Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

***During the closed season December 1 through February 28 please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits. All permits must be registered as walk-ups at the Visitor Center during this time.***

Permits Required . Mammoth Cave Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping at designated campsites and floodplain. Permits can be obtained online up to 6 months in advance or in person at the Mammoth Cave Campground kiosk or Visitor Center.

Your Camping Permit must be downloaded and printed by accessing your Recreation.gov account up to 14 days prior to arrival. You can not modify your reservation after it is printed. If you cannot print your permit or save to your phone, you may visit Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk during March 1st through November 30th. During the closed season December 1 through February 28 please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits.

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Green River Ferry is subject to last minute closures. If the Ferry is down, it can take 45 minutes to get from the Visitor Center to the Maple Springs Campground and Backcountry trail heads by going through Brownsville. You may call the Green River Ferry at 270-758-2166 or go to NPS Website to make sure it is operational the day of your arrival.

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Green River Ferry hours are 6:00 a.m-6:00 p.m. CST, Daily. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 12 tons combined and have a length no more than 16 feet and a width max is 8.5 feet.

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Please note: If you are driving an RV you will not be able to board the ferry and will need to take the driving route around the park listed in the driving directions under the "Getting Here" tab. If the river levels are between 10.5 feet and 20 feet you may cross the ferry with a trailer.

WILDLIFE

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Do not disturb or kill any wildlife, including snakes. All plants and animals in Mammoth Cave National Park are protected. Collection of any portion of a plant is prohibited unless specifically authorized by regulation.

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Pets are permitted, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under physical restraint at all times. Do not leave pets unattended.

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Ticks are common in the park and their bites can spread diseases. Learn steps to prevent tick-borne illness.

CAMPING

Designated Campsites . Overnight camping is permitted at designated campsites (*must be 50 feet from river edge). Stay on designated trails. Backcountry trails are marked with blue blazes and spur trails to the campsites are marked with oranges blazes; the numbers on the blazes are not for mile markers, only reference points. The exception is Riverside camping (*must be 100 feet from Ferry)

Riverside Camping - is only accessible by boat.

Maximum Group Size . Maximum group size is limited to 8 people per campsite. Camping may not exceed 14 consecutive days.

Be prepared for emergencies. Take a first aid kit, flashlight, matches and appropriate clothing for inclement weather possibilities. Carry a map or guide, a compass and water, know where you are.

Lock your car. When leaving your car, always lock the doors and store all items out of sight.

No potable water is available. Boil and treat water before drinking, or carry in your own drinking water.

LEAVE NO TRACE

Fires are permitted in designated campsites. Keep campfires small, and build fires only in established metal rings. When camping on the floodplain or river islands, you may start a fire in any safe location. Use only dead wood that is down. Never leave a fire that is unattended and be sure fire is completely out before leaving the area. Dispose of human waste at least 3" deep. Dispose of wash water at least 100 feet away from water source, trails and campsites. Carry all trash out of the backcountry and properly dispose of it. "Pack it in, pack it out". Never bury trash.

TRAILS

Sharing Multi-Use trails: Horses have the right-of-way, and must remain on designated trails. Hikers yeild to bicyclists.

Mountain Biking: Permitted in the backcountry on Big Hollow Trail, Maple Springs Trail and White Oak Trails only. Excessive speed is prohibited. Do not exceed 15 mph. Downhill riders yield to cyclists riding up hill.

REGULATIONS

Caves: Entering any cave within the park without a permit is prohibited.

Archeological Resources: Possessing, destroying, removing, digging, or disturbing archeological resources is prohibited.

Firearms: In accordance with 36 CFR 2.4 and Kentucky Law , visitors may openly carry firearms on trails, in campgrounds, or any other area in which carrying is not specifically prohibited. Weapons of any kind are prohibited in all federal facilities , on all cave tours, on the park's tour busses, and in the facilities of the park concessionaire.

Boating: All boat passengers must wear a USCG approved PFD at all times while in boat. River use is prohibited when river levels are at or exceed 20 feet (6m) on the park''s water level gages.

Alcohol: is prohibited on all waterways within the park.