Turnhole Bend Campground

For adventurous Kentuckians eager to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature, Turnhole Bend Campground in Mammoth Cave National Park offers an unparalleled backcountry experience. Unlike traditional RV parks or developed campgrounds, Turnhole Bend is a primitive, hike-in site designed for those who embrace the challenge and solitude of wilderness camping. It’s a designated backcountry campsite, meaning you'll trade amenities for unparalleled serenity, direct access to vast trail systems, and the unique opportunity to forge a deeper connection with Kentucky's natural landscapes. If you're ready for a rewarding backpacking adventure, this secluded spot awaits within our state's iconic national park.

Turnhole Bend Campground is located within Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 42259, USA. It's crucial to understand that this is not a drive-up campground; it is a designated backcountry campsite. This means accessibility involves hiking (or horseback riding) to the site from a trailhead. The specific trailhead to access Turnhole Bend often begins from areas like Maple Springs Campground or the Good Spring Church parking lot.

The journey to Turnhole Bend is part of the adventure. Visitors describe the trails leading to it as "fairly easy trails in and out" but note that some sections involve descents to the campsite. One reviewer mentioned a "2-mile descent along a ridgeline" and a "very steep hill" in the last tenth of a mile to the campsite, requiring careful footing. While the exact hike time varies, planning for at least an hour or two of hiking from the trailhead is advisable.

Its location within the national park's backcountry guarantees a "secluded" and "remote" feeling. Unlike frontcountry campgrounds, Turnhole Bend offers a quiet escape from crowds, ideal for a "quick night out camping" or a multi-day backpacking trip. Due to its backcountry nature, access to the main Mammoth Cave Visitor Center (for cave tours and services) can be a significant drive (up to 45-50 minutes if the Green River Ferry is closed) or a scenic ferry ride (around 20 minutes if open). This requires careful planning for resupply or visiting the park's main attractions.

As a primitive backcountry campsite, Turnhole Bend Campground offers very basic services, focusing on providing a natural experience. Campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

• Designated Campsite: Turnhole Bend is one of 13 designated backcountry campsites within Mammoth Cave National Park. It is limited to one party of up to eight people in size.
• Fire Ring: Each site is equipped with a designated campfire ring for cooking and warmth.
• Tent Pad: Campsites feature a tent pad for pitching your shelter.
• Water Source (with treatment): Turnhole Bend is one of the backcountry sites that typically has a nearby water source. However, it is absolutely essential to "boil and treat water before drinking" or "plan to carry in drinking water," as natural water sources are not potable. Reviews indicate water access can vary, with one noting it's "about 20 minutes to river" and could be "harder before leaf off."
• Vault Toilets: While not directly at every primitive site, vault toilets are generally located at specific points within the backcountry accessible from various trails, or at trailheads. However, for a truly primitive site like Turnhole Bend, campers should be prepared for proper Leave No Trace waste disposal. The closest established restrooms would be at Maple Springs or the Visitor Center, requiring a significant hike/drive.
• Horse Hitching Posts: Some backcountry sites, including potentially Turnhole Bend, may have horse hitching posts, as the backcountry trails are open to horseback riding.
• Permit Required: All backcountry camping in Mammoth Cave National Park requires a permit, obtainable for $10 per trip. Permits can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov or obtained in person at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk or Visitor Center.

There are no amenities such as flush toilets, showers, picnic tables (beyond what's at the site), or direct vehicle access at Turnhole Bend. Campers must pack in and pack out all their supplies and waste.

Turnhole Bend Campground's true highlights lie in its raw beauty, solitude, and the unique adventures it facilitates.

• Deep Seclusion and Quiet: This is a major highlight. Visitors consistently praise the "nice and secluded" nature of the site, noting its peacefulness. It's a place where you can genuinely "get away from it all."
• Proximity to Green River: The campsite is located on the Green River, offering "stunning views" and potential river access for canoers/kayakers. One review notes it's "surrounded by the Green River on 3 sides," though actual water access can be a "15 minute hike down to the Green River and 15 minutes back" through dense brush, and banks may not always be easy to access.
• Excellent for Backpacking: Described as a "perfect first backpacking trip for kids 10 and up" (with caveats about being "pretty tough" and not for "total novices"), it offers a rewarding challenge for new and experienced backpackers alike.
• Direct Trail Access: The site provides immediate access to "fairly easy trails in and out" and is part of an extensive network of "well-groomed hiking trails" within Mammoth Cave National Park, including the Turnhole Bend Trail itself, which offers scenic views of hollows and the Green River.
• Opportunity for Solitude: Reviewers often mention being among "only a few other campers" or even having "the entire site to ourselves," especially during off-peak seasons, providing an unmatched sense of wilderness.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The site is described as "absolutely beautiful," nestled within forested areas with limestone formations. Opportunities for wildlife viewing, such as "wild turkeys," add to the immersive natural experience.
• Sinkholes and Canebrake: The area features unique karst topography with sinkholes nearby ("sinkholes E and W from camp") and a "canebrake SW," adding to the geological and ecological interest.

The challenge of water access and the need for a permit and backcountry navigation skills are important considerations that shape the experience at Turnhole Bend.

As Turnhole Bend is a backcountry campsite within Mammoth Cave National Park, direct contact information for the site itself is not available. Instead, you would contact Mammoth Cave National Park for information regarding backcountry camping permits and conditions.

Address: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA (This is the general park address, not a specific office at Turnhole Bend)

Phone: (270) 758-2180 (Mammoth Cave National Park main line)

Mobile Phone: +1 270-758-2180 (Same as above)

For backcountry camping at Turnhole Bend, you must obtain a permit through Recreation.gov or in person at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk or Visitor Center. It is highly recommended to check the official Mammoth Cave National Park website (NPS.gov/maca) and Recreation.gov for the most current information on backcountry regulations, permit availability, trail conditions, and any alerts regarding river levels or ferry closures.

For adventurous Kentucky locals, Turnhole Bend Campground offers a truly immersive and rewarding backcountry camping experience within our state's treasured Mammoth Cave National Park. Its suitability lies in its promise of genuine seclusion, far removed from the noise and bustle of developed areas. This is the perfect spot for experienced hikers, backpackers, or families with older children (10+) who are ready for a more challenging yet incredibly fulfilling outdoor adventure. The opportunity to set up camp in a serene, forested setting, with direct access to extensive hiking trails and views of the Green River, is a major draw. While it demands self-sufficiency regarding water treatment and waste disposal, and requires planning for access to the main park amenities, the payoff is unparalleled quiet, abundant wildlife, and a deep connection to the natural environment. If you're a Kentuckian seeking a memorable backpacking trip, a chance to truly unplug, and an experience that tests your outdoor skills while surrounding you with immense natural beauty, Turnhole Bend provides that ideal, rugged escape. It's a testament to the wild heart of our state, waiting to be explored by those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Turnhole Bend Campground

Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA