Overview

Green River Ferry has closed due to structural damage caused by flooding. While the Ferry is down it can take 45 minutes to get from the Visitor Center to the Maple Springs Campground and Backcountry trail heads by going through Brownsville.

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.

Facilities

Access to the primitive campground is best via ferry, located six miles from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. The ferry accommodates up to two cars, and the ride is free, taking just a few minutes. Taking the ferry is the quickest route to the campground. If the ferry is unavailable, you will need to drive around, which takes about 45 minutes. For information on ferry schedules and trailer standards, call (270) 758-2166.

These sites offer electric and water hookups. Sites 1, 2, 3, and 4 are recommended for equestrian use and feature a horse tie-up area. Please consider sites 5, 6, and 7 before booking the others, and prioritize those with horses for the equestrian sites. Note that there is no sewer or dump station at Maple Springs.

A small amphitheater is available on-site, and a large fire pit is provided for groups on a first-come, first-served basis.

Natural Features

Recreation

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

• These sites have electric and water. Sites 1, 2, 3, and 4 are recommended for equestrian and include a horse tie-up area. Please consider sites 5, 6, and 7 before booking the others, and allow those with horses priority for the equestrian sites. There is no sewer or dumpstation at Maple Springs.

• 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 are prohibited anywhere within Mammoth Cave National Park.

• • Green River Ferry has closed due to structural damage caused by flooding. While the Ferry is down it can take 45 minutes to get from the Visitor Center to the Maple Springs Campground and Backcountry trail heads by going through Brownsville. 

  • Green River Ferry hours are 6:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday central standard time and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet.  

  • Please note: If you are driving an RV you will not be able to board the ferry and will need to take the driving route around the park listed in the driving directions under the "Getting Here" tab. If the river levels are high or low you may cross the ferry with a trailer. You may call the Green River Ferry at 270-758-2166 or go to NPS Website to make sure it is operational the day of your arrival. 

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

• 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.
• Fireworks are prohibited.

• Check-in is at 12:00 pm, cst. Check-out is at 11:00 am, cst.

Available Activities

• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Camping - Camping
• Biking - Biking
• Birding - Birding
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Hiking - Hiking
• Horse Camping - Horse Camping
• Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Mushroom Picking - Mushroom Picking
• Photography - Photography
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
• Star Gazing - Star Gazing

Directions

<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 on the Green River Ferry Road. Cross the ferry and follow the signs to Maple Springs. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. For trailers or large vehicles, use alternate directions. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet.</li> <li>Alternate 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. Turn left on HWY 70 to Brownsville. Make a right on HWY 259. Turn right onto HWY 728 which becomes HWY 1827. Then turn right onto HWY 1352 and follow signs to Maple Springs Group Campground. Turn right onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left.</li> <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 on the Green River Ferry Road. Cross the ferry and follow the signs to Maple Springs. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. For trailers or large vehicles, use alternate directions. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet.</li> <li>Alternate 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. Turn left on HWY 70 to Brownsville. Make a right on HWY 259. Turn right onto HWY 728 which becomes HWY 1827. Then turn right onto HWY 1352 and follow signs to Maple Springs Group Campground. Turn right onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left.<br></li> </ul>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Group Facilities - Overnight -$10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's use recreation use fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation).   </p> <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