Best Tent Camping near Hodgenville, KY
Tent campsites near Hodgenville, Kentucky include the primitive Houchin Ferry Campground located within Mammoth Cave National Park, alongside the Green River. This small tent-focused campground is approximately 20 minutes from the main cave area, offering secluded tent sites with basic amenities. The campground contains about 10 sites that accommodate tents and small vehicles, though anything larger than a small pop-up camper would likely face access difficulties.
The tent sites at Houchin Ferry feature concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and access to porta-potty facilities but no running water or hookups. The campground operates on a reservation-only basis, with sites costing approximately $10 per night. The road leading to the campground is paved but narrow with several hills, making it less suitable for larger vehicles. Cellular service is minimal, with visitors reporting perhaps one bar of service. Campers should pack in all necessary water and supplies, as there are no stores or facilities nearby. A dumpster is available for trash disposal, and rangers regularly patrol the area.
Sites are situated along the Green River, providing a cooler microclimate than surrounding areas. One camper noted that "the sites were well maintained, I saw a few Rangers make the rounds cleaning up." The campground offers spacious sites with room for children to play, though sites 1-6 are reportedly closer together than others. Site 8 was recommended by visitors seeking more privacy. Many campers use this location as a base for exploring Mammoth Cave or for kayaking trips on the Green River, with an 11-mile kayaking route available from Green River Ferry back to the campground. While the campground is relatively remote, the town of Brownsville is only about 3 miles away for basic supplies. The area features abundant shade trees and seasonal displays of fireflies that enhance the camping experience.
