Mammoth Cave National Park5
Campsite #5 at Houchin Ferry Campground, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY
$20
Campsite #5
| Walk-In | 8 people |
| 30 ft | Back-in |
| 2 | fair |
3/5
3/15
Campsite #5 Features: Walk-In access, Back-in parking, Tent Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (11)
4.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 0% |
| 4 star | | 55% |
| 3 star | | 9% |
| 2 star | | 27% |
| 1 star | | 9% |
@SharonL7105422 · Camped on Jul 11, 2025 at Campsite #5
Lovely small campground with beautiful surroundings. The portable toilets were very clean and well maintained. No nearby amenities so be prepared with all your the food/supplies you will need for your night camping. GPS directions were accurate.
Some Coverage
@Stephanie13298 · Camped on Jun 21, 2025 at Campsite #5
The campsite was a 20 minute drive from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, which we found very reasonable for the price. The campsite was very small, and each campsite was packed right next to each other, but there was potable water and I was quite surprised by how clean the portapottys were. Like it wasn't perfect and probably could have been emptied once, but the stall itself was quite tidy there was no shortage of tp or hand sanitzer.
@WilliamW688008 · Camped on Oct 30, 2024 at Campsite #5
I stay at Houchin Ferry several times a year. The only complaint I have with this Mammoth Cave campground is that it is the only NPS campground I have visited, and there have been many, that does not have a lights- out policy. As a matter of fact it has a light that actually comes on at dusk and remains on the entire night. It is a holdover from when there was a ferry running there that has been gone approximately fifteen years. This is especially annoying when I go on a new moon night in order to see all the stars.
@SuzanneS213714 · Camped on Aug 24, 2024 at Campsite #5
Quiet little campground. Portable toilets were well maintained, but a portable hand wash outside of the toilets would be nice. Cell reception is spotty at best. My husband has Verizon, and I have T-Mobile. It seemed when he has decent signal, I did not, and vice versa. A good place for some good ole rugged outdoor camping. I would definitely stay here again if I ever go back to Mammoth Cave.
@Christian37197 · Camped on Mar 22, 2024 at Campsite #5
It was a place to lay my head. That's about all there is to say about it though.
Major Issues
@JulianneTA40DD · Camped on Feb 13, 2024 at Campsite #5
Houchin Ferry campground was an adequate place to just sleep for 1 night during a trip in the winter. There was just my group and 1 other group in the entire campground when I stayed. it was quiet and the pads for tents were flat. However, if the location was full, you will be right on top of your neighbor. In addition, the 4 porta-johns are directly next to multiple campsites. So in busy season that may not be an ideal set up. I would consider staying here again in off season.
Good
@CindyM6464978 · Camped on Oct 14, 2023 at Campsite #5
Everything about this campsite was great except for the fact that each camp slot is right on top of your neighbor. We chose this site because it's on the river and we wanted to be near water. Exploring the river was great and many people had blow-up kayaks so it's a great site if that's what you're looking to do. I loved the minimalistic aspect of the camping ground - each site had a fire pit (with built in grill), picnic table, communal outhouses and a water spicket. There's a separate picnic area with tons of tables and fireplaces. The location was great because it is 15 minutes to Mammoth cave but only 5 minutes from a grocery store, gas station, Ace Hardware and Dairy Queen (everything you need to stock up), The site has 12 camping slots and spots 1 through 5 are literally right on top of each other. 6 through 12 there is a little more space in between slots. We will go back and bring some friends to camp along side of us. We have 3 kids ages 10, 8 and 6 and they loved it!
@BarbaraG281779 · Camped on Jun 1, 2023 at Campsite #5
When planning our trip, we picked this campground because it was smaller and we thought it would be quieter. Once we got there, we found that the campsites were right on top of each other. When we passed the big campground, we noticed that the sites were nicer.
@LauraG2045591 · Camped on Mar 26, 2023 at Campsite #5
I knew the campground was small and didnt mind the sites being close to one another as thats what I expected given the size. However, too many visitors were in and out all night. Seems like they were locals visiting their friends staying at the campsite, and for such a small campground it should be pet-free. There were 2 dogs barking all night. I moved to the main campground the next day and had a much better experience.It might be nice to stay here if youre a large group and can occupy multiple sites at Houchin Ferry, However, if youre traveling as a pair or solo, I do not recommend this place at all. If you must stay here, I would book the sites farthest away from the entrance, I think #s 9 and 10.
@JasonS8132232 · Camped on Jun 17, 2022 at Campsite #5
We stayed over Fathers Day weekend, 2022, and booked sites 4 and 5. That turned out to be the best decision because the first several sites are very close together. If we go back, wed try to book site #8 as it is heavily shaded and has a small path at the back of the site that leads directly to the river and has the best views of the water. Its a high traffic campground as many kayaking tour groups finish at the old ferry stop. The drive back to the campground is very hilly, but a great workout if youre walking, running, or biking. As an added bonus, the employees at the nearby convenience store/gas station were very friendly!
@RichardC284688 · Camped on Sep 15, 2021 at Campsite #5
The campground is not worth the $20 they charge a night. Too many locals driving in and out. The concrete picnic tables need to be cleaned.
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