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Best Tent Camping near Alvaton, KY

777 Reviews

Tent camping options near Alvaton, Kentucky include several established campgrounds within Mammoth Cave National Park. Houchin Ferry Campground offers primitive tent sites along the Green River with spacious campsites that accommodate tent setups. Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides a more secluded tent camping experience within the park's extensive trail system. The Narrows Boat Ramp area also offers tent camping opportunities with basic amenities. These locations provide varying levels of accessibility and services for tent campers exploring the south-central Kentucky region.

Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Houchin Ferry Campground provides concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets but no hookups or running water. As one camper noted, "There is a concrete picnic table, pole and fire pit at each spot." The primitive nature of these sites requires campers to bring their own water and supplies. Turnhole Backcountry Campsite has tent pads, lantern hooks, and fire rings with attached grates, but accessing water can be challenging. The Green River Ferry status affects access routes to some campgrounds, so checking the hotline (270-758-2166) before arrival is recommended. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some implemented reservation systems during COVID restrictions.

Tent campers in the Mammoth Cave area experience varying levels of seclusion depending on site selection. Areas farther from the main cave entrance offer more privacy and fewer crowds. A recent review described Houchin Ferry as having "very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around. Very secluded." The backcountry sites like Turnhole provide even greater isolation, situated on peninsulas surrounded by the Green River on three sides. These walk-in tent sites require hiking in, with Turnhole accessible via either Buffalo Trail (shorter, more direct) or Sal Hollow Trail (longer, more challenging). Many tent campers combine their stay with cave tours or kayaking on the Green River, which flows past several of the campgrounds. Summer camping brings opportunities to witness fireflies, while fall and winter camping offers clearer views through the forest canopy.

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Best Tent Sites Near Alvaton, Kentucky (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Alvaton, KY

9 Photos of 13 Alvaton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Alvaton, KY

777 Reviews of 13 Alvaton Campgrounds

  • Shea M.
    Apr. 3, 2020

    Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Cave Camping

    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!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Base Station

    Mammoth Cave Campground is in the country but centrally located between several nice size cities and right off I65.

    No signal once you get in the park except if your lucky at the lodge. We tuned in to WIFI whenever we passed through the Visitors Center/lodge restaurant in the morning.

    The campground is primitive, no electric with parking pads, picnic tables and fire rings. There is a restroom in the campground and a shower house, laundry room, post office and store adjacent. The dump station is next to that facility right outside the front “gate”.

    There is enough space between camp sites to have some privacy and the trees provide natural noise block and shade. There be critters in the woods so protect your food! You may see deer and turkey, you won’t see the little shit raccoon that runs off with dog toys and any food left out ;)

    There are several trail access points directly from the campground. Including two easy trails to the visitors center.

    Aside from the obvious, cave tours, there are several other options on how to spend your day and nights.

    If your coming for the cave specifically make sure you reserve your preferred cave tour way ahead of time!

    If you are coming for the trails, enjoy! There are multiple options. I run the trail near the visitor center year round. It is technical and hilly, not stroller friendly.

    The trails on the far side of the Green River ferry have dispersed camping sites and plenty of natural features to discover.

    The float down the Green River is enjoyable. If you bring your own water craft several of the companies will drive you to the put in from the ferry parking area for a nominal fee.

    Also across the Green River is the Maple Springs group and horse campground, I’m not a horse person but I see plenty of them in the area and they seem to be enjoying the trails and campground.

    There is also zip lines in the area, a winery and golfing.

    Fast food and Wally World in Brownsville, other touristy attractions one exit up at Cave City. (Ky Down Under and Dinosaur World, plus a Yogi Bear Campground)

    We spent the weekend hiking in the rain and avoided Green River, it’s a muddy mess right now.

  • Peg D.
    May. 1, 2019

    Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Best weekend ever

    Loved staying at the mammoth cave state park last weekend. April 26th-28th 2019.

