Campground

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

61%
32%
10%
10%
0%

4.5

out of 5

137 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2020

It what it says it is!

Cute campground. Dog friendly. Super convenient location to the cave tours. Pretty clean bathrooms. Showers closed due to covid.

Reviewed Oct. 7, 2020

Peace & Quite under the forest canopy!

This was a beautiful campsite. Very clean and quiet. The restrooms were very well kept. A fire pit and picnic table at the sites and a fairly level parking spot. Will be back when passing through.

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Zachary C., October 7, 2020
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

A Peaceful Weekend

My friends and I had a lovely weekend camping! The park rangers gave great recommendations of which trails to go on & the site was clean and easy to find. Our neighbors were quiet and despite the rain, we had a great time!

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Willow J., September 2, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020

Great park, okay camping

The park is amazing and definitely worth the stay so you can see the entire park. The campground wasn’t the best I’ve been to, but worth it for the amenities around it. Sites were close together and have a parking lot feel. I didn’t stay in the lodge, but I’d imagine that would be a nice stay if you didn’t want to camp. The deli was nice. We saw wild turkeys everywhere and the caves were absolutely amazing

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Elizabeth V., August 28, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

Huge and lots of people

Imagine a giant parking lot with trees. That’s your campground. RV and tent camping are mixed. Restrooms were rough, but useable, when you’re done waiting.

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2020

Very peaceful

Nice little tent spaces in the woods offered a lot of tree coverage and nice weather. Bathrooms were kept clean and glad to see they were flushing and not pit toilets!

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2020

Great sites

Sites are decently leveled. Some are lower and can flood easy with decent rain. They are only doing 50% capacity right now but even with full capacity it would be comfortable camping as the sites are spaced well. We didn’t get to do the cave tour as they were booked and we didn’t think to book in advance. We will be back

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Brittni F., July 1, 2020
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2019

Accommodating

We arrived after hours and were told we could stay in a site, and in the morning they would find us an open campsite. Although it rained we still had a great experience at the campsite, hiking and caving.

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Sarona A., October 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Sarona A., October 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Sarona A., October 8, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2019

Wonderful park

This park was great and the camping in the park was also very nice. The park had free self guided tour the day we went, which was awesome! They have other guided tours as well, that take you to different parts of the cave. The ice cream at the gift shop was delicious after a hike also!!

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2019

Such a great NP campground

I loved this campground. It was in the perfect location for exploring the national park. The spots were very spacious and nice! The bathrooms were well maintained and clean. I would return to this campground. There was a camp store and showers right outside the campground, in walking distance.

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Rebecca A., September 20, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2019

Hidden Gem

We went in March and it was chilly! But a great spot for backcountry hiking and camping. We did not see anybody on the trails or on our site! If you want privacy, this is it. We camped at First Creek 1 backcountry site. The caves tours are an amazing experience that I recommend you plan in your itinerary. an 11 mile hike near our camp site has a beautiful little creek and waterfall at the end of the trail.

SiteFirst Creek 1
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Nyssa L., September 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Nyssa L., September 3, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2019

Shady and peaceful

Fantastic campground with lots of trees. Clean and well maintained this was the best campground I've been to in a long time I went twice in a month. Buy cave tour tickets online before you go as the tours do sell out. If you have kids do the junior ranger program.

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2019

Beautiful and fun park!

We had a great time at Mammoth Caves! The tour of the cave was one of the coolest activities we’ve done camping. Very unique and memorable! The caves are VERY cold so I was miserable without a sweater. But very much worth doing!

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2019

Very nice!

Great experience all around. Clean, quiet. My sister and I had a wonderful stay and plan to return. She accidentally locked her keys in her car and the kind park rangers helped her get the door unlocked. Can’t wait to go back!

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Donica B., August 8, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2019

Wanderlust

I would plan for more time our next visit.   There are so many different cave tours.   We stayed in the cabins.  Nice area and the cabin was very clean with comfortable beds.   The ranger program for the kids is nice and they receive a badge when completed task in the book.  The park area was nice.   We saw deer 🦌 all evening.   No complaints.

SiteCabin
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lona T., August 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lona T., August 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lona T., August 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lona T., August 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lona T., August 7, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lona T., August 7, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2019

Wow! This place is amazing!

