About MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND
Overview Please review "Need to Know" for the campground and additional "Need to Know" information for individual sites.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. Mammoth Cave Campground offers campers a prime location to explore both the depths and surface treasures of Mammoth Cave National Park. 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 beginAll wheels must remain on the pavement within the campground, as varying conditions can cause muddy ruts and erosion.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 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
How to Get There
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. 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. 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND
Heading to MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232467) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND?
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. 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 Cen…
How do I contact MAMMOTH CAVE CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 270-758-2424.
References & Official Resources