How much does camping cost at Mammoth Cave Campground?

Camping fees at Mammoth Cave Campground range from $25-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mammoth Cave Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mammoth Cave Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mammoth Cave Campground before I book?

Yes! Mammoth Cave Campground has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mammoth Cave Campground?

Mammoth Cave Campground is open March 1 to November 29.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mammoth Cave Campground?

Yes, Mammoth Cave Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Mammoth Cave Campground have?

Mammoth Cave Campground has 109 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mammoth Cave Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mammoth Cave Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mammoth Cave Campground?

Mammoth Cave Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mammoth Cave Campground?

Popular activities at Mammoth Cave Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mammoth Cave Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mammoth Cave Campground?

Fire policies at Mammoth Cave Campground: Fires are restricted to designated fire rings. During burn bans, only propane grills are permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.31

1.2K reviews

P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA

Featured in:Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park#1 Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park#2 Hiking Camping Kentucky

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

640 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Mammoth Cave Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

640 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Mammoth Cave Campground

$25.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 to $50 depending on the type of site reserved. Additional costs include reservation fees and cancellation fees as outlined in the...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$50.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

270-758-2424

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 1.2K reviews

437 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

crowded

"Reviews are mixed but lean positive. The campground is celebrated for its proximity to the Visitor Center and Mammoth Cave, as well as its natural beauty. Complaints often focus on the showers and site maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA

Mammoth Cave Campground

P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA

Nearby places

Cave City, KY (11 miles

20 minutes), Bowling Green, KY (30 miles

40 minutes), Park City, KY (6 miles

10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies, food, and fuel can be purchased at the camp store adjacent to the campground

additional services are available in Cave City, KY (11 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom 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. 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.

Access to the campground is via paved roads, but travelers are advised not to rely solely on GPS systems as routes may be misleading or incorrect.

Best Time to Camp at Mammoth Cave Campground

Fall brings the best conditions. October highs typically reach 55-70°F with nights dropping to 35-50°F, and the hardwood ridges turn gold and red. Trails stay less crowded than summer weekends, and cooler temperatures reduce bug pressure. Summer arrives warm and humid, making the cave's constant temperature a welcome retreat during hot afternoons. Spring sees wildflowers emerge, but expect variable weather. Winter can bring occasional snow and quiet campground loops.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called best conditions; hardwood ridges turn gold/red and trails are less crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 1 to November 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is from March 1 to November 29.
Current Alerts: Burn bans may be implemented during dry seasons, limiting campfire use to propane grills.

About Mammoth Cave Campground

Mammoth Cave Campground sits in the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park, offering 109 sites across four paved loops just a short walk from the Visitor Center and cave tour entrance. Sites range from $25-$50 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. The location makes it easy to explore both the world's longest cave system and the park's surface trails without moving your vehicle.

Campsites are primarily geared toward primitive camping but can accommodate both tents and RVs. The campground includes designated group camping areas. There are no cabins or glamping options.

Historical Significance

Mammoth Cave holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status as Earth's longest recorded cave system, with more than 400 miles of mapped passages still revealing new sections. Native American groups used the caves for ceremonies, and the passages later sheltered Civil War refugees. The limestone and sandstone formations date back millions of years, shaped by the same water processes still carving new features today.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. October highs typically reach 55-70°F with nights dropping to 35-50°F, and the hardwood ridges turn gold and red. Trails stay less crowded than summer weekends, and cooler temperatures reduce bug pressure. Summer arrives warm and humid, making the cave's constant temperature a welcome retreat during hot afternoons. Spring sees wildflowers emerge, but expect variable weather. Winter can bring occasional snow and quiet campground loops.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 640 feet elevation in Kentucky's karst country, where the Green River has carved dramatic valleys through ancient limestone and sandstone. Hardwood ridges surround the loops, providing shade and shelter. White-tailed deer move through the sites at dawn and dusk, and wild turkeys forage in clearings. The rolling hills and hidden springs above ground mirror the complex water-sculpted passages below. Site spacing varies. Some loops have good separation, but the lack of thick understory vegetation between sites means moderate privacy at best.

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the heart of Kentucky's karst country, where the Green River has sculpted dramatic valleys through ancient limestone and sandstone layers over millions of years. This remarkable landscape of rolling hills, hidden springs, and disappearing streams tells the story of water's patient artistry, creating not just the world's longest cave system below your feet, but also the breathtaking surface features that make Mammoth Cave National Park a geological wonderland worth exploring above and below ground.

