Mammoth Cave National Park

Waterfall at Historic Entrance

The sound of falling water welcomes visitors into the natural entrance of Mammoth Cave.

Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the worlds longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.

Heritage Trail

The half-mile Heritage Trail leads to panoramic views of the Green River.

Historic Entrance

The Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave has welcomed explorers for centuries.

Cleaveland Avenue

The network of cave passages in the Mammoth Cave system stretches over 400 miles.

Good Spring Baptist Church

Three historic church structures still stand, shedding light on the pre-park communities that once existed here.

Green River Valley

Rolling hills and valleys can be seen from many of the overlooks in the park.

Gothic Avenue

Over two hundred years of guided tours leads to the history of Mammoth Cave.

Mammoth Cave - Dripstone Wall

Dripstone formations create a panoply of textures in the Frozen Niagara section of Mammoth Cave as slowly dripping water redeposits dissolved limestone over the course of centuries. Image is a panoramic composite.

Wonder in Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave's shadows have beckoned the explorer deep within its visitors for geneerations, asking the question "Where does that lead? What lies in the dark places?" The questions remain as compelling today as they did for the first explorers.

Green River in Mammoth Cave National Park

More than 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers course through Mammoth Cave NP, representing one of the most biologically diverse river systems in the Eastern United States. Their languid waters are a magnet for canoeist, kayakers and anglers.

Fog at the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave

A layer of mist hangs over a small tour group gathered at the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave on a summer day - it both delights the skin and fogs spectacles, and gives a sense that one is on the threshold of another world.

Frances Benjamin Johnston Enters Mammoth Cave in 1892

Frances Benjamin Johnston and her photographic expedition enter the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave, 1892.

Group Campsite A-8

RecAreaDirections

DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS!

From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.

From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.

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Facilities

Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Mammoth Cave National Park encompasses 52,830 acres in south central Kentucky and protects the diverse geological, biological and historical features associated with the longest known cave in the world. Backcountry camping is one of the many outdoor pleasures that visitors enjoy. There are 13 designated peaceful and scenic backcountry campsites. There is also the option of riverbank/island camping. Permits for Backcountry Camping and Riverbank Camping may be purchased online in advance on www.recreation.gov or obtained at Park (Please see * below for details.) Riverbank camping permits are not released to purchase till 7 days out. Also, Riverbank camping permits are not issued or released if river level is 20 feet or above. For any questions, please call the Visitor Center at 270-758-2180.

*Please Note: Camping Permits should be emailed to you if you made a reservation through Recreation.gov website. If you cannot print your permit or save to your phone, you may visit Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk during March 1st through November 30th. During the closed season December 1 through February 28 please go to the Visitor Center for all camping permits.

Please Note: There is a $10.00 Non Refundable Reservation Fee Regardless of number of nights booked, specific to backcountry and/or floodplain/riverside campging.

Recreation

The parks backcountry, 37 square miles of this rugged, inviting landscape await you along more than 66 miles of trails, and the winding turns of the Green and Nolin Rivers. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, birding, and photography.

Facilities

Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping is NOT a physical campground located at one location. There are 13 designated sites that are located within the north side of Mammoth Cave National Park, where you hike to the reserved site. This is primitive, backcountry camping in tents. Visitors must park at a designated trailhead and backpack to all locations and carry all their gear, food, and water. Campsites are equipped with a campfire ring and tent pad.

Riverbank Camping is another option which requires a permit. You may purchase this permit online or at Mammoth Cave Campground or Visitor Center. Permits are not issued if river level is 20 feet or above. You must kayak or canoe to camp along the riverbank of Green River.

Natural Features

Backcountry camping offers opportunities to find solitude and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mammoth Cave National Park's rugged hills, majestic woodlands, and scenic rivers. Soluble limestone, sinkholes, sinking streams and cave create a landform called Karst Topography.

Nearby Attractions

Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/canoeliveries.htm

Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions. https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/horseback.htm

Mammoth Cave offers tours, check the park website for schedules and reservations. www.nps.gov/maca

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

There are two shelters available at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area for visitor use, two of which can be reserved.

Shelter G-1 in Picnic Area is an Enclosed Shelter
Shelter G-2 in PIcnic Area is an Open Ohelter

The shelters are within Mammoth Cave National Park, which is best known for its cave that extends over 400 miles. The cave formation began millions of years ago when mildly acidic groundwater dissolved on beds of limestone, creating subterranean passages. Native inhabitants of the cave include bats, spiders, and blindfish.

Recreation

Picnicking, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring the caves are of primary interest to visitors. The site has trailheads to the Green River Bluffs Trail and the Dixon Cave Trail. Both hiking trails are about a mile long.

Facilities

The picnic shelters are across from the Visitor Center parking lot, nestled in the Picnic Area. Each shelter is equipped to accommodate up to 60 people. Choose from the enclosed shelter or the open shelters, and enjoy the grassy surrounding area as well.

Natural Features

The picnic shelters are surrounded by oak, elm, and maple trees in the Green River Valley. The park sits above the labyrinth of underground caves and extends out over rolling hill country.

Nearby Attractions

The Green River is where anglers can fish for perch, bass and bluegills, and where kayakers can paddle past lush, tree-lined banks. Any part of Mammoth Cave National Park's 52,800 acres is worth exploring through trails or scenic drives.

