Tent camping near New Haven offers access to Mammoth Cave National Park's lesser-known campgrounds and riverside sites. The area sits along central Kentucky's rolling hills between Louisville and Elizabethtown, with camping areas typically located 30-60 minutes from New Haven proper. Green River and Kentucky River watershed areas feature diverse terrain ranging from 450-800 feet elevation, creating varied camping conditions with temperature differences of 3-5 degrees cooler near waterways.
What to do
River activities: At Houchin Ferry Campground, kayakers paddle an 11-mile stretch from Green River Ferry back to camp. "Set up camp at Houchins Ferry and kayaked from Green River Ferry back to the campsite," reports David, who notes the roughly half-day paddle time required.
Animal encounters: Wildcat Creek Farm offers unexpected farmyard interactions for campers. "The resident goats, mules, donkeys and horses are very friendly - just like the hosts!" writes Elizabeth R., highlighting the social nature of the animals that freely roam near the camping area.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies at riverside sites provide excellent stargazing conditions. One camper at Wildcat Creek Farm describes "looking up in the night sky and seeing orions belt and the moon directly above the river. Pretty damn cool especially if you have never seen country sky at night."
Cave exploration: Campgrounds serve as base camps for Mammoth Cave tours, though distance varies. Tucker B. notes Houchin Ferry requires "about a 20-minute drive over to the caves and main hiking trails," making it slightly less convenient than other park campgrounds but offering more privacy.
What campers like
Riverside access: The "island" site at Wildcat Creek Farm features direct river access. "Off to the right corner of the site is a set of stairs leading down to the river with an area to take some chairs and relax by the water," explains Benjamin A., describing the private riverside relaxation area.
Spaciousness: Houchin Ferry Campground offers generous site dimensions. "Very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around," notes Shea M., contrasting with the tighter arrangements at many established campgrounds.
Secluded setting: Campsites away from major park entrances provide increased solitude. "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," explains Tucker B. about Houchin Ferry's remote location.
Budget-friendly options: National Park Service campgrounds offer cost savings for pass holders. Overland 1 explains, "I could use my lifetime pass and it only cost $10 per night" at Houchin Ferry, noting the regular ranger patrols twice daily despite the primitive setting.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Camping policies have changed post-COVID at some sites. "It usually is first come first serve, but during Covid is reservation only. It fills up fast on the weekends," David warns about Houchin Ferry Campground, indicating the need for advance planning.
Facility limitations: Primitive sites mean limited facilities. "Porta pots, no showerhouse or sinks. One plus there are 4 pots and they are the larger style," notes Shelly S., highlighting the need for self-sufficiency at Houchin Ferry.
Connectivity challenges: Cell coverage remains problematic at most sites. "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," advises Shelly S.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigation on narrow roads. Overland 1 describes the approach to Houchin Ferry: "Road in is paved and not bad, but has a few hills and is narrow. These sites are listed as 'Tent Only' but I got my Dodge van in no problem."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Wildcat Creek Farm provides unique farm animal interactions. "We enjoyed our stay, and our kids loved the animals and the creek! Great hospitality," shares Katelyn W., indicating the farm setting creates built-in entertainment for children.
Space for activities: Select sites that allow for active play. Micah N. recommends specific site numbers at Houchin Ferry: "Sites 1-6 were pretty close together. I would have picked site 8 if I had to go again," noting the importance of site selection for families needing room to spread out.
Natural phenomena: Summer camping offers special evening experiences. Shea M. describes an unexpected highlight at Houchin Ferry in July: "We saw hundreds of lightning bugs! It was magical, that really made the experience so much better for us!"
Day-use areas: Look for campgrounds with additional recreational space. "Across the road to the ferry is a large pavilion with several more picnic tables for bigger gatherings," notes Shea M., pointing out infrastructure that supports family activities beyond individual campsites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Small campervans can access tent sites at some locations. At Bourbon Trail Campground, walk-in tent sites accommodate modest vehicles but nothing larger, making it suitable for converted vans or small campers only.
Alternative accommodations: For non-tent camping options, cabins provide comfort during shoulder seasons. The Mountain Top Retreat offers cabins that one visitor notes are "pricy as a hotel room" but provide weather protection when tent camping conditions are less favorable.
Power considerations: Solar dependency requires site selection awareness. Overland 1 cautions about Houchin Ferry's tree coverage: "Lot of shade, not good for solar," though notes decent signal on Starlink mini at site 1 for those requiring connectivity.
