to feel welcomed when we travel!
Cost per Night:
Finding a great bargain is super important. The best value campgrounds are almost always Corps of Engineers (COE), State Parks, and National Parks. In popular destinations, these are also super tough to book. We often default to private campgrounds.
Amenities:
Amenity levels vary by campground style. A COE campground may have a playground, but likely won’t have full hook-ups or a pool. While a private campground may have a pool, gameroom, campground store, etc. We don’t spend much time in the campground so amenities are nice to have, but not must haves for our travels!
Connectivity:
Despite our branding, the internet is important. As a finance professional, I need reliable internet access. Many campgrounds offer WiFi or claims good cell signals, but these are often substandard for working on the road! We take Starlink with us and look for clear northern skies!
Scenic Views:
Scenic Views always sound great, but we spend very little time sitting around the campsite. If we get a great view like at Rafter J Bar Ranch, then it’s an added bonus. We certainly don’t like the crummy views of being jammed next to our neighbors like at Tin Cup RV Park in Illinois (don’t stay here, YUCK!).
Did we miss some important campground considerations? Stop by our Facebook Page and tell us what you look for when selecting a campground!
Top Campgrounds Near Mammoth Cave For Every Type of Camper
The camping universe is diverse. Camping gives visitors options when it comes to lodging. From FREE backcountry sites to high-end RV resorts, our explorers will find plenty of options for campgrounds around Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.
Our list includes the best RV parks for Mammoth Cave camping, offering everything from basic amenities to full-service luxury.
Best RV Campgrounds for Relaxing
Cave Country RV Campground
Getting Here – Cave Country RV Campground
Estimated Price – $$$
Cave Country RV Campground is a fantastic campground with 51 sites. This campground is “Big Rig” friendly and all sites are pull-through, full hook-up, 50 AMP sites! In addition, the campground offers a heated pool, very clean and MODERN bathhouses, a full camp store, game room, and exercise equipment.
The updated shower facilities were among the nicest we have had when RV camping!
We took advantage of the game room. We played a few board games and a game of billiards. Next time we return we will play a few games of Pickleball on their new pickleball courts!
On our stay the owners went above and beyond to help us! We had a mechanical issue (e.g., tire blowout) on our fifth wheel. The owners drove Sara and the kids to Mammoth Cave for the Domes & Dripstone tour while I addressed our tire issue!
Cave Country RV Campground’s location is centrally located in the heart of the cave capital of Kentucky! It is about a 15-minute drive from Mammoth Cave and close to Crystal Onyx Cave and Hidden River Cave. We love it when campgrounds are central to all the fun because we can swing back to the RV to recharge or grab lunch.
What are other campers saying about Cave Country RV Campground?
Overall the campground earns a 9.2 star rating on RV Life from 622 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. After our visit it’s easy to understand that over 600 campers rated the park Good or Excellent! Only 20 ranked the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Large pull through sites
- Two pickleball courts
- Bark park
- Mowed walking path to the Cracker Barrel
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Clean and modern restrooms
- Close to all Cave Country attractions
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Train noise from the train tracks nearby
Singing Hills RV Park & Campground
Getting Here – Singing Hills RV Park & Campground
Estimated Price – $$
Singing Hills RV Park is nestled in the country side leading to Mammoth Cave. This campground is only 2 miles to the National Park entrance and 8 miles to the visitor center and remains in the heart of all the fun Cave Country has to offer.
Mr. Eldon and Ms. Beth purchased Singing Hills in 2007 and pride themselves on sharing true Southern Kentucky hospitality with every guest.
Singing Hills RV Park is home to 44 RV sites with a mix of pull-through, full hook-up sites that offer 30 and 50-Amp electrical service.
After exploring Cave Country, families will appreciate the relaxing pace of Singing Hills RV Park & Campground. Guests can toss horseshoes, shoot some hoops on the basketball court, join a volleyball game, fish in the catch and release pond, enjoy ice-cream, or watch the sunset on a beautiful Kentucky day from Singing Hills! And wake up to spectacular early morning views in this great location, surrounded by the serene landscapes of Mammoth Cave National Park.
Free Wifi is available for campers who need to log on.
Pro Tip: Keep your computer and mobile devices safe on the free Wifi with your virtual private network (VPN) using NORD VPN.
What’s a VPN?
A VPN helps keep bad guys from seeing what you are doing on the internet. For example, if you’re on Free Wifi at a campground, Starbucks, or wherever, anyone could intercept your internet activity. So, if you’re logged into your bank or credit card, a bad guy could see what you’re doing. A VPN solves this problem and keeps you and your data safe! We use NORD VPN.
