Collie Ridge Campground

For those of us in Kentucky who truly love to get away from it all and immerse ourselves in the quiet solitude of the wilderness, Collie Ridge Campground offers a unique and authentic backcountry camping experience. Unlike typical drive-up campgrounds with extensive amenities, Collie Ridge is a designated primitive campsite nestled deep within the expansive and breathtaking Mammoth Cave National Park. It's a destination for the dedicated hiker, the avid equestrian, and anyone looking to truly unplug and connect with nature on a deeper level.

Mammoth Cave National Park is a jewel in Kentucky's crown, preserving not only the world's longest known cave system but also vast tracts of diverse surface ecosystems, including dense forests, rolling hills, and scenic river valleys. Collie Ridge Campground embodies the spirit of this wild landscape, providing a genuine wilderness experience where the sounds of civilization fade away, replaced by the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of wildlife, and the gentle murmur of nearby water sources. It's a place where you carry in what you need and carry out everything you bring, leaving no trace behind.

This campground isn't for everyone, and that's precisely its charm. It appeals to those who embrace the challenge of a hike-in or ride-in site, preferring the simplicity and quiet of a truly undeveloped setting. If your ideal camping trip involves starry nights untouched by light pollution, the refreshing sensation of natural spring water, and the satisfaction of earning your campsite through effort, then Collie Ridge might just be the perfect Kentucky escape you've been searching for.

Collie Ridge Campground is located deep within Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, 42259, USA. It's important to understand that this is not a roadside campground you can drive directly to. As a backcountry site, accessibility is primarily by foot or horseback, requiring a significant hike or ride into the wilderness area of the park.

The campsite is situated at the end of the Collie Ridge Trail. Depending on your starting point, the hike in can be approximately 4 to 4.6 miles. One common access point is the Lincoln Trailhead. From this trailhead, you would traverse the Collie Ridge Trail, with the campsite itself being about 0.7 miles off the main trail after a four-way intersection with Wet Prong and Buffalo Creek trails. Another possible route involves a longer journey from the Temple Hill Trailhead, covering several miles across different trails before reaching the spur to Collie Ridge.

It's worth noting that the terrain can vary. While some portions of the Collie Ridge Trail are described as a mild descent, the last stretch into the campsite can be quite steep, with some sections having a significant grade. This ruggedness contributes to the secluded feel of the campground, ensuring that only those prepared for a genuine backcountry trek will reach it. For horse riders, there are hitching posts located about a third of a mile from the actual camping area, where horses must be tied. All backcountry campsite trails within Mammoth Cave National Park are marked with orange blazes, helping campers navigate their way.

As a primitive backcountry campsite, Collie Ridge Campground offers minimal services, emphasizing self-reliance and leaving no trace. This is crucial for campers to understand and prepare for. The available services are limited to:

• Designated Camping Area: A cleared, level area suitable for pitching tents.
• Fire Pit / Grill: A designated fire ring is typically available at the campsite. However, based on user reviews, the condition of the grill component within the fire pit can vary, with some noting it may be broken. Campers should be prepared to cook over an open fire or use their own portable cooking equipment.
• Water Source: There is a steady water supply near the camp, often from a natural spring or stream. It is absolutely essential to filter, boil, or chemically treat all water collected from natural sources before consumption to ensure it is safe to drink.
• Natural Surroundings: The primary "service" is the unspoiled natural environment itself, offering solitude and immersive wilderness experiences.
• Hitching Posts (for horse campers): Located a short distance from the main camping area, these provide a place for equestrians to secure their horses.

It's important to reiterate what is NOT provided: there are no flush toilets, showers, trash services, picnic tables (beyond potential rocks for sitting), or electricity. Campers are responsible for packing in all their necessities, including water purification methods, and packing out all trash, including human waste if not properly buried according to Leave No Trace principles (digging catholes at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites).

