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 01 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. 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: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. 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 Official Website

Get Directions

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 Official Website

Get Directions

Mammoth Cave Campground

$25.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-204174: $40.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

270-758-2424

I manage this campground

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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)

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.

Weather at Mammoth Cave Campground

Current alerts(13)

All wheels must be on paved pad. Overflow parking is in the Camp Store parking lot. This includes all trailers, popups, teardrops, RVs, ect. Please stay on paved areas to prevent ruts and destroying vegetation.
Campground is within walking distance of the Visitor Center, cave tours, trails, and camp store.
Dump and Fill stations are located in the Camp Store parking lot.
Firearms must be carried in accordance with Kentucky state law, but all other weapons are prohibited. Possession of firearms in the park buildings and cave is prohibited. The use of firearms is prohibited anywhere within Mammoth Cave National Park.

Best Time to Camp at Mammoth Cave Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 55–70°F, nights 35–50°F in October) and the most striking surface scenery as hardwood ridges turn gold and red, making hikes and scenic drives especially rewarding. Trails and park roads are less crowded than summer weekends, wildlife is active during cooler mornings, and buggy insect pressure drops—ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Cave tours remain a great complement on warm afternoons or chilly mornings because the Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

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 01 to November 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is from March 1 to November 29.

About Mammoth Cave Campground

Mammoth Cave Campground sits within Mammoth Cave National Park in south-central Kentucky, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Visitors hike the park's extensive trail system, explore the world's longest cave system via ranger-led tours, and enjoy quiet hours enforced throughout the grounds.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 55–70°F, nights 35–50°F in October) and the most striking surface scenery as hardwood ridges turn gold and red, making hikes and scenic drives especially rewarding. Trails and park roads are less crowded than summer weekends, wildlife is active during cooler mornings, and buggy insect pressure drops—ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Cave tours remain a great complement on warm afternoons or chilly mornings because the Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation640 ft above sea level

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.

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-out

11:00 AM

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

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?

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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

I manage this campground

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

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

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.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1233 reviews.

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

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

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and restrooms are appreciated, though some users reported uneven trails that could be challenging for wheelchairs.

Based on 1233 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. Users recommend planning for pet waste disposal, as bags are not always available on-site.

Based on 1233 reviews

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Go if

You want a base camp for cave tours and trail access with amenities like showers, laundry, and a camp store.

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You're bothered by generator noise or prefer free showers instead of pay facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.1

(280)

Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping

Mammoth Cave National Park, PO Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Mammoth Cave Backcountry Camping offers primitive, permit-only sites scattered across the forested ridges and valleys of Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky. Managed by the National Park Service, this backcountry system attracts hikers seeking solitude along trails that wind through hardwood forests and past limestone bluffs above the cave-drained landscape. Visitors come for multi-day treks, wildlife observation, and riverside camps accessible only on foot.