Camping near Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park has several campgrounds to choose from for your stay. Mammoth Cave Campground sits within the park boundaries and puts you close to cave tours and hiking paths. It has flush toilets and drinking water, which works well if you're bringing kids along. Just down the road, Maple Springs Campground gives you a more basic camping setup with fewer amenities and a quieter atmosphere. You'll need to book spots at both campgrounds ahead of time, especially during busy summer months. The woods around these camping areas are thick with trees and home to many animals. Keep your food secured properly to keep bears and raccoons from visiting your site. The roads to get to these campgrounds are in good shape, though you might have trouble with very large RVs in some spots. Stop by the visitor center when you arrive to grab maps and info about what to see. Summer can get pretty hot here, so bring plenty of water. Fall temperatures cool down nicely for hiking the trails. You can camp during winter, but expect some facilities to be shut down. In spring, wildflowers pop up throughout the park, adding color to your camping trip. Camping at Mammoth Cave gives you a good base for checking out one of the world's largest cave systems.

Best Camping Sites Near Mammoth Cave National Park (65)

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Recent Reviews near Mammoth Cave National Park

573 Reviews of 65 Mammoth Cave National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Mammoth Cave National Park

Camping near Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and natural beauty. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and explore the wonders of the park.

What to do:

  • Explore Mammoth Cave: The main attraction is, of course, the cave itself. Many campers enjoy the easy access to cave tours. One visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground mentioned, "You’re right in the middle of the park, with all it has to offer."
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. A reviewer at Nolin Lake State Park Campground noted, "Great location walkable to the camp store, lodge, visitor center, and cave tours."
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak for a fun day on the water. A visitor at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park shared, "We could hear a small waterfall behind our campsite, able to walk along the lake shore."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms were cleaned regularly. The showers were hot and free!"
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe. One camper at Baileys Point said, "Staff is awesome and super friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often mention the roomy sites. A reviewer at Moutardier Campground remarked, "Very clean with the cleanest bathrooms and showers I have ever encountered in any campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground pointed out, "There are no electric hookups... internet connections are terrible."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in the summer. A camper at COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground noted, "The campground was pretty full even though it was mid-week."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A reviewer at Wax - Nolin River Lake mentioned, "The ground is red muddy clay if it rains."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Kentucky Nolin Lake State Park Campground enjoyed, "Toddlers enjoyed the playground."
  • Safety and Comfort: Choose campgrounds that feel secure. A visitor at Mammoth Cave Campground felt, "We stayed two nights with our dog and felt very safe."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have stores for snacks and essentials. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park mentioned, "The facility was very clean and staff very respectful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Kentucky Moutardier advised, "The road in/out is very narrow, very tight and not easily navigated with a 40' 5th wheel."
  • Dump Station Location: Be aware of dump station accessibility. A camper at COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground noted, "The dump station could be better located."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, but it may not be reliable. A visitor at Singing Hills Campground mentioned, "The free WiFi Speedtest... frequently drops out."

Camping near Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Mammoth Cave National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Mammoth Cave National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 65 campgrounds and RV parks near Mammoth Cave National Park and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Mammoth Cave National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mammoth Cave National Park is Mammoth Cave Campground — Mammoth Cave National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 134 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mammoth Cave National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mammoth Cave National Park.

  • What parks are near Mammoth Cave National Park?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Mammoth Cave National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.