Equestrian camping near Alvaton, Kentucky provides access to multiple trail systems in Mammoth Cave National Park via the northern section. The area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with humid summers and mild winters. Spring brings substantial rainfall with average temperatures ranging from 45-75°F, while summer highs typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Twilight cave tours: The Mammoth Cave Campground provides easy access to specialized evening tours. "Do the twilight tour!" suggests Michael K., who notes "It is a 5 min walk to the cave" from the campground sites.
Green River activities: Explore the Green River by boat or fishing at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. "There's a beach that you will want to drive to, to long of a walk and I didn't find any cut through trails from our section of the campground," explains Shelly S. The park offers "LOTS of boating options. Bring your own or rent. The lake is huge and busy with a marina."
Trail exploration: Turnhole Backcountry Campsite connects to extensive hiking paths. "The trails are used by hikers and horseback riders, are well marked and lotsa fauna to see. No major vistas here, just woods," writes Shelly S., adding that "The cool thing about this campsite is your sorta on a peninsula of the river. Very private and it's not on a loop trail so no foot traffic passing by."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers at Nolin Lake State Park Campground appreciate the spacious camping areas. Nancy B. notes, "The sites are very roomy and flat. We loved being close to the water as well. The trail system in the park was great and we put in over 14 miles of hiking there."
Privacy between sites: The layout at Dad's Bluegrass Campground provides separation between campers. "This was a pleasant and easy full service rv park to enjoy a day of peace off the road + great overnighter. People were very nice and attentive with lots of RV manipulation help," reports Charlie M.
Wildlife encounters: Mammoth Cave Campground offers frequent wildlife sightings. Gloria J. mentions the campground is "Very clean & quiet! The wildlife are very friendly!" while another camper describes the natural setting: "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening. Tons of trees and shade."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Ticks are prevalent throughout the area, especially in backcountry sites. At Double J Stables and Campground, which offers horse trail rides into Mammoth Cave National Park, visitors note the need for tick prevention. Heather K. writes, "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."
Access limitations: The Green River Ferry is frequently non-operational, requiring alternate routes. "The Green River Ferry seems to be non-operational a lot. Call the hotline the day of your drive in to see which route you should take: 270-758-2166," advises Mandy C.
Water availability: Finding fresh water can be challenging in backcountry sites. "Despite this campsite being surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides, water is hard to come by here, and hiking it in may be your best bet. The river is at least 1/2 mile away, through extremely dense brush," reports one camper about Turnhole Backcountry Campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Easy trails for children: The trail network offers options for all skill levels. At Nolin Lake State Park, Christina M. shares: "We might return here but perhaps would choose to camp during the week or during a less busy time of year" as the park gets crowded on weekends.
Evening activities: Mammoth Cave Horse Camp sometimes offers entertainment, though noise can be an issue. One visitor warns, "Until midnight there was a loud microphone with drunk people trying to sing karaoke where it was heard around campground."
Recreation options: Dad's Bluegrass Campground provides family-friendly amenities. Mike F. notes, "They have a huge pavilion for events, nice pool, showers, and very clean restrooms," making it suitable for families with children who need regular bathroom access.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: RVers at Mammoth Cave area campgrounds should check utilities before setup. Jon P. at Dad's Bluegrass Campground found: "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. Used all of my 25 foot hose to reach my connection."
Site selection: Choose camping sites based on your specific needs. Shelagh R. observed that Mammoth Cave Campground has "Cute little campground with lots of tree cover, not too noisy despite the close proximity of neighbors. Great access to the caves."
