Openings · last 7 days
3
Booking reality
Campsite Sniper detected 3 site openings here in the last 7 days
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-10048983
When Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping reopens
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
21
Openings · last 90 days
32
Only 32 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
02 · Availability Outlook · Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027 · of 14 monitored sites
Of the 2,562 tracked site-nights (Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027): 1,214 open for online reservation · 59 reserved · 1,289 on sites not offered for online reservation (first-come, first-served or administrative).
Where the open windows are
52.6% of tracked site-nights are not currently open for online reservation. 1,214 of 2,562 remain open; here is where they are.
Load status
Nov 2, 2026 – May 3, 2027Not open online52.6%
Open site-nights1,214 / 2,562
Reserved (of online inventory)59 / 1,273
Weekday openings688
Weekend openings462
Of the open site-nights on mapped sites, 688 fall on weekdays and 462 on weekends (Fri–Sun). The split covers the 1,150 open site-nights on mapped sites; 1,214 site-nights are open across all monitored inventory.
Open dates by month
Nov 2026 – May 2027December shows no online availability. 0 of 434 tracked site-nights are open there — 434 on sites not offered online.
Holiday windows
Sites open per night · of 13 sites| Window | Night | Sites open | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | THU Nov 26 | 13 | Open |
| FRI Nov 27 | 12 | Open | |
| SAT Nov 28 | 9 | Open | |
| Christmas | THU Dec 24 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Dec 25 | 0 | None open | |
| New Year | THU Dec 31 | 0 | None open |
| FRI Jan 1 | 0 | None open | |
| Memorial Day | FRI May 28 | 0 | None open |
| SAT May 29 | 0 | None open | |
| SUN May 30 | 0 | None open | |
| MON May 31 | 0 | None open |
Thanksgiving: 9 sites are available for the complete three-night stay. Christmas: no online availability on any tracked night. New Year: no online availability on any tracked night. Memorial Day: no online availability on any tracked night.
Best-availability sites
Most open site-nights · tracked window| Site | Open site-nights |
|---|---|
| McCoy Hollow | 93 |
| First Creek 1 | 92 |
| First Creek 2 | 91 |
| Second Creek | 91 |
| Raymer Hollow | 90 |
The 5 sites with the most open site-nights in the current snapshot. Pair a bookable date with a free alert to cover everything else.
Next windows
As of Nov 2, 2026 snapshotNext open dateMon · Nov 2
Next open weekendFri · Nov 6
December0 of 434 · not offered online
The next bookable night is Nov 2; the first open weekend starts Nov 6. Campsite Sniper can watch later dates for you.
Stays and site detail
1,150 open site-nights across 13 sites at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping, from the same hourly snapshot as everything above.
Multi-night stays. 50 2-night, 48 3-night, 27 7-night openings where a single site is free for every night, per Campsite Sniper's current snapshot — soonest Nov 2 at site McCoy Hollow.
All 13 sites with current availability
| Site | Max RV | Hookups | Open site-nights | Longest run | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCoy Hollow | Not recorded | None | 93 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 6, Nov 7, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13 +81 more |
| First Creek 1 | Not recorded | None | 92 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 6, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14 +80 more |
| First Creek 2 | Not recorded | None | 91 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15 +79 more |
| Second Creek | Not recorded | None | 91 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 6, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 14, Nov 15 +79 more |
| Raymer Hollow | Not recorded | None | 90 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 6, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16 +78 more |
| Three Springs | Not recorded | None | 90 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16 +78 more |
| Ferguson | Not recorded | None | 89 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 16, Nov 17 +77 more |
| Collie Ridge | Not recorded | None | 88 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17 +76 more |
| Homestead | Not recorded | None | 87 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16 +75 more |
| Turnhole Bend | Not recorded | None | 87 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 7, Nov 8, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15 +75 more |
| White Oak | Not recorded | None | 87 | 64 nights | Nov 5, Nov 7, Nov 9, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 14, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +75 more |
| Sal Hollow | Not recorded | None | 86 | 64 nights | Nov 2, Nov 3, Nov 4, Nov 5, Nov 7, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 13, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18 +74 more |
| Bluffs | Not recorded | None | 79 | 43 nights | Nov 2, Nov 4, Nov 10, Nov 11, Nov 12, Nov 15, Nov 16, Nov 17, Nov 18, Nov 19, Nov 22, Nov 23 +67 more |
About Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping
Overview
Mammoth Cave National Park spans 52,830 acres in south-central Kentucky, preserving the diverse geological, biological, and historical features of the world’s longest known cave. Backcountry camping is a popular outdoor activity, with 13 designated peaceful and scenic campsites available. Riverbank and island camping are also options for adventurers. Permits for both Backcountry Camping and Riverbank Camping can be purchased online in advance at www.recreation.gov or obtained at the park (please see * for details). Note that Riverbank Camping permits are only available for purchase up to 7 days in advance and are not issued if the river level is 20 feet or higher. For more information, please call the Visitor Center at 270-758-2180.
