3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp offers several campsites designated for equestrians on the northern side of Mammoth Cave National Park. The campground features electric hookups and water access for both riders and horses, with toilet facilities and a sanitary dump station on-site. Shower facilities are available for campers after long trail rides. The camp store stocks basic supplies and firewood for overnight guests. Both tent and RV camping options accommodate horse owners, though the campground is not equipped for big rigs. Horses receive designated areas separate from camping quarters, with accessible water sources throughout the property. The campground can become crowded during peak riding seasons, particularly when special events are scheduled.
Direct access to Mammoth Cave National Park's extensive trail system makes this location popular among equestrians seeking backcountry riding experiences. Maple Springs Campground, located across the Green River via ferry, provides an alternative horse-camping option with more spacious sites and group camping areas. The trail system offers varied terrain through wooded areas and along scenic ridges. Riders frequently encounter wildlife while traversing the park's northern section. Water crossings appear at several points along the trail system, requiring horses comfortable with stream navigation. Some trails connect to historic sites within the park boundaries. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring often bringing muddy sections that can become challenging for less experienced riders. Permits must be obtained at the Visitor Center for backcountry riding and camping within park boundaries.
"Mammoth has a campground adjacent to the Visitors Center which is basic except for two sites. There are reservable as well as walk up sites."
"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”."
Available next weekend
from $25 - $50 / night
"Near Brownsville, Ky and a little off the beaten path. But definitely worth a visit or two."
"This lakeside getaway is one that will keep us coming back!! If you've never been to Kentucky...this will keep you coming back to the Bluegrass to camp for years to come!"
Available next weekend
from $25 - $40 / night
"While visiting family in Scottsville we were in need of a close by RV park for our 40’ rig. This was the perfect spot for us."
"A lot of people pull in for the night since it's right off the highway and behind a Pilot/Flying J, but it was still quiet."
from $30 - $45 / night
"These sites looked super nice, but many are reserved for group camping and equestrian camping it seemed."
"Nice large camping areas, secluded and quiet, easy access to the trails. Well maintained full hookup for RVs and plenty of room for your horse too."
Available next weekend
from $50 / night
"There is a short trail near the boat ramp, more for fisher folk then a good hike. It ends at a small inlet. You have a strip of grass to your uphill side to use, otherwise not much privacy."
"Tucked away on the backside of Mammoth Cave NF, Ky, you want to find this Horse Camp."
from $25 / night
"The horse barn is the first building you will see on your left."
from $15 - $25 / night
GuideI came here an early November, and it has been very quiet. There is very little signal for AT&T, and my Starlink is not very helpful because many of the trees still have leaves on, and it makes for a dense canopy. Site C 079 is fine for my 23’ sprinter van, though I had to put two levels of blocks under the front to get close to level.
RangerThe sites are smaller than the photos show. Some are very uneven. Yes you can walk to the visitors center, depending where you are camped its almost a mile one way. (For those who have difficulty walking) The showers are not wheelchair accessible. Coin showers, but definitely hot. I had NO Verizon service at campsite.
GuideIf you want to be near the cave entrances and popular trails this is a great spot. Stayed in loop A and the bathroom was super clean. Can get noisy due to the road right next to the campsite.
ScoutEverything is so clean and beautiful here. Tons to do and enjoy. Facilities are well kept!
TravelerGood place to camp while visiting Mammoth Caves. Walkable to showers which are located right outside the campground. Ok, but not super clean. Campsite was a good size and shaded. Pull through driveway was level enough. Staff friendly/helpful.
TravelerBeautiful campground, green, quiet, clean. Walking distance to visitor center and cave tours.
GuideCampground is peaceful despite sites being pretty close to each other. No water or electric at sites, but there are bathrooms and a (coin-operated) shower house nearby. For $25/night, it’s a solid deal.
TravelerThe trails & cavern tours are fabulous to enjoy while you’re here.
ScoutGreat place to stay when passing through.