We love coming here for the cave of course. If you are not to squeamish to enjoy one of mother earths natural beauties of the underground the. This isn’t for you! They have amazing cave tours of all times of the day some for expert and some amateurs. This is a very neat place and wonder of the world as it holds the record for largest cave system in the world!!

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Benjamin W., June 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Benjamin W., June 16, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2019

Very Nice Campground

Great campground with only 2 less than ideal factors: 1) it is close to the main road through the park, so there is some occasional road noise. 2) the campsites are relatively close together. Otherwise, this is a great campground. It is mostly all shaded with lots of trees, birds and deer interact with the campers, convenient to the camp store with warm showers (.25 cents for 4.5 minutes) and close to the visitor center.

Reviewed Jun. 8, 2019

Awesome

We took a chance not knowing anything about this campground. It’s beautiful here and they take really good care of the grounds. They were super helpful and we are so happy we stopped here. I highly recommend staying here.

Reviewed May. 18, 2019

Great National Park Campground

If you are looking for something cushy, this is not the campground for you. I happen to love this type of camping, so I'm giving it 5 stars. Here's what to know: No campsite water or electric The bathrooms are just that, bathrooms. Showers are located at the general store which is walkable but it's a small trek. Bring quarters, ones and/or five dollar bills for the shower.
Bring something to carry your water to your campsite for dishes and whatnot. There is a water pump at the bathroom areas. Easy walking access to visitors center. The firewood at the store is BioWood. Good for cooking, burns hot and long. Worth the price. Campsite 20 had a ton of shade trees which helped when it rained but it's in the back and beside a main road.

In May, before Memorial Day, there are no crowds. Bonus! We would stay again if in the area.

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Shawna F., May 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Shawna F., May 18, 2019
Reviewed May. 1, 2019

Best weekend ever

Loved staying at the mammoth cave state park last weekend. April 26th-28th 2019.

No reservations are needed until May 1st. It was Walk up First come first serve from March through May. The last weekend of April was perfect and was not over crowded but had a good amount of visitors. We had perfect weather as well. The camp grounds are clean and nice looking , bathrooms also very clean and have normal toilets, laundry room had new washers and dryers and very roomy & clean with attached bathrooms & showers for men & women. The camp store was nicely set up and had plenty of foods and stuff Incase you forgot anything. However they do not sell real fire wood. They do sell compressed fire bricks. That Looks-like compressed sawdust bricks. So if you want real fire wood you have to go off trail and find it. Recommend and saw to cut it up but there was plenty of dead branches to be found through out the park and you are allowed to pick it up and burn it. The cave tours are fun and educational however if you lack fitness some of them will test your limits. So know your limits before booking. Highly recommend buying your tickets before you arrive as they fill up super fast and they offer more tours during the peak season than they do in spring.

The lodge is nice has 2 restaurants one is sit down one is fast food snacks like setting. There are 5 gift shops in all between the camp store has 1 the lodge has 2 and the visitors center has 2. It’s worth the trip if your in to caving and hiking. Unfortunately there is lack of access to the river unless you go backwoods hiking/camping But all in all it’s a fun time!

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2019

More than just caves!

Only stayed here for one night, but the campsite had a concrete table and a nice fire pit area! We stayed at site 105 per the ranger’s recommendation. It was set right on the edge of a very large wooded area which was fun to explore due to the lack of underbrush. Nice big visitor center and a good sized camp store. Also wonderfully close to the amazing Dinosaur World!!

  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Ryan M., April 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Ryan M., April 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Ryan M., April 8, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

BEST Tent Campground

Let me just say, it is nice to find a campground that not only welcomes tent campers but seems to be designed for them exclusively. This campground is primarily a tent site. There are a handful of RV sites, but over 3/4 of the camp is set up for tents only which makes for a better overall outdoor feel without the humming of generators, the height of large RVs blocking your tree views and the overall feeling the you are squished in next to someone.

The closest campground to the Visitor Center, this campground has narrow roads through camp, flushing toilets and hot showers. Preparing for tent campers, the amenities are vast enough to not feel like you are stuck waiting for a shower because they have not properly accommodated you. It is a great feeling to have.

Seasonally there is a small camp store which offers ice and firewood along with some basic items. I even picked up an ice cream here on a hot evening.

