Camping

Mammoth Cave National Park has three frontcountry campgrounds that offer common camping amenities and close proximity to the park’s visitor center area and cave tours. Goods & Services, such as laundry machines, shower facilities, and camping supplies are also available in the park.

The park also has 13 designated backcountry campsites or riverside camping options that offer opportunities to find solitude in the park’s rugged hills and majestic woodlands. Reaching these remote sites requires hiking, riding a horse, or paddling on the river for several miles.

All camping in the park requires a permit. Most sites are available by reservation which are highly recommended, especially around holidays and weekends. You may now make reservations directly from our website to the Recreation.gov reservation system.

Make sure to check out our Camping Regulations before you visit.

Season runs from March 1st to November 30th for Mammoth Cave and Maple Springs.
Houchin Ferry is the only campground that is open year-round. Backcountry is year-round with exceptions.

Provide an excellent example to all visitors by following the Seven Leave No Trace Principles.

 

Campground	2024 Dates	Nightly Fee	Senior/Access Pass	Sites
Mammoth	3/1 – 11/30	$25	$12.50	111	●	●	●		2	●	●	36
Houchin Ferry	Year Round	$20	$10.00	12	●			●				No RV or Trailers
Maple Springs	3/1 - 11/30	$50	No Discounts for Group Sites	7	●			●	7 - No Sewer		●	40
Accessible sites		Flush toilets		Full hookups			Generators allowed 8am to 8pm			RV max length (ft.)
Pay Showers/Laundry				Vault toilets			Dump station

 

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  Mammoth Cave Campground

  Tent campsites, group campsites, RV campsites, and accessible campsites just a short walk from the visitor center.

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  Maple Springs Campground

  Group campsites, horseback group campsites, and RV campsites just a 10 minute drive from the visitor center.

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  Houchin Ferry Campground

  Tent only campsites a 20 minute drive from the visitor center

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  Backcountry & Riverside Camping

  Rugged undeveloped tent sites, horseback sites, and paddle-in riverside sites.

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  Know your responsibilities

  Camping Regulations

  Take time to learn how you can protect Mammoth Cave's campsites while staying in the park.

 

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FIREWOOD QUARANTINE: Firewood from a number of states is quarantined due to an insect infestation by one or more insect pests (e.g. the Emerald Ash Borer) that is devastating certain tree species. To prevent infestation of trees in the park, transport of firewood into the park is prohibited. You may pick up any dead or downed wood inside the park or purchase wood from the Caver's Camp Store located near the park Visitor Center. Store hours vary with season; check bulletin board at kiosk for current hours. Please help protect our forests from these destructive pests and do not bring firewood into the Park.

 

Contact Recreation.gov

By Phone: [phone]
TDD (hearing impaired): [phone]
Online: www.recreation.gov
Call Center Hours: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm Central Time