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Mammoth Cave Campground puts campers in a prime spot to explore the depths and overland treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is an underground passageway containing more than 400 miles of naturally sculpted limestone and sandstone. It is the longest recorded cave system in the world. The grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways were the inspiration behind the park's name. The campground doubles as an entry point to 14 miles of hiking and biking trails. It's also a five minute walk to the visitor center, where cave tours begin.

Recreation

A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.

Facilities

The 109 primitive campsites are set around a paved parking area surrounded by aromatic trees. Water and restrooms are located on the insides of the loops, and the park Visitor Center is a five minute walk away. Coin operated showers are available adjacent to the campground at the Caver's Camp Store. Inquire at the Camp Store for current shower fees.

Natural Features

The campground is tucked inside Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts scenic valleys along the Green River. The river is within walking distance of the camp, and the hilly Kentucky countryside expands beyond the valley.

Deer and turkeys commonly stroll around the campground, so visitors are likely to see them grazing in the early morning and at dusk.

Nearby Attractions

Nearly 30 miles of the Green and Nolin rivers offer canoeing and boating through the park. Commercial outfitters outside the park rent canoes, kayaks and safety equipment.
Most trails north of the Green River are open for horseback riding. Commercial liveries outside the park rent horses and some may provide organized excursions.

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

MAPLE SPRINGS Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

At Maple Springs, visitors can enjoy the serenity of the campground and surrounding backcountry trails, or spend their days exploring Mammoth Cave. Campers can explore up to ten miles of the cave through a variety of tours available at the Visitor Center. With more than 400 miles (644 km) of mapped passageways, Mammoth Cave ranks as the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave is named for its grand size and scale. Visit the Rotunda for an idea of just how large this underground world is. The World Heritage Site was explored by Native Americans more than 2,000 years ago, and Europeans discovered its existence at the turn of the 19th century.

Recreation

Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable.

Facilities

Access to the primitive campground is best by ferry. The ferry is six miles from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center and fits three cars. Ferry rides are free and take only a few minutes. It is closer to take the ferry to the campground. If the ferry is down, you will drive around which takes about 45 minutes. Call (270) 758-2166 for information, ferry schedules and standards for trailers.

Horse ties are behind the campsites. A small amphitheater is on site and a large fire pit is available for groups on a first come, first served basis.

Natural Features

This campground is part of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 52,800-acre park that includes the Green River Valley, rolling Kentucky hillsides, and the expansive Mammoth Cave with grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways. This remote campsite is quiet, peaceful and ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and coyotes.

Nearby Attractions

Take a tour of Mammoth Cave and see landmark cave areas like the Cathedral Domes and Mammoth's famous formation, Frozen Niagara. Or hike above the caverns to explore sinkholes like Cedar Sink.

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK TOURS Ticket Facility

Overview:

Explore up to ten miles of the incredible Mammoth Cave! With more than 400 miles (644 km) of mapped passageways, Mammoth Cave ranks as the world's longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park was established in 1941, designated a World Heritage Site in 1981 and became the core area of an international Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hill country of south central Kentucky. Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place," but its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned it the name Mammoth.

The park offers a variety of cave tours daily (except Christmas Day). All tours begin and end at the visitor center. Tours range from easy to difficult and may last anywhere from one to six hours. Cave trails and walkways may have electric lights or may be rugged, pitch-dark paths that require visitors to carry a lantern.

Take a little time to ensure the activity you choose is the best one for you. Each tour is fascinating in its own way and shows off the various sections of the caves. Tour highlights include the Rainbow Dome, the Snowball Room, Crystal Lake and the Bottomless Pit. The park also offers free programs on the surface that do not require reservations. Please visit the park website for the current schedule.

Summary of Fees - Mammoth Cave National Park Tours.

Houchin Ferry Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

This lush campground is located 15 miles from the park Visitor Center on the south bank of the Green River. Houchin Ferry campground includes 12 primitive campsites with riverfront views. This is a prime spot if you just want to enjoy the outdoors birdwatching, fishing or canoeing or take a short drive to the Visitor Center where you can plan tour adventures in the Mammoth Cave, the worlds longest cave system.

Recreation

A must-do activity in the park is exploring Mammoth Cave. Walking tours of the caverns leave from the visitor center daily. There are also miles of bike trails and hiking trails within the park.

Facilities

The 12 primitive campsites are surrounded by aromatic trees and for your added enjoyment, the Green River is at your feet. Potable water and portable restrooms are located at the head of the campground. This is a primitive campground.

Natural Features

This remote campsite is quiet, peaceful and ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and coyotes.

Nearby Attractions

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (270) 758-2424.

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Mammoth Cave Visitor Center Facility

The park visitor center is the central point for visitors to orient themselves to what lies both above and below the surface at Mammoth Cave. Situated just up the hill from the cave's Historic Entrance, the visitor center is the departure point for all cave tours, and offers exhibits to prepare you for discovery. You can also meet a ranger for a talk or a hike. Gifts, restrooms, permits and information are available, and visitor amenities are offered by the nearby Mammoth Cave Hotel across the footbridge.