Dining in and around the park offers many options, or you can opt to eat surrounded by nature at the park's picnic areas.

In the park, The Mammoth Cave Hotel operates three restaurants in season – The Crystal Lake Coffee Shop provides standard fare, while the Travertine Restaurant offers fine dining and caters to events. Seasonally, TrogloBITES serves food-on-the-go for summer visitors. (270)758-2225.

Outside the park, many restaurants cater to a range of tastes. Call (800)346-8908 or click here for information on local restaurants near the park. Note: the counties around Mammoth Cave National Park are "dry" – alcoholic beverages are not available for sale except for in Cave City and Elizabethtown, where you may be able to purchase a drink with your meal at certain restaurants. The closest "wet" area is Bowling Green. Call (800)326-7465 or click here for information on Bowling Green area dining.

Picnic sites are available at several locations in the park. The Headquarters Picnic Area is located north of the main Visitor Center parking area. Picnic tables are also available at Maple Springs Day-Use Area, Houchins Ferry Picnic Shelter, Dennison Ferry Day-Use Area and Sloan's Crossing Pond.