Tent campsites near Hodgenville, Kentucky include both established campgrounds and primitive sites within Mammoth Cave National Park. The region sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Winter overnight temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs regularly exceeding 85°F.
What to do
Kayaking Green River: The Green River offers paddling routes of various lengths for campers staying at Houchin Ferry Campground. One camper noted, "Set up camp at Houchins Ferry and kayaked from Green River Ferry back to the campsite... Great spot for a day kayaking, about 11 miles from Green River Ferry."
Explore nature trails: Nearby Narrows Boat Ramp provides access to additional outdoor activities beyond camping. "The nature trail is a mile loop and has several benches along its route as well as scenic overlooks to the lake," according to one visitor.
Nighttime stargazing: The secluded locations of many campgrounds create excellent stargazing conditions. At some campsites, evening firefly displays enhance the night experience. One camper at Houchin Ferry described, "We tent camped here in July and saw hundreds of lightning bugs! It was magical, that really made the experience so much better for us!"
What campers like
Privacy of certain sites: At Houchin Ferry Campground, campers appreciate the more secluded sites. One reviewer recommended: "I would have picked site 8 if I had to go again." Another noted the campground "gives you the isolated feel that some people like."
Proximity to local towns: Despite the remote feel, some campsites maintain convenient access to supplies. A camper mentioned, "Close to Brownsville (maybe 3 miles?)" when describing Houchin Ferry's location, making quick supply runs possible.
Cooler riverside locations: Campsites along water sources often benefit from lower temperatures. One camper confirmed this microclimate advantage: "Sites are right along the side of the Green River and the temperature here was a consistent 3 degrees F lower than in town."
What you should know
Reservation changes: Some campgrounds have shifted from first-come-first-served to reservation-only systems. One camper reported, "Houchins Ferry Campground is small and the sites are pretty close together. It usually is first come first serve, but during Covid is reservation only."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the area have minimal connectivity. A Mountain Top Retreat visitor noted their stay was due to limited availability: "The only reason we stayed here was because it was the only place open on Saturday night."
Distance considerations: Some campgrounds are farther from main attractions than expected. One camper shared, "I arrived to find the campground pretty much empty, but a lot further from the main area of the park than I thought... Ended up transferring over to another campground closer to the main park entrance."
Water access conditions: River access points may vary with weather and season. A recent visitor observed, "The only river access is just a muddy ramp," indicating potential challenges for water activities depending on conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious campsites: Some locations offer ample room for children to play safely. A camper at Houchin Ferry Campground mentioned, "Very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around."
Playground facilities: For families seeking additional recreation options, certain locations provide playground amenities. Near Narrows Boat Ramp, visitors can access "a nice pavilion, playground, nature trail and restroom."
Cave tours with children: When using tent sites as a base for exploring Mammoth Cave, consider tour timing. Most kid-friendly cave tours run between 9am-2pm and sell out early during summer and holiday periods, requiring advance reservations.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face significant limitations at most primitive sites. One experienced camper warned, "These sites are listed as 'Tent Only' but I got my Dodge van in no problem... Anything larger would be a problem I think."
Road access challenges: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. A visitor described, "Road in is paved and not bad, but has a few hills and is narrow," suggesting caution for those with larger rigs or trailers.
Alternative options: For RV campers seeking more amenities, consider cabin accommodations instead. The Mountain Top Retreat offers electric hookups and shower facilities unavailable at more primitive tent sites, though at higher cost comparable to "a hotel room."