What are other campers saying about Singing Hills RV Park & Campground?
Overall the campground earns a 8.4 star rating on RV Life from 304 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. Over 270 campers rated the park Good or Excellent! Only 34 ranked the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Friendly owners
- Excellent Value ($54 / night for 50 Amp and $48 / night for 30 Amp)
- Well-maintained interior roads
- Free Wifi
- Quiet and relaxing
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Bathhouses are older and need renovations
Best Family Resort Style Campground
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone ParkTM Mammoth Cave
Getting Here – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone ParkTM
Estimated Price – $$$$
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone ParkTM is your one stop resort for a vacation filled with laughter, smiles, and a lifetime of memories! This park is located about 10 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park.
Jellystone has a variety of camping options from RV and tent sites to fully furnished cabins. This makes going on vacation with non-camping friends a breeze!
The pool, lake with jumping pillows, playground, fishing pond, and more help create the memories kids and parents will remember forever. As a full resort Jellystone ParkTM Mammoth Cave is “Big Rig” friendly, has a full camp store, snack bar, has firewood available for purchase, re-fills propane, and more!
Don’t forget about location…only 10 minutes to Mammoth Cave National Park!
What are other campers saying about Jellystone ParkTM Mammoth Cave?
Overall the campground earns a 7.5 star rating on RV Life from 91 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. Reviews are split with 55 reviews ranking the park Good or Excellen and 36 ranking the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Campsites were level
- Tons of activities
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Cost per night
- Activities at the campground cost extra!
- Condition of the bathhouses and restrooms (old and needing maintenance)
- Sites were muddy
Best Membership Style RV Campground
Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort
Getting Here – Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort
Estimated Price – $$$
Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort is part of the Thousand Trails network. This RV park has something for every camping style including swimming pool, nature trails, volleyball, horseshoes, mini-golf, laundry, miles of bike trails and more.
Diamond Caverns is located on Mammoth Cave Parkway which gives visitors with bikes or e-bikes access to the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail! The private Diamond Caverns cave is located on site as well and visitors can easily walk over to the cave entrance. Cave tours are an additional cost to campers.
Members of the Thousand Trails network are able to stay in this campground for FREE. Membership runs about $600 annually, and if you camp in areas with Thousand Trails campgrounds, this may be worth considering.
Our Experience at Diamond Caverns: Diamond Caverns was the second RV camping adventure we took. Our site was pull-through “buddy” site which was terrible. Buddies aren’t always friendly and that was our experience! We shared our space with a busy body who loved to look out the window at us. As a buddy site these were close together. We thought the campground was tired and needed some upgrades.
What are other campers saying about Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV Park?
Overall the campground earns a 7.6 star rating on RV Life from 149 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. Over 106 campers rated the park Good or Excellent! Only 43 ranked the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Friendly owners
- Excellent Value (Free if a Thousand Trails Member)
- Close to Mammoth Cave
- Quiet and relaxing
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Needs updating
- Sites were muddy
- Sites very close together and sewer connection close to entry door
Horse Cave KOA Holiday
Getting Here – Horse Cave KOA Holiday
Estimated Price – $$$
Horse Cave KOA has so many lodging options that you can invite your non-camping friends and family for a fun vacation in Cave Country! With Glamping accommodations include Teepees, Conestoga Wagons, Cabins, and Treehouses.
In addition, Horse Cave KOA has all the fun amenities you expect from a KOA. So, after exploring Mammoth Cave come back to the KOA to jump on the huge jumping pillow, cast a line in the fishing pond, or play a game of horseshoes! A campground store is available in case you left something at home. Free Wifi is available (keep your data SAFE with NORD VPN).
The RV sites accommodate rigs up to 60 feet long and include a mix of pull-through, full hook-up sites.
What are other campers saying about Horse Cave KOA?
Overall the campground earns a 6.6 star rating on RV Life from 74 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. 36 campers rated the park Good or Excellent! 38 ranked the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Fun amenities
- Close to Mammoth Cave
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Road noise
- Sites require effort to level your rig
- Wifi single is weak
- Extra “kid” charge
Best Corps of Engineers Campgrounds
Bailey’s Point
Getting Here – Bailey’s Point
Estimated Price – $
Bailey’s Point is the largest COE campground on Barren River Lake. COE campgrounds are fabulous because they offer large sites with waterfront views or water (lake or river) access. Bailey’s Point provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the 10,000 acres of Barren River Lake!