    No reservations are needed until May 1st. It was Walk up First come first serve from March through May. The last weekend of April was perfect and was not over crowded but had a good amount of visitors. We had perfect weather as well. The camp grounds are clean and nice looking , bathrooms also very clean and have normal toilets, laundry room had new washers and dryers and very roomy & clean with attached bathrooms & showers for men & women. The camp store was nicely set up and had plenty of foods and stuff Incase you forgot anything. However they do not sell real fire wood. They do sell compressed fire bricks. That Looks-like compressed sawdust bricks. So if you want real fire wood you have to go off trail and find it. Recommend and saw to cut it up but there was plenty of dead branches to be found through out the park and you are allowed to pick it up and burn it. The cave tours are fun and educational however if you lack fitness some of them will test your limits. So know your limits before booking. Highly recommend buying your tickets before you arrive as they fill up super fast and they offer more tours during the peak season than they do in spring.

    The lodge is nice has 2 restaurants one is sit down one is fast food snacks like setting. There are 5 gift shops in all between the camp store has 1 the lodge has 2 and the visitors center has 2. It’s worth the trip if your in to caving and hiking. Unfortunately there is lack of access to the river unless you go backwoods hiking/camping But all in all it’s a fun time!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2025

    Barren River Tailwater

    40 Mins from 65

    Tailwater CG - Glasco, KY 1/1/25

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for an overnight stay. Great winter price, but 40 minutes from 65 w trailer. Price 2024: $8 w interagency pass during winter Security: Host’s site at entry. Usage during visit: Only us Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Close. Varies.
    Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Required. Can be made at the cg.
    Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes, however off during winter 24/25.
    Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes. Only at one location during winter. Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: Two. Flush Bath and showers bathhouse is closed during winter. Pit toilets at far end open. Pull Throughs: One. Cell Service (Verizon): 1 to 3 bars Setting: Along River Recent Weather: Cold nights.
    Solar: Yes Host: Yes, helpful.
    Rig Size: Varies between sites. Sites: Some sites back up to the river. These are the best locations, I think.

  • Kristin H.
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    Tent Camping Paradise

    We camped at site P27, which is in the RV section of the campground, but off to the side and pretty private. Great little spot and had our own piece of shoreline. No electricity or water here but equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Had to back truck up as best we could and walk a little trail to the site and unload. Had to park by basketball court when done unloading, so keep in mind your vehicle won't be within site. There is a group site off in the distance and they were pretty loud but still a good distance off so it was tolerable. Daughter caught her first fish here. Loved waking up to the fog over the lake. Bath house wasn't as clean as I recall from previous trips but it wasn't anything to get worked up about. Lots of places are short staffed these days so I can't fault them too badly. Nolin is on of our favorite campgrounds!

  • Lauren M.
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    Tenting area is a bit close, but still quiet

    We camped in tent site 15, which is the far back corner of a large rectangular tenting area. Each site had a table and fire ring, and shared water and trash were located in several central locations. Some sites are between two parking areas (sites 7-9, I think), and some sites are along the lake shore. While most people rate the lake shore sites highly, I think you'd get a lot of headlights flashing at you as they're right along the parking lane. We really liked the back corner for privacy, and relative proximity to the bathrooms (located in what looks like an office). Showers, firewood, ice, playground, and laundry are in the trailer campsite nearby. 

    One caveat is that, if fully booked with weekenders, I can imagine this place getting a bit noisy at night. It's also pretty hot, though very well shaded, in July.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park

    Easy or Hard

    Another backside primitive campsite at Mammoth Cave National Forest, Ky.

    A lot of people don’t realize the extensive trail system of Mammoth Cave. They come for the Cave and never take the time to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

    Before using this campsite you are supposed to check in at the visitors center. Unfortunately the ferry is closed so it’s a long drive around to the backside.

    Turnhole Campsite is a short or long hike from the Maple Springs parking area. Sal Hollow Trail would be the long trail, twisty , turny and moderately challenging. Buffalo Trail is a straight hike in , take a left at the intersection and straight on to the campsite. Difference of about 3 miles-ish.

    The trails are used by hikers and horseback riders, are well marked and lotsa fauna to see. No major vistas here, just woods.

