Houchin Ferry Campground
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
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As of October 2026, Houchin Ferry Campground is a campground in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky with 12 campsites. Houchin Ferry Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Houchin Ferry Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- people allowed on each site
- 8
Houchin Ferry Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
Published by Recreation.gov for Houchin Ferry Campground, read on September 30, 2026.
Campsites at Houchin Ferry Campground
- Tent 12
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Valley.
Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.
All sites at Houchin Ferry Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
| Site | Type | Sleeps |
|---|---|---|
| Houchin Ferry Site 1 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 2 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 3 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 4 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 5 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 6 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 7 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 8 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 9 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 10 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 11 | Tent | 8 |
| Houchin Ferry Site 12 | Tent | 8 |
About Houchin Ferry Campground
Overview
This lush campground is located 15 miles from the park's Visitor Center, along the south bank of the Green River. Houchin Ferry Campground offers 12 primitive, tent-only campsites with beautiful riverfront views. Serving as a day-use area, it's an ideal spot for birdwatching, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking. If you're looking to explore more, take a short drive to the Visitor Center to plan your tour of Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave system.
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.
Facilities
The 12 primitive campsites are nestled among aromatic trees, offering a peaceful experience with the Green River just steps away. Potable water and portable restrooms are available at the head of the campground. This is a primitive, tent-only campground and also serves as a day-use area. The picnic tables and shelters are available for public use, and the boat launch is open for public access.
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
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (270) 758-2424.
Charges & Cancellations
For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:
https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
Rules and notices at Houchin Ferry Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Houchin Ferry Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Please review the 'Need to Know' information for the site you have selected for more details on site conditions.
Hours
•
Check-out: 11:00 am CST
•
Check-in: 1:00 pm CST
•
Quiet Hours: 10:00 pm - 6:00 am CST
No RVs or Trailers. No generators.
Safety
•
Ticks are common in the park and their bites can spread diseases. Learn steps to prevent tick-borne illness. +
•
Pets: Keep pets on a leash, no longer than 6 feet, at all times. Dispose of pet waste in garbage. Do not leave pets unattended at a campsite for longer than one hour. Kennels are available at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave.
•
Follow Leave No Trace Seven Principles (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
•
Food Storage
•
When food or trash is not within reach, it must be stored inside a vehicle or hard sided container to prevent wildlife access to human food. Do not hang trash or food from trees.
•
Dishwashing water should be disposed of in the toilets in restrooms.
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 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.
Houchin Ferry Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Houchin Ferry Campground?
Houchin Ferry Campground is rated "Very Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at Houchin Ferry Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Houchin Ferry Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Houchin Ferry Campground have?
Houchin Ferry Campground has 12 campsites.
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