Mammoth Cave Campground

MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND

Part of Mammoth Cave National Park

Overview

Mammoth Cave Campground offers campers a prime location to explore both the depths and surface treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. 

Clicking on the site link will provide more details about the site's conditions. Be sure to check the 'Need to Know' section for each site to gather additional information on specific conditions. 

All wheels must remain on the pavement within the campground, as varying conditions can cause muddy ruts and erosion.

Mammoth Cave is an underground passageway with over 400 miles of naturally sculpted limestone and sandstone, making it the longest recorded cave system in the world. The grand-scale chambers and winding passageways were the inspiration for the park’s name. 

The campground also serves as an entry point to 14 miles of hiking and biking trails, and is just a five-minute walk to the Visitor Center, where cave tours begin

Facilities

The 109 primitive campsites are arranged around 4 paved loops, surrounded by fragrant trees. Water and restrooms are conveniently located inside each loop, with the park’s Visitor Center just a short five-minute walk away. 

Restroom Locations:

Restrooms are situated within each loop.

  • Loop A: Restroom near the main road.
  • Loop B: Two restrooms located near Site 12 and Site 51.
  • Loop C: One restroom located near Site 82.
  • Loop D: One restroom located near Site 108.

Additional amenities; coin-operated showers are available adjacent to the campground, behind the Caver's Camp Store, next to the Post Office. Please 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.

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.

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.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (270) 758-2424 or call (270) 758-2180 for general information.

Important Notices

  • Please review the 'Need to Know' information for the site you have selected for more details on site conditions.

  • RV max length is 38 feet, Trailer max length is 26 feet.

  • Only one RV per site.

  • Campground is within walking distance of the Visitor Center, cave tours, trails, and camp store.
  • Ticks are common in the park and their bites can spread diseases. Learn steps to prevent tick-borne illness. 

  • 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.
  • Generators are permitted from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Please muffle your generators. You will be asked to turn off generators that make unreasonable noise. Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am central time.

  • ** Please note: Check-out is at 11:00am, CST and Check-in is after 1:00pm, CST

  • All wheels must be on camp pad. Overflow parking is in the Camp Store parking lot. This includes all trailers, popups, teardrops, RVs, ect. Please stay on paved areas to prevent ruts and destroying vegetation.

  • Pets: Keep pets on a leash, no longer than 6 feet, at all times. Dispose of pet waste in garbage. Do not litter. Do not leave pets unattended at a campsite for longer than one hour. Kennels are available at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave. 

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

  • When food is not being prepared or eaten, it must be stored inside a vehicle to prevent wildlife access to human food. Please do not leave trash out for the same reason. 

  • Leave No Trace Seven Principles (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) 

Available Activities

  • Visitor Center - Visitor Center
  • Camping - Camping
  • Birding - Birding
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Photography - Photography
  • Ranger Station - Ranger Station
  • Star Gazing - Star Gazing
  • Caving - Caving
  • Biking - Biking
  • Canoeing - Canoeing
  • Kayaking - Kayaking
  • Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs

Directions

<ul> <li>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.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>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 towards the Visitor Center. Turn left into the campground by the Cavers Camp Store.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>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 towards the Visitor Center. Turn left into the campground by the Cavers Camp Store.<br></li> </ul>

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

P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery