Mammoth Cave National Park
2 campgrounds in the park · 55 nearby · 5 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo / J. Cooper
4 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureGreen River Ferry Temporarily Out of ServiceThe Green River Ferry has temporarily suspended operation due to low water levels. Ferry service will resume once water levels rise and conditions are safe. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000
- Park closureElevator for Accessible Tour Out of ServiceDue to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.
- InformationTemporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation ProjectThe Old Guides Trail, Heritage Trail, Sunset Point Trail and areas of the Sinkhole Trail are currently closed due to a trail rehabilitation project.
- InformationTickets are required to enter Mammoth CaveReservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 2 campgroundsAll reserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 55 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 5 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 2
Camping near the park 55
- Aerial viewCampground
Maple Springs Group Campground
0.5 mi · Brownsville, KY
- Aerial viewCampground
Raymer Hollow Campsite
2.6 mi · Brownsville, KY
Free and dispersed nearby 5
See them on the mapServices nearby: 5 dump stations · 4 rest areas
About Mammoth Cave
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's 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…
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's 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 Region.
Photos: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo · NPS Photo/ Jackie Wheet
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
Weather
Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average…
Plan your visit
Hours
Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services such as cave tours and the visitor center are limited after-hours. There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.
Getting there
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.
Weather
Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).
Camped at Mammoth Cave? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Maple Springs and Mammoth Cave Campground.