Beardsnest

100%

92 reviews

· Cave City, Barren, Kentucky

30 acres hosted by Kevin W.

2 motorhome/tent pitches · 3 tent pitches

Near Mammoth Cave National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the New Entrance.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Kevin is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Hike-in sites

Hike-in to some sites at this Hipcamp.

This new-in-formation ecological art project is currently recruiting visitors to backcountry camp in beautiful fields, on woodland rim sites, or at delicate campsites located along a system of woodland trails. As of 2025, camping here provides a glimpse into a 4 year-old successional prairie, which at this phase is characterized by spacious views of a gently rolling young prairie seeded with a growing variety of native flowers. Most likely a good fit for those who are self-sufficient and like to avoid busy camping areas, but still want to get out to the park quickly (~7 miles to the Visitors Center) or travel into Cave City (3 mi) for coffee/ice-cream/pizza/barbecue/bar/food/etc. Expand from the campsite into a sketch-work of trails, as if were camping near the headquarters of a satellite nature reserve. Water tap and hose by main house parking area, for cleaning dishes, spraying off, or filling reservoirs. Camping funds allow us to plant trees (~525 seedlings as of March 2025), establish prairie grasses and flowers, restore wetlands, create trails, and remove invasive species. If you have only 3 days, a nice way to experience Mammoth Cave NP is to break the trip into 3 layers, covering the underworld (cave tours!), upper world (hiking), and the water that connects the two (Green River kayaking). Mammoth Cave is unique in the way that a study of the underworld will repeatedly draw the mind into a creative space of imagining what is beneath the surface, how these worlds are connected, while navigating the land and water. Thanks to our visitors for supporting this type of project! Bundles of dried and split firewood are available onsite, usually a mix of red cedar and oak with a suggested donation of $6/bundle. We also share kayaks (Perception Sound 10.5) now on a suggested donation basis (45/), providing a flexible option for visitors to float the Green River through the national park. Pending availability, we offer tent setups as well to folks who want to camp but aren't traveling with gear (REI 4 person Half Dome). Tent setup comes with two sleeping pads (you will need pillows, blankets, etc.).

Natural features

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Forest

Mountainous

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Reviews

100% Recommend108 Ratings · 92 reviews

Tony C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Ethereal Campsite

Tent · With pets ·

Spicebush

My partner and I decided to do a last minute camp trip to visit mammoth caves, and since the park itself ran out of tent sites, we booked a stay here. IT WAS SO WORTH IT. Such a wonderful secluded spot in the middle of such beautiful nature. Kevin was such a great host and greeted us on arrival. The campsite itself is about a 10-15 minute hike, and Kevin was kind enough to show us the trail and tell us all about the plants and wild life inhabiting the area. It’s a great quiet spot and a must if you are looking for an escape. Highly recommend.

Malcolm W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Hidden gem

18 ft campervan ·

Backcountry Rim

Amazing private spot on edge of field was perfect. My daughter even had a great place to hammock camp. Kevin could not have been more accommodating. Love the project to create a native, sustainable ecosystem. And the dogs were an extra treat!

Michael M.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Backcountry Rim

We really enjoyed what camping on Kevin’s land had to offer! If you are looking for a private and spacious site, you will too! Kevin was a great host, he provided a lot of options of what we could do on the land as well as at Mammoth Cave National Park. Being so close to the Park is also a great plus for this site as well. If you are looking to make your way to Mammoth Cave National Park, this campsite is a must.

Lindsey H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Peaceful & beautiful!

Tent · With pets ·

Hickory Field

This place was perfect for us & our pup! He loved running in the field. The location couldn’t have been better with the closeness to caves & attractions. I couldn’t hear any road traffic at all and we got the best nights sleep!

Angus M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Great camping near Mammoth Cave

Tent · With kids ·

Backcountry Rim

Great location for visiting Mammoth Cave. Close to the caves, but secluded enough to enjoy some respite from the crowds. Kevin is an excellent host. We hope to come back soon!

Steve F.

6 reviews

Recommends

· February 2025

19 ft campervan ·

Frisbee Field

Very peaceful, easy to find, welcoming host, great access to Mammoth Cave NP

Location

Cave City, Barren, Kentucky, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), S’atsoyaha (Yuchi), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), and Adena Culture First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking