Maple Springs Campground requires a 45-minute drive around Mammoth Cave National Park to reach, as RVs cannot cross the Green River Ferry. This National Park Service facility accommodates rigs up to 50 feet with electric and water hookups for $50 per night, though campers must drive to the main park area for dump station access.
The campground splits between equestrian and general camping areas, creating what one reviewer described as "a little more barn-like than expected." Horse trailers share the grounds with RVs and tents, and early morning riders often warm up their horses along the campground road. "Each site was spacious with room for up to three tents without feeling crowded," notes Carrie J.. Sites feature two fire pits and picnic tables, with adequate spacing between neighbors.
Mountain bike trails connect directly from the campground, allowing riders to access single-track paths without driving elsewhere. The less-traveled location across the Green River provides quieter conditions than the main park. Water access points along the nearby river offer opportunities for filtering and collection, though campers should avoid stagnant areas and check water quality before use.
Pit toilets serve the campground, maintained clean according to multiple reviews, though no shower facilities exist on-site. Cell service works reliably for most carriers. The campground operates with reservations available, and tick populations can be heavy during warmer months despite treatment efforts. Several reviewers noted complete solitude during off-peak periods.
Campers seeking proximity to cave tours should book tickets in advance, as they frequently sell out. For additional options in the area, explore campsites near Mammoth Cave National Park. This facility works best for self-contained campers comfortable with basic amenities and those planning extended mountain biking or equestrian activities.
Description
Overview
At Maple Springs, visitors can enjoy the serenity of the campground and surrounding backcountry trails, or spend their days exploring Mammoth Cave. Campers can explore up to ten miles of the cave through a variety of tours available at the Visitor Center. With more than 400 miles (644 km) of mapped passageways, Mammoth Cave ranks as the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave is named for its grand size and scale. Visit the Rotunda for an idea of just how large this underground world is. The World Heritage Site was explored by Native Americans more than 2,000 years ago, and Europeans discovered its existence at the turn of the 19th century.
Recreation
Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable.
Facilities
Access to the primitive campground is best via ferry, located six miles from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. The ferry accommodates up to two cars, and the ride is free, taking just a few minutes. Taking the ferry is the quickest route to the campground. If the ferry is unavailable, you will need to drive around, which takes about 45 minutes. For information on ferry schedules and trailer standards, call (270) 758-2166. 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. Please consider sites 5, 6, and 7 before booking the others, and prioritize those with horses for the equestrian sites. Note that there is no sewer or dump station at Maple Springs. A small amphitheater is available on-site, and a large fire pit is provided for groups on a first-come, first-served basis.
Natural Features
This campground is part of Mammoth Cave National Park, a 52,800-acre park that includes the Green River Valley, rolling Kentucky hillsides, and the expansive Mammoth Cave with grand-scale chambers and long, winding passageways. This remote campsite is quiet, peaceful and ideal for those who want to be immersed in nature. Wildlife includes deer, turkey, and coyotes.
Nearby Attractions
Take a tour of Mammoth Cave and see landmark cave areas like the Cathedral Domes and Mammoth's famous formation, Frozen Niagara. Or hike above the caverns to explore sinkholes like Cedar Sink.
Charges & Cancellations
Group Facilities - Overnight -$10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's use recreation use fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Green River Ferry has closed due to structural damage caused by flooding. While 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.
Location
Public CampgroundMaple Springs Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park is located in Kentucky
Directions
Directions from 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 on the Green River Ferry Road. Cross the ferry and follow the signs to Maple Springs. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. For trailers or large vehicles, use alternate directions. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet. Alternate Directions from 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. Turn left on HWY 70 to Brownsville. Make a right on HWY 259. Turn right onto HWY 728 which becomes HWY 1827. Then turn right onto HWY 1352 and follow signs to Maple Springs Group Campground. Turn right onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. Directions 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 on the Green River Ferry Road. Cross the ferry and follow the signs to Maple Springs. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. For trailers or large vehicles, use alternate directions. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet. Alternate Directions 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. Turn left on HWY 70 to Brownsville. Make a right on HWY 259. Turn right onto HWY 728 which becomes HWY 1827. Then turn right onto HWY 1352 and follow signs to Maple Springs Group Campground. Turn right onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left.
Address
P.O. BOX 7
Mammoth cave, KY 42259
Coordinates
37.2072222 N
86.1316667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/26/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 51 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 58 min from Elizabethtown, KY
- 1 hr 31 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 31 min from Owensboro, KY
