Underground Adventure Awaits at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Get ready to explore one of the world’s longest known cave systems at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. This extraordinary destination offers a glimpse into a subterranean world filled with chambers, stunning rock formations, and a rich history that spans millions of years. Whether you are ready to go off the beaten path into some of the dark crevices of the Mammoth caves or just simply seek adventure in exploring this natural wonder on the more traveled paths, you are in for an unforgettable experience as you encounter the secrets that lie beneath the surface.
Address: 1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Hours: Open 24 hours although visitor center, tours and the cave are limited to certain daytime hours
Cost: FREE to enter the national park. Cave tours and camping available for a fee
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center hours: summer hours 8:30am to 4:30pm. Hours vary throughout the year. Closed Christmas Day.
Pets: leashed pets are allowed on all trails but are not allowed in any buildings or caves. Dog boarding can be found at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave so you can enjoy the caves. Dog boarding information can be found online. Proof of vaccines is required.
Camping: 3 campgrounds plus backcountry camping available. See details below.
Below you will find the opening to the Mammoth Cave where you can begin your self-guided tour.
Mammoth Cave Tours
Mammoth Cave National Park offers several cave tours. Tours times and cost can be found online.
You must have a ticket to enter the cave
Reservations are recommended as some tours can sell out weeks in advance
no strollers are allowed
tour availability and route changes throughout the seasons
cave temp is 54 degrees year round
at the end of the tour, you will be required to step on bio-security mats to prevent the spread of White-nose syndrome.
Discovery Tour
Our time at Mammoth Cave National Park happened to be during COVID so there were limited cave tour options. The only option was the Discovery Tour (self-guided). Although our tour was limited, I was in awe of the magical wonder on the inside of this cave tour. It was an easy path to take, and each turn was spectacular and kept me wanting more. Today you are lucky to have the option to tour many different cave routes with multiple capabilities.
Cost and limited availability
Discovery Tour includes 135 stairs, is .75 miles and will take around half an hour to complete and is listed as easy. A minimal fee of $12 for adults and $9 for kids is required.
This tour is only offered during limited times. Currently (2024) they offer this self-guided tour in June on Saturday and on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are only sold on the day of and in the visitor center.
Other cave tour options
There are many different tours available and are marked as easy to extremely difficult.
Tours range from 1.5 hours up to 6 hours. There are short to long hiking tours, lantern tours, and crawling tours.
Tickets are required to enter the cave for an additional fee.
Reservations for cave tours can be made online or at the visitor center but are subject to availability.
A few of the tours require proper footwear such as boots with good tread and that cover the ankle bone. No exceptions.
When hiking boots are not required, we wear our Teva Sandals all the time for hiking. You might also consider a light jacket as it is cooler inside the caves, and I carry my keys and more in my belt bag which I absolutely love.
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Other things to do at Mammoth Cave National Park
Ranger-led programs
canoeing, kayaking, boating
fishing
hiking
bicycling
horseback riding
star gazing
Historic churches and cemeteries
If you enjoy learning about the history of a specific location, then this national park is the perfect place to visit. There you will find history at the old cemeteries and old churches within this park. Get a glimpse of the life when the early settlers roamed this land as you explore the beautiful churches and the area it surrounds.
photo courtesy of nps.gov
Campgrounds and backcountry camping
Mammoth Cave National Park offers three campgrounds and backcountry camping for your overnight needs allowing for a sense of solitude as you end the night.
Mammoth Cave Campground
offering 111 primitive campsites which is 1/4 mile from the Visitor Center
amenities: (all seasonal) trash, firewood, camp store, ice, laundry, dump, potable water, flush toilets, hot showers, fire ring
cost: $25 a night. $12.50 with senior or Access pass
Maximum RV length 38 feet
Closed December to February
generators allowed 8am to 8pm
Maple Springs Campground
This secluded campground offers 7 group campsites and offers a spot for your horse also
amenities: (all seasonal) trash, potable water, vault toilets, fire ring, electric
cost: $50 a night
Maximum RV length 40 feet
Closed: December to February
generators allowed 8am to 8pm
Houchin Ferry Campground
every campsite has a river view
open year round
12 Tent sites only
amenities: potable water, portable toilets, fire ring
cost: $20 a night $10 with senior or Access pass
No RV or trailers allowed
Backcountry camping
permit required for $10 a night
reservations can be made online up to the day of or at the campground kiosk or visitor center
fire ring
8 people max per site
Riverside and Island camping
camping permits are required and are $10 per night. These can be purchased online up to two weeks in advance.
permit may be cancelled if river level gets two high
Camping necessities
Green River Ferry
If you are heading to the north side back country trails or to Maple Springs Campground you will need to cross the ferry. Things you need to know:
8-ton weight limit
long horse trailers may not fit on the ferry due to size and will need to find an alternative route
hours: 6am to 9:55pm
may close due to repairs or hazardous river conditions
check Mammoth Cave National Park website for closures
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Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park offers the opportunity to explore one of the largest cave systems with a significant amount of rich history. From the intricate limestone formations that have been sculpted over millions of years, to winding trails above and below ground, every moment will provide an impact for years to come in your heart. You can explore the cave chambers, find wildlife in the forests, or find tranquility as you walk in the wilderness or take time to enjoy the campgrounds. Mammoth Cave National Park will captivate you as you find a deep appreciation for the history at the old cemeteries and churches and the preservation efforts of those historical elements. You will enjoy the memories you will make as you explore this natural world.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures. Pic: Horseshoe Bend in Arizona.
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