    The campsite has poles to tie your horses, a fire ring, tent pad and lantern hooks. Pretty easy to find seasoned wood to burn. DARK at night, lots of animal noises ;) not much of a night sky except in the winter months.

    The cool thing about this campsite is your sorta on a peninsula of the river. Very private and it’s not on a loop trail so no foot traffic passing by.

  • Christina M.
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    Overall good with a few drawbacks

    I was tent camping with my family Thursday-Saturday while visiting Mammoth Cave.

    The good: the tent campground has spacious, level sites. The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents. A few sites had trees suitable for hanging hammocks if you enjoy that. There are toilets and sinks in the park office near the primitive campsites. There is a swimming beach and boat ramp on Nolin Lake nearby. Convenient to Mammoth Cave NP and fishing and hiking opportunities abound.

    The bad: the shower house is in the RV campground and too far away to be a convenient walk. You have to drive there which is a pain with kids. There were few shower stalls and they were not kept clean. The park staff were very friendly but just overworked. Thursday night we were kept awake by loud campers and campground staff weren’t around to enforce quiet hours. Quiet hours do not start until 11 PM which is not ideal for campers with young children. The park started filling up on Friday and Saturday and was obviously very crowded on the weekend. Seems like a "party spot" for locals. 

    We might return here but perhaps would choose to camp during the week or during a less busy time of year.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2018

    Nolin Lake State Park Campground

    Yaking on the Nolin

    Ranger Review of Boost Oxygen at Nolin River State Park

    Campground Review: Nolin River SP is one of our area favorites. Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two.

    This is not a huge State Park but it sits on Nolin River Lake and offers plenty of water sports to keep you entertained. The campgrounds were crowded when we visited.

    The RV campground sits behind a gated entry and has sites that have direct lake access. Very clean and well maintained, not a lot of shade or privacy though. The primitive/basic area is crowded. The sites are walk in and placed pretty close together under cedar trees. There is a fresh water point and the beach is a short distance away. There are some sites on a small hill lakeside that give an excellent view and have picnic tables.

    Obviously the main attraction is the lake, there is a lot of traffic on the lake. I kayak so at times it can be a little stressful when your wondering if that speedboat flying at you over the water sees you. I stayed close to the shoreline and did not attempt to cross the main thoroughfare. There are inlets that are less busy , you will usually see fishermen in those areas and travel is safer.

    In addition to the water Kentucky Mountain Bike Assiciation(KYMBA) has built a very nice trail system in the woods. I’ve never hiked the longest loop but the two shorter ones are challenging and fun to hike. Mountain bikers would find them very technical.

    On this visit we saw a new privately owned campground being built in front of the park entrance. It will be opening this season , graveled RV sites and a smal basic area for tents.

    Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I had the opportunity to use and review Boost Oxygen https://www.boostoxygen.com/ last summer. I recently received the smaller version of Boost Oxygen to take with me adventuring. Boost comes in three sizes and the one I reviewed is the mid-size version.

    I took Boost along with me on a vigorous hike in humid weather. It was more beneficial due to the humidity then the level of excercise.

    Pro: smaller size fit in one of my hydration packs front pockets

    Pro: easy to use

    Con: filling up those land fills

    Pro: it does make recovery faster

    Con: for amateur athletes/ sports enthusiasts not really sure it’s cost effective

    In conclusion if you are an extreme, high altitudes, low drag kinda adventurer this would be a worthwhile investment into your performance. For me, I can just as easily sit down and take a break, I’m in no hurry;)

Guide to Alvaton

Tent camping near Alvaton, Kentucky, offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from well-equipped campgrounds to more primitive sites, there's something for everyone.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping can range from $20 to $30 per night, making it an economical choice for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • At Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park, you can enjoy a riverside experience with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
  • The Narrows Boat Ramp offers a budget-friendly option with access to a marina and nature trails, perfect for a day of exploration.

Exciting Local Activities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alvaton, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alvaton, KY is Narrows Boat Ramp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Alvaton, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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