Houchins Ferry Campground in Kentucky on map - US

Houchins Ferry is the ideal base camp for above- and below-ground attractions at Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park contains the most extensive known cave system on Earth. It has to be seen to be comprehended. There are aboveground attractions as well, such as a surface trail system that traverses the largest protected natural area in western Kentucky. The rivers, the Nolin and the Green, offer recreation opportunities of their own. On the Green River lies Houchins Ferry Campground, which is the starting point for tent campers who come to enjoy this national treasure.

A winding road keeps the big rigs away and makes Houchins Ferry exclusive tent-camper territory. At the end of

this road is a ferry that takes one car at a time across the Green River. Near the ferry is the campground, which stretches out along a flat about 30 feet above the Green River. Hardwoods shade the camping area, which is backed by a steep hill rising away from the Green. The under-story is open and grassy Pass the water spigot and screened vault toilets, then enter the camping area on a gravel road. The initial eight sites are directly riverside. The first site is right by the ferry and shaded by a large sycamore. The next couple of sites are a little close together, then become more spread apart. Landscaping timbers delineate each campsite. Come to a small auto turnaround, where a couple more campsites are situated; these have the best privacy. The final two campsites are away from the river and are well distanced from one another. Across from the campground is a brick picnic shelter with two fireplaces, which could come in handy on rainy days.

Touring Mammoth Cave is a must. There is nothing I can write that will match the actual grandeur of this World Heritage Site. There are tours of all types, depending on your stamina and fortitude. The rougher ones are best, as the groups are smaller and explore more remote parts of the cave. The cave and the park's visitors center are 15 miles from Houchins Ford. I recommend arriving at the campground and making a cave-tour reservation for the next day by calling the park (see Key Information); this way you can be guaranteed a spot on the next day's tour. Then spend your first day enjoying the aboveground features of this national park. Just across the Green River is a 60-mile trail system full of surprises. These paths roll past rivers, steep bluffs, sinkholes, waterfalls, and old homesites. The McCoy Hollow Trail is underused and underappreciated. Drop down off Temple Hill and come alongside the Green River, passing a big rockhouse and the Three Springs area. Wind in and out of little valleys to a decent view from the McCoy Hollow campsite. The Wet Prong Loop is a great springtime wildflower walk. And Blue Springs is a scenic spot along this circuit. Head over to Good Spring Church, preserved from pioneer days, and make the Good Springs Loop. You will be surprised at the ruggedness of the overall terrain. This 10-mile loop is an all-day affair.

If watery adventures are your idea of fun, try the Green River. It is excellent for canoeing and kayaking. Several outfitters are listed on the campground information board. It is a 12-mile trip down this river, which really is green, from Green River Ferry to Houchins Ferry. The current moves pretty quickly, but there are no hazardous rapids. Twenty-six miles of the Green flow through the national park; the scenery here rivals that of the trail system. Anglers can vie for bass, crappie, and bluegill. No state fishing license is needed, but you must comply with Kentucky creel limits. This may be the only limit to your enjoyment of Mammoth Cave National Park.

From KY 70 in Brownsville, take Houchins Ferry Road 1.8 miles north to the campground, which is on the Green River.

GPS COORDINATES   N37° 12.120'  W86° 14.256"