Best Tent Camping near Elizabethtown, KY
Tent campgrounds in the Elizabethtown, Kentucky area consist primarily of primitive options within a reasonable drive. Houchin Ferry Campground in Mammoth Cave National Park offers tent-specific sites situated along the Green River about 45 minutes northwest of Elizabethtown. This small campground provides basic tent camping with concrete picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Yellowbank Creek in the Yellowbank Wildlife Management Area also accommodates tent campers with walk-in and drive-in access options, though with minimal amenities.
Most tent sites near Elizabethtown operate on a reservation-only basis, especially during peak seasons. Houchin Ferry Campground features porta-potties that are regularly maintained but no drinking water, showers, or hookups. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables on level ground, though access roads can be narrow and challenging in some weather conditions. Campers should plan to bring all necessary water and supplies, as services are limited at these primitive locations. While some campgrounds like Houchin Ferry offer trash disposal via dumpsters, others require pack-in, pack-out practices.
Sites at Houchin Ferry Campground provide spacious areas for tents with reasonable separation between campsites. A recent review noted, "Sites 1-6 were pretty close together. I would have picked site 8 if I had to go again." The campground's location along the Green River creates opportunities for fishing and kayaking directly from the camping area. The surrounding forest provides ample shade for most tent sites, though this means solar charging options are limited. Tent campers should be prepared for varying seasonal conditions, including high humidity in summer months when lightning bugs create memorable nighttime displays. Weekend occupancy tends to be high, with many sites filling quickly, particularly those closest to the water.
