Houchin Ferry Campground: Your Rustic Riverside Base for Mammoth Cave Adventures

Houchin Ferry Campground Introduce

houchins ferry campground

For Kentucky residents seeking an authentic and understated wilderness experience, Houchin Ferry Campground in Brownsville offers a unique opportunity. Tucked within the expansive Mammoth Cave National Park, this rustic, tent-only campground is a world away from the "frilly" or "glamping" scene. Instead, it caters to those who appreciate simplicity, nature, and direct access to the Green River, making it a perfect base for through-hikers, backpackers, and especially those canoeing or kayaking the river's serene waters. If your ideal getaway involves disconnecting and immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Kentucky's landscapes, Houchin Ferry Campground provides just that.

Houchin Ferry Campground embodies a quiet charm, a stark contrast to more developed sites. Despite its close proximity to the town of Brownsville, visitors consistently note that it feels wonderfully secluded, with no distracting traffic noise. This peaceful atmosphere, combined with well-maintained grounds and thoughtful, albeit basic, amenities, creates a conducive environment for relaxation and outdoor adventure. Reviewers frequently highlight the clean environment, the sturdy concrete picnic tables, and the well-sized fire rings, all contributing to a comfortable, no-fuss camping experience. It’s a cherished spot for Kentuckians who love getting back to basics and truly appreciating the natural wonders of their state, particularly those drawn to the allure of the Green River and Mammoth Cave.

Houchin Ferry Campground boasts a unique and highly accessible location for Kentucky locals, situated at Brownsville, KY 42210, USA. What makes its placement truly ideal is that it is nestled within Mammoth Cave National Park itself, approximately 15 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the main Visitor Center. This proximity allows campers to enjoy the tranquility of a rustic riverside setting while still having convenient access to the world-renowned Mammoth Cave system and its various tours and attractions. The campground is specifically located along Houchins Ferry Road, right by the Green River, at the site of the former Houchin Ferry.

Despite being "surrounded by nature," as reviewers note, the town of Brownsville is a mere three-minute drive away. This close proximity means campers can easily access essential services like gas stations and small town stores, providing a balance of wilderness immersion and practical convenience. The drive to the campground typically involves scenic routes through the rolling hills and forests of Kentucky, setting the tone for a relaxing escape. For Kentuckians, this means a manageable journey to a peaceful, natural haven that serves as an excellent gateway to the vast recreational opportunities within one of the nation's most iconic national parks.

Houchin Ferry Campground is a primitive, tent-only campground within Mammoth Cave National Park, designed to provide a back-to-basics experience for visitors. While it lacks the extensive amenities of a full-service RV park, it offers essential services that enhance a rustic camping trip. Campers should manage their expectations regarding modern conveniences, as the focus here is on immersion in nature.

Tent-Only Campsites: The campground features 12 designated sites, specifically for tent camping. RVs and trailers are not permitted in this campground. Each site is generally flat and offers space for pitching a tent.
Concrete Picnic Tables: A notable amenity at each campsite is a sturdy, well-sized concrete picnic table. These are preferred by many campers over traditional wooden tables due to their cleanliness and durability.
Well-Maintained Fire Rings: Every site includes a large, well-maintained fire ring, suitable for campfires and cooking.
Water Spigots (Potable Water): Potable water spigots are available at the head of the campground, providing access to drinking water. Campers should bring containers to transport water to their individual sites.
Vault Toilets / Portable Toilets: Basic sanitation is provided through port-o-potties (portable toilets), which reviewers noted are regularly cleaned.
No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups at any of the campsites, reinforcing the primitive camping experience. Campers should be prepared for off-grid living, relying on headlamps and lanterns.
No Showers: There are no shower facilities directly at Houchin Ferry Campground. However, coin-operated showers are available at the Mammoth Cave Campground store near the main Visitor Center (approximately 20 minutes away).
No Dump Station: There are no sewer hookups or a dump station directly at Houchin Ferry Campground. RVers utilizing other campgrounds in the park would typically use dump stations available there.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed in the campground, provided they are on a leash and waste is properly disposed of.
Reservations: Reservations are required for Houchin Ferry Campground and can be made through Recreation.gov. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Houchin Ferry Campground offers a compelling set of features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Kentucky locals seeking specific outdoor experiences, particularly those involving the Green River and the natural beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park.

Green River Proximity and Views: All sites, even if not directly riverfront, offer a view of the Green River. The campground is a popular launch and takeout point for canoeing and kayaking trips on the river, making it ideal for paddlers.
Secluded Natural Setting: Despite being close to Brownsville, the campground is immersed in nature, providing a peaceful and quiet atmosphere where traffic noise is virtually nonexistent. This allows for genuine relaxation and connection with the environment.
Well-Maintained Property: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, noting the absence of trash or debris. This attention to upkeep enhances the overall experience.
Ideal for Primitive Camping: For those who enjoy a "no frills" camping style, Houchin Ferry is perfect. It allows campers to test their backpacking or self-sufficiency skills while still having basic amenities like potable water and toilets.
Access to Mammoth Cave National Park: Being an official campground within Mammoth Cave National Park, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the world's longest known cave system, as well as the park's extensive surface trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Spacious Fire Rings: The large, well-maintained fire rings are a highlight for those who love campfires, providing ample space for a good blaze and evening gatherings.
Picnic Pavilion: There is a very nice picnic pavilion available, offering a covered area for larger gatherings or shelter from the elements, which is a valuable asset, especially for groups.
Opportunity for Wildlife Viewing: The natural surroundings along the Green River and within the national park provide ample opportunities for wildlife observation, including various bird species, deer, and other local fauna.
Historic Significance: The campground is located at the site of the former Houchin Ferry, adding a touch of historical interest to the location.