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp sits on the northern side of Mammoth Cave National Park, 30 miles northeast of Bowling Green, Kentucky. The terrain consists of rolling hills with limestone formations underneath, typical of Kentucky's cave country. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F during day with 65-70°F at night, while spring and fall bring mild 60-75°F days with cooler evenings around 40-50°F.
Trail riding into the national park: Riders at Double J Stables and Campground can access guided horse trails directly into Mammoth Cave National Park. "They are the only guided horse trails that authorized to go into the National Park. At only $25 for an hour ride and $35 for a 2 hour ride, it's less expensive than a lot of other places I have been," notes Heather K.
Water activities at nearby lakes: Nolin Lake State Park offers multiple water recreation options just 25 miles from Mammoth Cave. "There's a beach that you will want to drive to, too long of a walk and I didn't find any cut through trails from our section of the campground," reports Shelly S. at Barren River Lake Resort.
Cave tours and historic sites: While staying at Mammoth Cave Campground, campers can access multiple cave tour options. "Reserve the all day guided tour with crawling about in small spaces for the best experience. Make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!" advises Dan X.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities. "Deer & turkey walk thru ur campsite! Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" shares Gloria J. about her experience at Mammoth Cave Campground.
Quiet, wooded settings: Many equestrian campers appreciate the secluded nature of Maple Springs Campground. "Nice large camping areas, secluded and quiet, easy access to the trails. Well maintained full hookup for RVs and plenty of room for your horse too," writes Shelly S.
Evening atmosphere: The natural nighttime ambiance enhances the camping experience. "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening. Tons of trees and shade," describes Veronica S. about Mammoth Cave Campground.
Tick prevalence: The wooded areas around Mammoth Cave present tick challenges. "The park is infested with seed ticks and deer ticks. I was pulling ticks off of every inch of me even though I was coated in several layers of hardcore bug spray and my gear had been treated with permethrin," warns Carrie J. about Maple Springs Campground.
Trail conditions vary seasonally: Wet periods affect trail conditions for horseback riding. "Trail conditions vary seasonally, with spring often bringing muddy sections," notes a camper at Nolin Lake State Park Campground.
Access limitations: Larger vehicles face restrictions at certain locations. "If you are in a RV note that you can't go across the ferry with your rig!!! You have to go around the park to access this campground. We are so glad we realized that ahead of time and didn't have to back track," cautions Bounding Around about Maple Springs Campground.
Book cave tours well ahead: Popular tours fill quickly, especially during peak season. "You've got to make a reservation for tours - be warned, they fill up quickly. I recommend making a reservation at least a week before in the busy season (March-Sept)," advises Erin H. about visiting Mammoth Cave.
Consider campground placement: Some campgrounds offer better layouts for families with children. "The campground has two tent camping locations and a rv area. Highly recommend campsite 23 by the beach, it has the best view," suggests Katrina R. from Dad's Bluegrass Campground.
Prepare for limited store hours: Camp stores have restricted operating hours. "Only downside is maybe the camp store closes really early. I think maybe 5? By the time we got there our first day it was closed, so my son was bummed we couldn't have a fire," mentions Veronica S. about Mammoth Cave Campground.
Site selection for equestrian camping: When bringing horses, choose sites that accommodate both vehicles and animals. "There is an area in the 'back' to park your rig and set up your glamping area. Stalls if your horse likes it fancy," notes Shelly S. about Mammoth Cave Horse Camp.
RV site grades: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "The middle sites are on a hill which ends at the water with a boat ramp and small beach area. I huffed and puffed up and down the hill several times!" explains Shelly S. about Barren River State Resort Park.
Hookup configurations: Pay attention to the placement of utility hookups. "My site was slightly uphill where I had to park to reach the water hookup. The water hookup is very close to the ground and leaked for me. Made it very hard to connect the hose and pressure regulator," warns Jon P. from Dad's Bluegrass Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bowling Green, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bowling Green, KY is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 146 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bowling Green, KY?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Bowling Green, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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