How much does camping cost at Maple Springs?

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

Is Maple Springs first-come first-served or reservation?

Maple Springs 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 Maple Springs before I book?

Yes! Maple Springs has 19 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 Maple Springs?

Maple Springs 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 Maple Springs?

Maple Springs does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Maple Springs?

Fire policies at Maple Springs: 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.

How many campsites does Maple Springs have?

Maple Springs has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Maple Springs?

Yes, pets are allowed at Maple Springs. 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 Maple Springs?

Maple Springs offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Maple Springs?

Popular activities at Maple Springs include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Maple Springs

3.86

152 reviews

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

Peace & QuietStargazingGreat for Groups

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kentucky

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

814 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial Hookups

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

814 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial Hookups

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Maple Springs

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN ELECTRIC: $50.00; EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $50.00; Group Electric: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

270-758-2424

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Maple Springs

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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

Maple Springs

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

Nearby places

Mammoth Cave Visitor Center: ~6 miles (via ferry) or ~45-minute detour

Brownsville: ~15 miles (~25 minutes driving).

Driving directionsDirections from both the North and South are provided with options to avoid ferry issues. From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit), and follow KY-70/255 turning left on Green River Ferry Road and crossing the ferry (ensure vehicle meets ferry weight and length restrictions). Alternate route bypassing ferry involves KY-70 to Brownsville, HWY 259, HWY 728 turning to HWY 1827, then HWY 1352, leading to Maple Springs Loop. South route: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit), turning left on KY-255 which transitions to Park City Road leading to Mammoth Cave Parkway. Alternate route bypasses ferry through HWY 70, Brownsville, HWY 259 and HWY 728.

Weather at Maple Springs

Current alerts(7)

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 are prohibited anywhere within Mammoth Cave National Park.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Green River Ferry is subject to last minute closures. If the Ferry is down, it can take 45 minutes to get from the Visitor Center to the Maple Springs Campground and Backcountry trail heads by going through Brownsville.
Learn more about White-nose syndrome, a disease caused by a fungus that is threatening cave-hibernating bat populations in our national parks.

Best Time to Camp at Maple Springs

Best season: fall. Fall is the best time to visit for comfortable daytime temperatures and spectacular leaf color—expect daytime highs around 55–70°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to low-50s. Trails are at their most pleasant for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing as humidity drops and deer and migratory birds are active; the cool ~54°F cave interiors offer a refreshing contrast. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends see leaf-peepers but weekdays are much quieter, making it easy to enjoy Maple Springs' peaceful Peak months: October, May, April, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Called the 'sweet spot': ideal temps, crisp nights, vivid fall foliage and dry trails.

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 annually.

About Maple Springs

Maple Springs is a National Park Service campground in Mammoth Cave National Park, offering a small collection of sites with electric and water hookups alongside primitive and group options. The campground provides a quiet base for exploring the park's extensive trail network and cave system, with spacious sites that offer privacy and frequent wildlife sightings. It operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit.

Maple Springs Campground offers group camping with options for equestrian sites, tent camping, and RVs. The campground is small, with only seven designated sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall is the best time to visit for comfortable daytime temperatures and spectacular leaf color—expect daytime highs around 55–70°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to low-50s. Trails are at their most pleasant for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing as humidity drops and deer and migratory birds are active; the cool ~54°F cave interiors offer a refreshing contrast. Crowd levels are moderate: weekends see leaf-peepers but weekdays are much quieter, making it easy to enjoy Maple Springs' peaceful Peak months: October, May, April, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation814 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies karst terrain atop the world's longest cave system, where over 400 miles of surveyed passages wind through limestone beneath your tent. Above ground, the Green River Valley shows the surface signs of this underground world: sinkholes, springs, and limestone bluffs rising through second-growth forest. White-tailed deer graze at dawn. Wild turkeys move through the underbrush. Coyotes call at dusk. The elevation is 814 feet, and the setting feels genuinely secluded despite the park infrastructure nearby.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or other accommodations are available within Maple Springs Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

~24 guests per group campsite.

Groups

Group sites can host up to 24 people and are spacious, accommodating multiple tents or trailers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via Recreation.gov, which offers booking through online platforms, the contact center, and mobile app.

Site SizeThe sites are large and can accommodate multiple tents/trailers, with descriptions of spacious and level areas.

PrivacySites are well-spaced, providing privacy and a quiet camping experience.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesEquestrian sites (1-4) feature hitching posts. For non-equestrian groups, sites 5-7 offer spacious areas.

Best CampsitesSites 1-5 get mentioned for good spacing and utility connections. Reviews emphasize that all sites are large enough for multiple tents or trailers, with level ground that makes setup easier.

Need help booking Maple Springs?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

These sites offer electric and water hookups. Sites 1, 2, 3, and 4 are recommended for equestrian use and feature a horse tie-up area. Note that there is no sewer or dump station at Maple Springs.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Maple Springs can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the Mammoth Cave system to hiking, horseback riding, and stargazing. Wildlife viewing is popular, with frequent sightings of deer, coyotes, and turkeys.

Hiking

Biking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground is equipped with pit toilets instead.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Maple Springs

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From Booking Sources

3.9

152 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Maple Springs has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the quiet, remote nature of the campground, its spacious sites, and proximity to trails. However, complaints included lack of maintenance, ferry issues, and insufficient amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 152 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 152 reviews.

Site G001Loved
Site G001 was praised for its cleanliness and pet-friendliness.
Site G003Loved
Site G003 was noted for its spacious layout and proximity to trails.
Site G007Loved
Site G007 was described as beautiful but highlighted ferry-related access issues.

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites, privacy, quiet surroundings, access to trails, scenic beauty, and wildlife sightings were commonly praised.

Based on 152 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback focused on ferry closures, lack of dump stations, outdated facilities, and maintenance issues such as uncut grass and trash.

Based on 152 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest confirming ferry operations before arrival, bringing extra lighting due to the campground's darkness at night, and being prepared for the lack of on-site amenities like showers and...

Based on 152 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall were noted as ideal seasons for camping due to mild weather and blooming wildflowers. The summer can be challenging due to ferry closures and high insect activity.

Based on 152 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The sites have plenty of space. Backing in is a challenge, but the drive is paved for the wrong direction." "Campground was beautiful. Bathrooms clean. Pet friendly." "Quiet and perfectly located to...

Based on 152 reviews