Mammoth Cave Boondocking In Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

by John Rodgers / Sunday, June 29, 2025 / Published in Kentucky

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Mammoth Cave Boondocking
In Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Guide to Off-Grid Camping

ADDRESS
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky GPS: 37.187057, -86.10054 Elevation: 741′
MANAGEMENT
Public – National Park Service (Official) This is FREE boondocking campsites. Only need a Park Pass to get into Mammoth Cave National Park.

Previous Reviews:

Mammoth Cave Boondocking: All the backcountry camp sites at Mammoth Cave National Park are free. They just require a little bit of a hike to reach. If you like seclusion these are some amazing camp sites. Go to the visitor center front desk and request for a back country permit.

About This Location

If you’re itching for a real taste of wilderness near Mammoth Cave Kentucky, boondocking might just be your jam. Boondocking lets you camp for free in the park’s backcountry areas without hookups or amenities, giving you a raw outdoor experience close to the world’s longest cave system.

At Mammoth Cave boondocking, you can pitch your tent or park your RV in one of the tucked-away spots deep in the woods. No crowds, just you, the trees, and the occasional deer eyeing your granola bars.

Mammoth Cave National Park has these quiet pockets where you can hike, paddle, or even ride to your campsite. There’s more than 60 miles of trails and rivers swirling around, so you won’t run out of ways to get lost (in a good way).

If you’re after solitude or a bit of adventure, camping at Mammoth Cave boondocking is a totally different vibe than the usual tourist shuffle. It’s not for everyone, but honestly, isn’t that the point?

Mammoth Cave Boondocking In Mammoth Cave Kentucky

Want to ditch the hookups and go off-grid? Mammoth Cave boondocking gives you that—camping in wild, undeveloped areas with zero water, electric, or sewer services.

It’s a quieter, more natural experience. You’ll find free boondocking spots near Mammoth Cave National Park, and one of the most talked-about is the Back Country Campsites right inside the park.

These sites are remote, perfect if you want to hike straight out your tent or RV and start exploring. For the GPS crowd, try 37.187057, -86.10054—that’ll get you close.

Facilities? Forget about it. You’ve gotta bring your own water, food, and waste disposal stuff.

Some of the roads at Mammoth Cave boondocking are rough, so make sure your vehicle can handle a few bumps. Always check the local rules about how long you can hang around—no one likes a surprise ranger visit.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, Mammoth Cave boondocking is the move. Whether you’re rolling in with an RV or setting up a tent, it’s a chance to really get into true wilderness.

What to prepare for Mammoth Cave boondocking:

Extra water and food
Portable power or solar panels
Waste bags and containers
Navigation tools like maps or GPS
Weather-appropriate gear

Directions

Mammoth Cave National Park sits in south-central Kentucky, a bit of a midpoint between Lexington, KY, and Nashville, TN, right off the I-65 corridor.

If you’re driving, hop off at Exit 48 from I-65 and just follow the signs for Mammoth Cave National Park. It’s not rocket science—the local roads are well marked, which is always a relief.

For GPS folks, punch in latitude 37.187°N and longitude -86.100°W. That’ll get you pretty close to the Mammoth Cave boondocking areas.

Don’t count on taxis or rideshares out here—they’re basically unicorns. If you’re car-free, consider bringing a bike. The park’s got some bike-friendly roads and the 9-mile Mammoth Cave Railroad Hike and Bike Trail, which is honestly a fun way to roll into town.

Before you hit the road, check conditions online or with your favorite map app. Saves you from running into a random closure or a herd of construction cones.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet if you’re driving:

From	Route	Notes
Lexington, KY	Take I-65 South, Exit 48	Follow park signs
Nashville, TN	Take I-65 North, Exit 48	Well-marked local roads

Once you arrive, make the Visitor Center your first stop for backcountry maps and any last-minute directions. Trust me, it’s worth a pit stop.

Vehicle Access And Pricing

You can get to Mammoth Cave boondocking sites by car, which is pretty convenient. Some backcountry locations do require a short hike or even a paddle if you’re feeling adventurous. Most Mammoth Cave boondocking spots are fine for standard vehicles and smaller RVs, but if you’re rolling in a big rig, you might hit some snags with narrow or rough roads.

Parking is generally available near trailheads or at designated spots for boondocking. It’s a good idea to double-check GPS coordinates for each site before heading out. No one wants to get stuck or accidentally ding up their car in the middle of nowhere.

There’s no separate fee just for bringing your vehicle into the boondocking areas at Mammoth Cave National Park. That said, you’ll still need a valid park entrance pass to get into the park itself. The pricing for entrance passes is pretty standard, but here’s a quick breakdown:

Pass Type	Price	Validity
Private Vehicle	$20	7 days
Motorcycle	$15	7 days
Individual	$10	7 days
Annual Pass	$40	1 year

Cave tours and special activities will run you a bit extra. Reservations can be made online or over the phone, and if you’re bringing kids under 16, just remember an adult needs to tag along.

Boondocking itself doesn’t cost anything inside the park, which is honestly pretty great. Just follow park rules and do your best to leave no trace—future visitors (and the local critters) will thank you.