My site was $20 and was well shaded, almost nestled into the trees.I was in site 46 which was on the bend and seemed a bit closer to other campers, yet I still had plenty of space for my activities as a solo camper. Had I have been in a larger group or even not camping as a single I might have opted for a site a bit further around the loop.

TIPS:

  • If you are a senior and have an access pass you can present this when booking and get 1/2 off your site.

  • Look at the campground map in advance, you wlll be happy to have done so when looking for larger sites or sites which offer pull through options.

  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

Backcountry Camping - Free Permit

Mammoth Cave has several camping options depending on what type of camping you enjoy. I decided to check out several of those to get a full understanding of just what all was out there. Amongst these options are permitted backcountry camps which are hike in camps accessed by free permits.

To get one of the permits you must register with a valid ID and the make and model of your vehicle. This keep unattended vehicles from being towed from parking areas. Camps are as close as half a mile from public use camping areas but scatter over a vast area. They are large enough for groups but also accessed by individuals.

I hiked out to the first of the group camps positioned on my map, which was given to me at the Visitor Center when I registered, no one appeared to be there so I checked it out fully and determined it was perfect for what I needed. There were plenty of trees for coverage or for those wanting to set up a hammock. Fire rings are located at each of the sites and they have been very minimally cleared making for a great area to set up a tent or several small tents.

The first camp is not very deep into the backcountry, yet is still very quiet and perfect for someone who wants a little adventure without a full day of hiking just to get to camp. There was a nearby flow of water and you could use a lifestraw or purification tabs for converting this water, however they do recommend you bring your own water to drink.

All in all, of the backcountry camps I have visited this one was one of the better ones. I didn't check out others on the map on this trip because I didn't want to be as deep into the woods where there was even more chance of encountering bears.

TIPS:

  • Get your permit earlier in the day - They issue permits up to 15 minutes before close but only issue certain amount per day, best to get your permit early.
  • Tie up your food and trash - This area is known for wildlife so you will want to secure your items up high at your camp to not attract animals into your campsite.
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Crystal C., October 25, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

Just "okay" backcountry camping

We hiked the First Creek Loop Trail at Mammoth Cave National Park and backcountry camped. The campiste itself was okay. There was a fire pit and log to sit on. There were plenty of trees to hang a hammock. There was a water source, but the park ranger didn't really recommend getting and filtering water from it, and once we arrived, we could see why. You would have a difficult time actually getting down to the water as there was no real clearing or way to it. The also was a very thick, green sludge film on top of the water. So we carried in what we would need for our overnight. The campsite was decent size and away from any others, so it was nice an quiet. We did have to take a very short ferry ride in our car to get across the water.

Sitebackcountry
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Alison C., October 8, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2018

Better than expected

This place was great! Very interesting place to visit. Way unexpected divercity. Subterranean beauty on a grand scale! Very knowledgeable guides with interesting facts and stories. Excellent way to spend a day!

Reviewed Sep. 18, 2018

Very rustic

This campground was reasonably priced, but lacked electric & water at each campsite. There was a good fire pit with cooking grill, efficient, clean bathrooms, but showers were at camp store, cost money to use, and generally not very nice. There was a laundromat & a post office connected to camp store. It was pretty there, & closest camping to the caves. But we missed the conveniences of electric, water, & nice, free showers!

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

Best place to stay in the park!

Close to the store, visitor center, and tours. Great location, clean sites, everything we needed. Bathrooms were exceptional!! Best ones we've stayed in!! Would have been nice to have a utility sink to wash dishes, I hated dumping my wash water down those sparkling toilets!! lol

Site41
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Aliy L., September 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Aliy L., September 1, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2018

Large sites close to Coooool Caves

We were nervous about our tent fitting on the pad.....but we could have fit 4 tents on the pad. There was a picnic table, tree coverage, and close to the bathrooms. It was muggy outside, but the bathrooms were air conditioned! There were 2 stalls and 2 sinks, but it was clean. Showers, laundry, and post office are located by the store. You have to pay $1.00 for 4 minutes. There was a storm that blew in the night we stayed, but there were plenty of drains under the pad. It was quiet, clean, and spacious. I wanna go back....like today.

Site10D?
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lahree C., August 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lahree C., August 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park by Lahree C., August 18, 2018