Nolin Lake State Park

Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages

Cedars of Lebanon State Park

## 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 by ferry. The ferry is six miles from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center and fits three cars. Ferry rides are free and take only a few minutes. It is closer to take the ferry to the campground. If the ferry is down, you will drive around which takes about 45 minutes. Call (270) 758-2166 for information, ferry schedules and standards for trailers.  
  
Horse ties are behind the campsites. A small amphitheater is on site and a large fire pit is available 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

**For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:**

**https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies**

Maple Springs

The park offers thirteen designated backcountry campsites that are accessible only by hiking or horseback.

Backcounty sites are primitive, with only a fire ring and horse hitching posts available.

All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source, but campers should boil and treat water before drinking, or plan to carry in drinking water.

Campsites are limited to one party up to eight people in size.
Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk.
Permit Required - $10 per trip. Reservations through Recreation.gov.

Overnight camping is permitted along floodplains and on islands along the Green and Nolin Rivers. Camping in these areas is only accessible by boat.

When camping on floodplains, campers must camp at least ½ mile away from Green River Ferry, Houchin Ferry and Dennison Ferry Day Use Area.

Know where you are. Riverside camping on private lands outside the park may not be permitted.

Sudden rainstorms can cause rapid flooding along riverways and river levels and currents fluctuate dramatically, particularly during winter months. Always check the river level and weather forecast before launching or camping along the rivers.
Pickup a Backcountry map at the Mammoth Cave Campground information kiosk, or the Visitor Information desk.
Permit Required - $10 per trip. Permits available online, up to a week in advance. Permits are subject to cancelation due to river levels. River levels must remain below 20 feet.

Turnhole Backcountry Campsite Mammoth Cave

First Creek Dispersed Mammoth Cave

Double J Stables and Campground

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