For Kentucky residents interested in planning a trip to Houchin Ferry Campground, it's essential to communicate directly with the managing entity, the National Park Service, particularly the Mammoth Cave National Park. As a federally operated campground, reservations are typically handled through a centralized system.

Address: Brownsville, KY 42210, USA

Phone for Mammoth Cave National Park Campground Inquiries: (270) 758-2180

Reservations for Houchin Ferry Campground are required and can be made via Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to book your site well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as there are only 12 sites available and it's a popular spot. When searching on Recreation.gov, look for "Houchin Ferry Campground" within Mammoth Cave National Park. Always check the official Recreation.gov website or the National Park Service website for Mammoth Cave for the most current information regarding fees, availability, specific site details, and any park alerts or regulations before your visit.

Houchin Ferry Campground is an excellent choice for Kentucky locals, particularly those who gravitate towards a rustic, nature-focused camping experience within a nationally significant park. Its prime location directly on the Green River and within Mammoth Cave National Park makes it ideal for adventurers who love paddling, fishing, and exploring the vast cave system and surface trails. While it's not a "glamping" destination, its well-maintained sites, concrete picnic tables, and clean portable toilets provide all the necessary comforts for a genuine outdoor escape.

The campground’s quiet, secluded atmosphere, despite its proximity to Brownsville, allows for a truly peaceful retreat, a significant draw for Kentuckians seeking to disconnect and recharge. For backpackers and through-hikers, it serves as a convenient and well-regarded stopover. By managing expectations regarding space and shade (as noted by reviewers) and embracing the primitive nature of the facilities, Kentucky residents will find Houchin Ferry Campground a remarkably rewarding place to connect with the state's unparalleled natural beauty and create lasting memories by the scenic Green River.

Houchin Ferry Campground Photos

Houchin Ferry Campground Location

Houchin Ferry Campground

Kentucky Edmonson County Brownsville

Brownsville, KY 42210, USA

Houchin Ferry Campground Reviews

This is not a frilly/glamping sort of place. I get the impression this campground is mostly used by through hikers, backpackers and folks canoeing or kayaking down the Green River and utilizing the portage at the old ferry site. That said, here are the pros and cons.Pros: it is surrounded by nature and even though the town of Brownsville is a 3 minute drive out of the park, you can’t hear the through traffic and it doesn’t feel like you’re in or near town.The camp sites all have a concrete picnic table that is a good size, and it’s nicer than wooden ones that tend to get grimy and all funky.The camp ring is well maintained and big enough to maintain a good fire.The spots are mostly flat, with a little bit of looking for the best spot on each site.Each site has a view of the river even if it isn’t river front.The property is well maintained, not a bunch of trash or debris.Port o potties were cleaned on our third day there.There are water spigots.Now, the cons:Each fire ring has a cook grate and that’s all well and good except they are at a severe angle and without a bit of manipulation, your food will either roll off, fall in between the wide bars or cook very unevenly, this was a huge con for me as I love cooking when I camp. Also, where they’re set up would make it difficult to sit around them if there are more than 2-3 chairsThere’s no way to easily fish at this spot, the banks are very elevated and it would take more effort than I was willing to put in.The spots are small. You’re very close to your neighbors. You can hear their conversations even if they talk at a normal tone.Overall, we were happy with our experience here. We enjoyed being by the river, it was private, the campground wasn’t full when we were visiting. We made use of the amenities, and appreciated the portable toilets were cleaned by the end of our trip. We would recommend this overall, just manage your expectations when it comes to space, shade, river access and the cooking abilities.There is no playground, but there is a very nice picnic pavilion.
Mar 19, 2024 · Kimberly Riggle
Beautiful! Camp site 8 was top notch. Shade and right by the river
Jun 03, 2025 · Kenneth Weinbrandt
Decent campground. Has no restrooms other than portapotties which were very clean and well taken care of. Camp sites are smaller in size and close together but overall a great stay
May 27, 2025 · CB Coop
We camped for 5 days during July 4th week here.Very peaceful.Had a rain storm come through(we were prepared)We plan on visiting again.Pota Johns were cleaned while we were there. There is a water spicket, to refill the water containers.Shower houses are about 10min away.
Feb 14, 2024 · ClassA Driver
The area is beautiful but no privacy between campsites at all. It ended up not being terrible for our stay because the campsites were not all filled. There's shade for most of the campsites and the bathrooms are permanent porta potty's....so pretty gross. These sites are right next to the river so it's neat to watch the water but it's too dirty to play in. Luckily we only booked 2 nights here before we go to the main mammoth cave campsites. Hopefully the pictures help.
Jul 26, 2022 · Dawn S