Scenic ViewsVistas include wooded landscapes and close proximity to the Green River. The campground itself is shaded by trees, adding to the natural appeal.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings within the campground itself, but lodging is available at the nearby Mammoth Cave Lodge.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs such as night sky presentations and historical cave tours are a highlight. Educational content includes the park's geology and ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is after 1:00 PM CST.

Check-out

Check-out time is at 11:00 AM CST.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

Group sites are available accommodating multiple tents and vehicles, though specific limits are not detailed in the source.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFour paved loops divide the campground, each with its own restroom facilities. Sites vary in size but handle most camping setups, though some reviewers note uneven terrain requiring careful tent placement or leveling blocks for RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited due to high demand and reservations are highly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date with fees including a $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees if paid, and forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible campsites with paved paths, accessible parking spaces, and nearby restrooms. Accessibility options include accessible grills and flush toilets.

Site SizeSites vary in size but are spacious enough for most campers. Specific dimensions are not provided but some complaints cite uneven terrain.

PrivacySite privacy is described as moderate. While some campers note good spacing between sites, others report that the lack of foliage between sites reduces privacy.

Total Campsites109 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend avoiding sites near the road due to noise and choosing sites within Loop C for spaciousness and tree cover.

Best CampsitesLoop C gets consistent praise in reviews for spacious sites with good shade and convenient restroom access. Sites farther from the main road see less traffic noise and fewer generator disturbances during peak season.

Need help booking Mammoth Cave Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Mammoth Cave Campground is located in the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park, offering 109 primitive campsites arranged around four paved loops surrounded by scenic woodlands. Restrooms are available in each loop, but showers are located outside the campground behind the Caver's Camp Store, which also sells firewood. Potable water sources are conveniently placed within the loops. A dump station is available on-site, and the campground is within walking distance to the Visitor Center. Coin-operated showers at $1.50 for 4 minutes are frequently described as outdated, with some reviewers calling them 'filthy' and lacking sufficient privacy. The campground is generator-free during quiet hours, which run from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of activities including hiking, biking, birding, and star gazing. Its proximity to Mammoth Cave allows for easy access to cave tours, which are a highlight according to reviews.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are common in the park and may carry diseases. Visitors are advised to take precautions such as using repellents and checking for ticks.

Active AlertsBurn bans may be implemented during dry seasons, limiting campfire use to propane grills.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are restricted to designated fire rings. During burn bans, only propane grills are permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Cave City, KY, including medical facilities, police stations, and fire services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are provided, with a central waste station available near the campground entrance. Recycling options include bottles and cans, but there is limited provision for paper and cardboard.

Water FeaturesThe Green River is within walking distance, offering opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Camp HostNo specific details about campground hosts are available.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews on cell phone reception. Some users with Verizon report decent connectivity, while others, especially those with AT&T or T-Mobile, face challenges. Wi-Fi is available near the Visitor Center.

Weather at Mammoth Cave Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

1.2K reviews

Recommended

Mammoth Cave Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed but lean positive. The campground is celebrated for its proximity to the Visitor Center and Mammoth Cave, as well as its natural beauty. Complaints often focus on the showers and site maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 1233 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and the convenience of walking to trails and the Visitor Center. Wildlife sightings and ranger-led programs receive consistent acclaim.

Based on 1233 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the coin-operated showers (described as 'dirty' and 'outdated'), poor site maintenance (muddy terrain, unclean fire pits), and lack of oversight by rangers during quiet...

Based on 1233 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, book cave tours in advance, and consider campsites further from the road for less noise. Ensure food is locked away to prevent wildlife disturbances.

Based on 1233 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall receive the most positive reviews for moderate weather and fewer bugs. Summer visitors often complain about mosquitoes and high humidity. Winter camping is less common due to limited...

Based on 1233 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were clean and air-conditioned, which was a relief in the summer heat." "The coin-operated showers were a letdown—dirty and with no temperature control." "Walking to the Visitor Center...

Based on 1233 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 091 in Loop D is often highlighted for its full hookups and proximity to facilities. Site 078 in Loop C is described as spacious but on uneven terrain.

Based on 1233 reviews