This COE campground is “Big Rig” friendly, includes full hook-up sites, pull through sites, 30 and 50 Amp electric, plenty of fishing in the lake (don’t forget your fishing license) and a playground!
Bailey’s Point is 31 miles from Mammoth Cave’s visitor center. While not a deal killer, this campground is less conveient to the action found in Cave Country. If you’re looking for a day trip during a long lake weekend or a week long lake vacation, Mammoth Cave National Park might be perfect! You can enjoy a short cave tour and checkout a few miles of trails at Mammoth Cave before retreating back to Barren River Lake!
What are other campers saying about Bailey’s Point?
Overall the campground earns a 8.7 star rating on RV Life from 41 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. 37 campers rated the park Good or Excellent! 4 ranked the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Large sites
- Shaded sites
- Park is well maintained (we found this true in other COE campgrounds we have visited)
- Lake views
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Unlevel sites
Tailwater Campground
Getting Here – Tailwater Campground
Estimated Price – $
Tailwater Campground is situated along the Barren River just below the lake’s dam. This campground accommodates up to 48 RVs with water and electric service. Each site features a paved parking area, ensuring that even big rigs find a prime spot easily.
The campground includes volleyball, horseshoes, a softball field, picnic table sites, a playground, and a basketball court. Barren River Lake is a few minutes away, so you can easily access the 10,000 acres of this wonderful waterway. Guests have been known to spot bald eagles soaring overhead in the Tailwater Campground!
What are other campers saying about Tailwater Campground?
Overall the campground earns a 7.8 star rating on RV Life from 10 reviews from campers who have stayed at the park. 7 campers rated the park Good or Excellent! 3 ranked the park as Average, Poor, or Terrible.
The Good / Excellent reviews include:
- Easy access for Big Rigs
- Clean
- Level sites
- Very peaceful
The Average / Poor / Terrible reviews include:
- Dogs not on leash
- Speeding on the campground roads
Best Primitive Camping
Mammoth Cave Campground
Getting Here – Mammoth Cave Campground
Estimated Price – $
Just a short five minute walk from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, Mammoth Cave Campground offers easy access to park’s main attractions. Mammoth Cave Campground is located a quarter of a mile from the Visitor Center and offers 111 campsites. The camp sites are a mixture of tent-only, tent or RV sites, and handicap-accessible sites.
All sites are primitive. Potable water is accessible during the camping season, but water is not expected during winter.
Single-night rates are $25 per site.
Mammoth Cave Backcountry and Riverside Camping
Getting Here – Mammoth Cave Backcountry and Riverside Camping
Estimated Price – $
Mammoth Cave offers over 60 miles of trails through the backcountry. The backcountry is home to 13 primitive campsites, including a fire ring and hitching post (for horses). Water is nearby, and campers are encouraged to boil water and treat before drinking!
Riverside camping sounds like a Huck Finn-style adventure along the Green River. There are several campsites located in the floodplain. Riverside camping is only permitted during certain river conditions. Check with park rangers when making plans. Riverside camping is ONLY accessible via boat…no car camping!
Pro Tip: Permits are required for backcountry and riverside camping. Check-in at the visitor center for a backcountry permit!
Best Things To Do Near Mammoth Cave: Attractions and Activities
Mammoth Cave, KY, may be best known for the extensive underground labyrinths, but Cave Country has so much more to do than explore underground. Whether it’s horseback riding through scenic trails or launching a kayak from the boat ramp, there’s an activity for everyone.
Here are a few must do attractions that you will enjoy!
- Visit the Corvette Museum in nearby Bowling Green, KY
- Visit Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace
- Go on a Bourbon Tour
- Go on a hike and enjoy the miles of hiking trails at Mammoth Cave National Park
- Kayak on the Green River. Mammoth Cave is one of the few National Parks explorers can kayak through!
Mammoth Cave is located about 90 minutes south of Louisville and 90 minutes north of Nashville. This means Mammoth Cave can be your hub for exploring the attractions of Louisville and Nashville!
Planning Your Camping Trip to Mammoth Cave, KY
Reserving Your Camp Site
Reserving a camp site is definitely a mix of science and art. Especially snagging a spot in the Mammoth Cave Campground. National Park campgrounds and Corps of Engineer camp sites get booked very quickly!
Here’s your quick link guide for reservations for each of our recommendations:
- Mammoth Cave Campground – Recreation.gov
- Mammoth Cave Backcountry & Riverside – Recreation.gov
- Bailey’s Point and Tailwater Campground – Recreation.gov
- Cave Country RV Campground – Cave Country
- Singing Hills RV Park & Campground – Singing Hills
- Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort – Diamond Caverns
- Yogi Bear’s JellystoneTM Mammoth Cave – Jellystone Mammoth Cave
- Horse Cave KOA – Horse Cave KOA
Reservation policies vary by campground, so confirm specific policies when reserving your camp site.
