Best Tent Camping near Scottsville, KY

Several tent campgrounds dot the Mammoth Cave National Park region and surrounding areas within a short drive from Scottsville, Kentucky. Primitive tent sites at Houchin Ferry Campground in Mammoth Cave National Park offer riverside camping with basic amenities, while Turnhole Backcountry Campsite provides a more secluded hiking experience. These established tent campsites serve as gateways to explore the extensive cave system and trail networks throughout the park.

Most tent-only campgrounds in the region feature concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and pole lanterns but lack drinking water or shower facilities. Sites at Houchin Ferry Campground include porta-potties that are regularly maintained by park rangers, while backcountry sites like Turnhole require hikers to pack in all supplies including water. Reservations are required for Mammoth Cave campgrounds, with fees typically around $10 per night. The Green River Ferry status affects driving routes to several campgrounds, so campers should check the hotline (270-758-2166) before departure to determine the best access route.

The tent camping experience near Scottsville offers diverse natural settings that appeal to different preferences. Tent campers at Houchin Ferry enjoy spacious riverside sites with room for children to explore, though sites are relatively close together. For more seclusion, Turnhole Backcountry Campsite requires a moderate hike in but rewards campers with privacy on a peninsula nearly surrounded by the Green River. One camper noted that "it is a very nice and clean campground with about 10 sites" and that "the temperature here was a consistent 3 degrees F lower than in town" due to shade cover. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with many campers reporting deer sightings and the magical experience of seeing "hundreds of lightning bugs" in summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Scottsville, Kentucky (21)

    1. Narrows Boat Ramp

    1 Review
    Lucas, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "The Narrows Boat Ramp Barron River Lake is actually more then just a boat ramp.

    There is a marina on site along side the boat ramp and a nice pavilion, playground, nature trail and restroom."

    2. Houchin Ferry Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park

    9 Reviews
    Brownsville, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 758-2180

    "It's located on the green river and has very spacious campsites. Plenty of room for the kids or dogs to run around. Very secluded. There is a concrete picnic table, pole and fire pit at each spot."

    "Ranger came by twice a day. Very clean port a pottys that are maintained well. Dumpster for trash and each site has a fire ring. Road in is paved and not bad, but has a few hills and is narrow."

    3. Mountain top retreat

    1 Review
    Cave City, KY
    29 miles
    Website

    $150 / night

    4. Holleman's Bend Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Granville, TN
    37 miles

    "Cute little town nearby, decent service when we were expecting none, and a cute little peninsula to camp on! The water is BEAUTIFUL, though you’ll hear fish splashing all night."

    5. Laguardo

    2 Reviews
    Mount Juliet, TN
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 449-6544

    $85 - $120 / night

    6. Long Hunter State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    J Percy Priest Lake, TN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 885-2422

    "Primitive campsite 1 has 3 long log benches and a grill. It is located directly by the water, so you have a water filtration source at your finger tips."

    "Long Hunter State Park Primitive Campsites are my kinda camping."

    7. Nat Caldwell Park

    1 Review
    Gallatin, TN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 822-4846

    $50 / night

    8. Camp Nashville Highland Rim

    1 Review
    Goodlettsville, TN
    36 miles
    Website

    $32 - $45 / night

    "I had a chance to talk with the owner at Camp Nashville and learned that due to city regulations, it can be difficult to find camping this close to the city. "

    9. Turnhole Backcountry Campsite — Mammoth Cave National Park

    2 Reviews
    Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 758-2180

    "Another backside primitive campsite at Mammoth Cave National Forest, Ky.

    A lot of people don’t realize the extensive trail system of Mammoth Cave."

    "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."

    10. Tailwater Rec Area

    1 Review
    Carthage, TN
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (615) 735-1034

    $50 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Scottsville, KY

895 Reviews of 21 Scottsville Campgrounds



Guide to Scottsville

Scottsville, Kentucky, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Campground amenities to enhance your stay

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • The Narrows Boat Ramp is not just a boat ramp; it also includes a marina, pavilion, and playground, making it a great spot for families.
  • River Floodplain Campsites provides a secluded experience within Mammoth Cave National Park, perfect for those seeking tranquility in nature.
  • Wartrace Ck Rec Area offers water hookups and a serene environment, ideal for tent campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Scottsville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Scottsville, KY is Narrows Boat Ramp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Scottsville, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Scottsville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.