Overview

New Winter Hours for Enclosed shelter (G-1). December 1st, 2025, to February 28th, 2026. During this time only, hour will be 9am to 4pm. Key and instructions will be picked up at the Visitor Center.

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 (Pick up the key at the Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk the day of your reservation.)

• Shelter G-2 in Picnic Area is an Open Shelter

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.

Facilities

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

• Only the enclosed shelter has electric outlets.

• Enclosed shelter has 10 tables and 57 chairs.

• NO fires in the Enclosed Shelter.

• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

• Learn more about White-nose syndrome, a disease caused by a fungus that is threatening cave-hibernating bat populations in our national parks.

• Firearms must be carried in accordance with Kentucky state law, but all other weapons are prohibited. The possession of concealed firearms requires a valid concealed weapons permit recognized by the state of Kentucky. Possession of firearms in the park buildings and cave is prohibited. The use of firearms are prohibited anywhere within Mammoth Cave National Park.

• Fireworks are prohibited.

Available Activities

• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Birding - Birding
• Environmental Education - Environmental Education
• Hiking - Hiking
• Mushroom Picking - Mushroom Picking
• Photography - Photography
• Picnicking - Picnicking

Directions

Note: Do not rely exclusively on your mobile GPS, Google Maps or similar automated navigation systems to get to the Mammoth Cave Campground. Routes can be misleading and incorrect. <br>Directions 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. Once in the Visitor Center parking lot turn right into the Picnic Area.</br> <br>Directions 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. Once in the Visitor Center parking lot turn right into the Picnic Area.</br>

Cancellation Policy

<p><strong>For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:</strong></p> <p><strong>https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies</strong></p>

Contact Information

Phone: 270-758-2424

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip