Houchin Ferry Campground, near Brownsville, Kentucky, is a quaint spot nestled within Mammoth Cave National Park, perfect for those seeking a primitive camping experience. The campground offers a unique riverside setting, with sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals and evening campfires.

This campground is known for its secluded feel, allowing visitors to unwind and connect with nature. Many campers appreciate the clean porta potties and the well-maintained sites, which provide a rustic charm without the frills. As one visitor noted, “Great primitive sites. Very secluded,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that many find appealing.

For outdoor activities, Houchin Ferry is a great launch point for kayaking and fishing on the Green River, with easy access to beautiful waterways. The campground is also just a short drive from the main attractions of Mammoth Cave, where you can explore stunning underground formations and hiking trails. 

While the sites can be close together, the overall vibe is friendly and laid-back, making it a nice choice for families and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you're here for a weekend adventure or a longer stay, Houchin Ferry Campground offers a chance to enjoy the great outdoors in a tranquil setting.

Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

Brownsville, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Brownsville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kentucky camping adventure.

Brownsville

The Best Camping Near Brownsville, Kentucky

Small primitive campground!  One our trip to Mammoth Caves we stayed in a cabin, but checked out the campgrounds for family that would be visiting shortly after us.  These sites were my favorite in the park!  The drive to the campground was a bit out of the way, but scenic.  The sites are near a river and there is an option of taking the ferry to the campground.  Some of the sites appeared much larger than others, but overall it was a surprising natural respite from the rest of the busy park. 

ferry to campground

 All the campgrounds in Mammoth are well maintained , that being said Houchins Ferry gives you the isolated feel that some people like. The ferry is closed so no through traffic. The locals, from the Brownsville area, use this campground a lot it would appear. I've no doubt the Rangers make their rounds but you are on the far side of the river about 15 miles from the main complex. Close to Brownsville (maybe 3 miles?) no RV sites, pavilion , picnic area, fishing and boat ramp 

Ever see Deliverance?

What can i say about **Houchins Ferry Campground Mammoth Cave NP**……

Well 1: pretty drive in, newer highway, wide with no thrilling drop offs or hairpins. Kentucky farmland, mobile homes and a lot of pickups.

2: it’s in Brownsville, Ky back in behind the local High School. There is a gas station and your typical small town stores in the area including Wally World

3: no signal. Your phone will tease you with one bar and occasionally something might get through but it would be easier on your battery to just wait until you get into town.

4: the ferry is no longer in use, right now there is about 10ft of muck between the cement and the river, the kind that sticks to your shoes and just gathers more. With just enough incline to make it a real challenge to get back up to dry land.

5: porta pots, no showerhouse or sinks. One plus there are 4 pots and they are the larger style ;)

6: nice size sites that have some space in between . Unfortunately the ones on the river side have no easy access to the river right now.

7: small unkept picnic area and pavilion for day use. The pavilion is in pretty good shape but the picnic area needs some TLC.

Overall if you are looking for a secluded campsite this one would fit the bill. I do know from past experience this campground fills up with locals who stay the max days allowed and set up homesites. It sorta has the homeless community feel when that happens. Not my favorite of the area and it has the abounded feel to it as far as maintenance goes.

I recently reviewed a map of the area and realized I mistakenly thought there were no trails in the Houchens Ferry area. Unfortunately they are on the far side of the river. There are two trailsheads, First Creek Trail and McCoy Hollow Trail near Temple Hill. There are three dispersed campsite on First Creek Trail (west side of the Houchins Ferry Rd) A good map of the area is available at the visitor center. The drive around is at least 30 minutes , past Nolin Lake access road and down a gravel road. worth the drive, excellent back country hiking shared with equestrians. 


The Sticks

We really enjoyed this place! It's located on the green river and has very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around. Very secluded. There is a concrete picnic table, pole and fire pit at each spot. Across the road to the ferry is a large pavillion with several more picnic tables for bigger gatherings. There are a few porta potties and no water or hookups. Primitive camping only. We tent camped here in July and saw hundreds of lightning bugs (see video)! It was magical, that really made the experience so much better for us! 

Highly recommend a cave tour as well at Mammoth Cave National Park. You will not be disappointed!! Can't wait to go back!

Cave Camping 

Set up camp at Houchins Ferry and kayaked from Green River Ferry back to the campsite.

Houchins Ferry Campground is small and the sites are pretty close together. It usually is first come first serve, but during Covid is reservation only. It fills up fast on the weekends.

Great spot for a day kayaking, about 11 miles from Green River Ferry.

Kayaking the Green River

Great primitive sites. Very secluded. 
Water, dumpster toilet, table and fire ring. What else could you need. The sites were well maintained, I saw a few Rangers make the rounds cleaning up. 

Lost of space to run around with the kids. Pretty view of the river. Sites 1-6 were pretty close together. I would have picked site 8 if I had to go again. 

Easy drive back and forth from cave and trails to campsite. 

We kayaked the Nolin and Green rivers. Both were very pretty! Recommend a trip on the Nolin. 

We will definitely be back when more of the cave is open for tours after COVID. 



Great Primitive camping near Mammoth Cave

I originally booked three nights here to explore Mammoth Cave. 

I arrived to find the campground pretty much empty, but a lot further from the main area of the park than I thought. 

Poor research on my part....

Ended up transferring over to another campground closer to the main park entrance. 

Still, this spot is right on the river for fishing and/or kayaking and a lot more private than the other campgrounds in the park if that's what you're looking for! 

It's just about a 20-minute drive over to the caves and main hiking trails. 

Solid Backup in Mammoth Cave NP

All the spots are very close to each other. Mostly filled on a Saturday in early March. The only river access is just a muddy ramp. Clean porta potty’s and picnic tables and fire rings at every site. 

Photos of Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

Real photos from real campers