Collie Ridge Campground, though primitive, boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for specific types of campers:

• True Backcountry Experience: This is its most significant highlight. If you crave solitude, quiet, and a genuine escape from developed areas, Collie Ridge delivers. It's far removed from road noise and crowds, allowing for a deep immersion in nature.
• Proximity to Waterfalls: As noted by a past visitor, there are "a couple small waterfalls close by," adding to the scenic beauty and providing pleasant sounds and visual appeal in the vicinity of the campsite.
• Excellent for Backpackers: The hike-in nature makes it ideal for backpackers who are comfortable carrying their gear and embracing a self-sufficient camping style. It offers a rewarding destination after a satisfying trek through the park.
• Ideal for Horse Riders: With horse traffic mentioned in reviews and specific mention of hitching posts, Collie Ridge is a popular and well-regarded spot for equestrian campers looking for an overnight stay during their rides through Mammoth Cave National Park's extensive trail system.
• Steady Water Supply: The presence of a reliable water source is a major advantage for backcountry camping, though purification is always necessary. This reduces the amount of water campers need to carry in.
• Close to Nature: The thick forest cover provides ample shade, and the secluded location offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
• Unique Finds: While not a guaranteed feature, the mention of a "comfortable bushcraft a-frame chair" left by a previous camper hints at the kind of camaraderie and interesting discoveries one might make in less-trafficked backcountry sites.

As a designated backcountry campsite within Mammoth Cave National Park, Collie Ridge Campground does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Camping fees are generally standard and are part of the National Park Service's permit system for backcountry use.

However, it is important to understand the permit requirements and associated costs. A backcountry camping permit is required for overnight stays at Collie Ridge. These permits usually have a nominal fee per trip, not per night, and can often be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. While the fee is usually minimal (e.g., $10 per trip), it's a necessary step for planning your visit.

Any "special offers" would more likely come in the form of seasonal access changes or park-wide initiatives. For instance, during the "closed season" (December 1st through February 28th), permits for backcountry sites might only be obtainable in person at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, rather than online. It is always recommended to check the official Mammoth Cave National Park website or Recreation.gov for the most current information regarding permit requirements, fees, and any operational updates that might affect your visit to Collie Ridge Campground.

Since Collie Ridge Campground is a specific backcountry campsite within Mammoth Cave National Park, direct contact would be through the park's official channels rather than a separate campground office.

• Address: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA (This is the general address for Mammoth Cave National Park, which encompasses Collie Ridge).
• For Reservations and Permits:

  All backcountry camping permits, including for Collie Ridge, are typically handled through the National Park Service's reservation system. You can book permits online:

  Website: www.recreation.gov

  On the Recreation.gov website, search for "Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping" to find information on specific sites like Collie Ridge, check availability, and make a reservation.

• For General Mammoth Cave National Park Inquiries:

  For broader questions about the park, its trails, or backcountry regulations, you can contact the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.

  Phone Number: 270-758-2180 (for campground inquiries, per Recreation.gov)

  For more general park information, the main park phone number is often listed on the official National Park Service website for Mammoth Cave, which is part of www.nps.gov/maca.

  Mailing Address: Mammoth Cave National Park, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave KY 42259.

Always verify information directly with the park service or the reservation platform before embarking on your trip, especially concerning backcountry access, trail conditions, and any specific requirements for primitive camping.

For Kentuckians, Collie Ridge Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the true essence of our state's wild beauty, making it an incredibly suitable destination for those seeking a genuine outdoor adventure. Unlike the more developed and often crowded frontcountry campgrounds, Collie Ridge provides a secluded sanctuary where the rhythm of nature dictates your stay. This deep immersion is perfect for locals looking to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the serene landscapes that define our Commonwealth.

Its location within Mammoth Cave National Park is a significant draw. While many visit the park for its famed cave tours, venturing into its backcountry, particularly to a site like Collie Ridge, allows Kentuckians to appreciate the park from a unique and more intimate perspective. The effort required to reach the campground—whether hiking or horseback riding a few miles in—rewards visitors with a profound sense of accomplishment and a quietude rarely found elsewhere. This makes it an ideal spot for experienced backpackers seeking a challenging yet fulfilling excursion, or for equestrians who cherish the freedom of riding through extensive natural trails with an authentic wilderness overnight stay.

The primitive nature of Collie Ridge fosters self-reliance and environmental stewardship, aligning perfectly with the values of many outdoor-loving Kentuckians. The steady water supply nearby, while requiring treatment, is a valuable resource that allows for longer stays without the burden of carrying excessive amounts of water. Furthermore, the close proximity to small waterfalls and the overall lush, forested environment enhance the aesthetic and sensory experience, providing a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and reflection. For those who believe that the best camping involves minimal infrastructure and maximum nature, Collie Ridge Campground is not just a place to sleep; it’s an invitation to embrace the wild, rugged heart of Kentucky, offering memories that are truly earned and deeply cherished.