*Please Note: Your camping permit must be downloaded and printed from your Recreation.gov account up to 14 days prior to your arrival. Once printed, reservations cannot be modified. If you are unable to print your permit or save it to your phone, you can visit the Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk from March 1st through November 30th. During the closed season (December 1st through February 28th), please go to the Visitor Center to obtain all camping permits.
Please Note: There is a $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee regardless of number of nights booked, specific to backcountry and/or floodplain/riverside camping. No discounts are applied towards the $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee.
During the closed season December 1 through February 28 please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits. All permits must be registered as walk-ups at the Visitor Center during this time.
Recreation
The parks backcountry, 37 square miles of this rugged, inviting landscape await you along more than 66 miles of trails, and the winding turns of the Green and Nolin Rivers. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, birding, and photography.
Facilities
Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is NOT a physical campground located at one location. There are 13 designated sites that are located within the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park, where you hike to the reserved site. This is primitive, backcountry camping in tents. Visitors must park at a designated trailhead and backpack to all locations and carry all their gear, food, and water. Campsites are equipped with a campfire ring and tent pad.
Riverbank Camping is another option which requires a permit. You may purchase this permit online or at Mammoth Cave Campground or Visitor Center. Permits are not issued if river level is 20 feet or above. You must kayak or canoe to camp along the riverbank of Green River.
Natural Features
Backcountry camping offers opportunities to find solitude and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mammoth Cave National Park's rugged hills, majestic woodlands, and scenic rivers. Soluble limestone, sinkholes, sinking streams and cave create a landform called Karst Topography.
Nearby Attractions
Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/canoeliveries.htm
Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/horseback.htm
Mammoth Cave offers tours, check the park website for schedules and reservations. www.nps.gov/maca
14 monitored sitesNo hookups13 shadedPets OKFire pitsMax party 8
Getting there
Please click the link for "Driving Directions" under the addition links tab on the right hand side of the page for detailed directions.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259270-758-2180
BackpackingBirdingCampingCanoeingFishingHikingHorse CampingHorseback RidingKayakingMountain BikingWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
03 · Field Photos · roll CS-10048983 · facility
Photo gallery
Roll CS-10048983 · Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping · Mammoth Cave KY12 frames · facility
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Reservations for Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping are made through Recreation.gov. 1,214 of 2,562 tracked site-nights are currently open (47.4%). Campsite Sniper has also detected 32 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper re-checks public Recreation.gov availability for this facility every hour and republishes whenever anything changes. This facility's data last changed at Nov 2, 2026 18:20 UTC; an older timestamp means nothing has changed since that time, not that checking stopped. Always confirm final availability on Recreation.gov when you book.
How often do new openings appear at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
Campsite Sniper detected 3 site-date openings at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping in the last 7 days, 21 over 30 days and 32 over the last 90.
Can I get a multi-night stay at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
48 three-night openings are showing, counting only runs where the SAME site is free for all three nights. The soonest starts Nov 2 at site McCoy Hollow. Confirm and book on Recreation.gov.
Which month has the most availability at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
March 2027, with 434 open site-nights in the current snapshot of 434.
When is the next open date at Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping?
As of the Nov 2, 2026 snapshot: the next open date is Mon, Nov 2 and the next open weekend starts Fri, Nov 6. Detected openings can add earlier dates at any time; a free Campsite Sniper alert catches those the moment they appear.
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