Mammoth Cave National Park sits in Kentucky's karst landscape where underground streams have carved the world's longest known cave system, spanning over 400 miles of surveyed passageways. The park's elevation ranges from 420 to 800 feet above sea level, with camping options available both within the national park boundaries and at several private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Temperatures underground remain at a constant 54°F year-round, making cave exploration comfortable regardless of surface weather conditions.
What to Do
Green River paddling adventures: Mammoth Cave Campground offers easy access to water recreation on the Green River. "If you brought your own craft they will usually meet you at the Green River Ferry parking area and transport you up river for a nominal fee. Check ahead at least a day so they are tracking you and can coordinate," notes camper Shelly S.
Cave exploration preparation: When planning cave tours, remember to reserve well in advance. "Make sure your boots have enough tread or you won't be allowed to do the tour!" warns Dan X. about the more adventurous cave tours from Mammoth Cave Campground. For maximum adventure, "Spelunking was the most exhilarating visit. Make sure you check out the tour offerings online well before your visit and reserve a place."
Beyond the caves: The Narrows Campground offers water-based recreation on Barren River Lake. "Within walking distance of the Marina, nice shaded sites and room to spread out. A cool feature in the sites is a fish cleaning table as well as fire ring and picnic table," explains Shelly S. The campground includes "a small sand beach on site that can be accessed from either loop" for swimming opportunities.
What Campers Like
Proximity to cave entrances: Diamond Caverns RV Resort puts visitors minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park. "This park is located on the entrance road to Mammoth Caves NP, and it is a spectacular way to stay and enjoy the hiking in the caves!" explains Laura H. The resort also features "all of the normal amenities including the pool, playground, clubhouses, putt putt and more."
Privacy in natural settings: Campgrounds in the area offer varying levels of seclusion. At Bailey's Point, campers appreciate the layout: "Plenty of room at our site for 2 tents, but it was a little difficult to find level spots. Lots of shade. Enjoyed hanging out in the water and finding fossils on the rocky beach," reports C O., who also notes the "shower house was clean."
Year-round accessibility: Most glamping near Mammoth Cave National Park operates seasonally, but some locations remain open through winter. For off-season glamping options, Thousand Trails Diamond Caverns RV & Golf Resort stays open year-round, though campers note "There are many seasonal or permanent campers" with varying site conditions.
What You Should Know
Site selection matters: Nolin Lake State Park Campground offers diverse camping settings. "The tent campground has spacious, level sites. The sites are located in a grove of pine trees, which makes for well shaded sites with a pleasant surface of soft pine straw to pitch your tents. A few sites had trees suitable for hanging hammocks if you enjoy that," describes Christina M.
Weekend crowds: Popular glamping spots fill quickly during peak season. At Nolin Lake State Park, "The park started filling up on Friday and Saturday and was obviously very crowded on the weekend. Seems like a 'party spot' for locals," cautions Christina M., suggesting midweek visits might provide a quieter experience.
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings are common at campsites. While the existing description mentions deer and turkey, campers also report amphibians and insects: "Fireflies are great at night. Frogs are singing in the evening," according to one visitor to Mammoth Cave Campground. When camping in warmer months, insect protection is essential as one camper at Nolin Lake warns about ticks, advising to "spray up!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Dedicated family activities: Rock Cabin Camping offers family-friendly accommodations in historic structures. "They are remodeling the old cabins that have been there since the early 1900s. And they look fantastic inside," reports Darryl H. The property features "a lodging style for everyone: small cabin, family cabin, tent, or R.V." making it suitable for various family needs.
Shaded campsite selection: For summer camping with children, seek shaded sites. At The Narrows, "A loop has mostly shaded sites, the outer loop has more space between sites," notes Shelly S., while "B loop has several sites that have direct water access and you can 'park' your boat nearby."
Activity planning: During busy periods, plan cave tours well in advance. "Reserve the all day guided tour with crawling about in small spaces for the best experience," recommends Dan X. from Mammoth Cave Campground. For families with younger children, consider the more accessible tours, as the park offers options ranging from wheelchair-accessible routes to challenging spelunking adventures.
Tips from RVers
Utility considerations: Electric hookups vary between campgrounds. At Horse Cave KOA, "Sites were Okay. Bath house wasn't really big enough and not kept very clean," notes Curtis N. When considering Diamond Caverns RV Resort, be aware that "Water spigots are also shared, which means you'll have low water pressure if you're both using water simultaneously."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. At The Narrows, "Many of the sites are not level so bring your blocks," advises Shelly S. Similarly, at Bailey's Point, while sites offer beautiful lake views, some campers noted difficulties finding perfectly level spots for larger rigs.