Camping Essentials and Tips
Packing for camping trips depends on the style of camping you are doing. Our RV Camping pretty much brings everything, including the kitchen sink, with us. Backpacking to a remote backcountry site or a riverside camp site requires careful consideration about the items you lug to the site.
While we could drone on about what exactly to pack, we won’t because the must-have items for our family are different from your must-have items. Share your must-have items with us on our Facebook page.
We want to highlight a couple of items about packing.
- We love campfires. While throwing some firewood from home in the back of the truck is easy, don’t! Firewood quarantines are important to protecting the local ecosystem. The Emerald Ash Borer is transported via firewood. So, help protect the forest, and don’t transport firewood!
- Lately we find our propane firepit is a nice addition to our camping experience. The fire heats up quickly. It’s easy to extinguish. And we don’t smell like a campfire when we head back inside! If you choose to burn a wood campfire, please keep your fire contained inside the fire rings.
- Finally, packing everything you packed in is important. Please practice the Leave No Trace Principles.
Campground Rating Criteria
Overview of Rating System and Why You Can Trust Us.
First, we are not endorsed or getting paid by any of the campgrounds on this list. We do this to help other travelers maximize their fun! The biggest payment we could receive is you sharing this post. Now, we do make a few cents if you use our affiliate link for NORD VPN, but hey we all benefit there or if you buy something on an Amazon link we have in here or a tour we recommend.
Second, we use a weighted average ranking model based on data available on RV Life including the specific amenities of the campground…see the listing below. User reviews are important because we can’t stay at every place on the list. We have to work to pay for all this fun!
Keep reading if you want to get into the super nerdy details of the calculations.
Detailed Criteria Used for Ranking Campgrounds Around Mammoth Cave
- Distance to Mammoth Cave: Proximity to the main attraction affects convenience for visitors.
- RV Life Ranking & Number of RV Life Reviews: Incorporate both the ranking and the volume of reviews to reflect popularity and camper satisfaction.
- Big Rig Friendly: Indicate whether the campground can accommodate large RVs.
- Tents Allowed: Specify if the campground has facilities for tent camping, increasing its appeal to a broader range of campers.
- Cost: Evaluate affordability and value for money.
- Bathrooms & Showers: Quality and availability of essential sanitary facilities.
- Full Hookups: Availability of essential services like water, electricity, and sewer connections for RVs.
- Laundry: Facilities provided for washing clothes, adding convenience for long stays.
- Pool: The presence of a swimming pool as a value-added amenity for relaxation.
- Playground: Important for families with children, adding recreational value.
- Campground Store: A store for basic supplies and conveniences is available.
- Pet Friendly: Accommodations for campers who travel with pets.
- WiFi: Availability and quality of internet service are important for campers who stay connected.
- Cell Service: Cell phone reception quality is crucial for communication and emergency situations.
- Scenic Views: The aesthetic and recreational value of natural surroundings.
Conclusion: Discover the Ideal Campgrounds Around Mammoth Cave KY
After a thorough exploration and assessment of various campgrounds around Mammoth Cave KY, it’s clear that this area is not just a gateway to the longest cave system in the world, but also a haven for diverse camping experiences. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly resort like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™, a tranquil retreat at Cave Country RV Campground, or the rugged allure of backcountry sites, Mammoth Cave offers something for every type of camper.
Our detailed criteria have helped us identify the top places to pitch your tent or park your RV, ensuring that you can choose a spot that not only meets but exceeds your camping needs. From scenic views to essential amenities like full hookups and pet-friendly spaces, each campground has been evaluated to guarantee your time spent is comfortable, enjoyable, and connected.
Remember, whether you’re gazing at the stars from the quiet of Tailwater Campground or enjoying the lively atmosphere of Horse Cave KOA, these campgrounds serve as your base for exploring the natural and historical treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set off on a camping adventure that promises not just a place to stay, but a wealth of experiences to enrich your soul.
Join us at “Our Campfire Unplugged” as we continue to explore and share the best camping spots across the country, ensuring that your next outdoor adventure is nothing short of spectacular. Don’t forget to share your own experiences and tips on our Facebook page, helping us build a community of adventurous families who cherish the great outdoors as much as we do.
Ready to embark on your next adventure? The campgrounds around Mammoth Cave KY are calling.
Happy camping!
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
