Mammoth Cave National Park

Visitor Centers:
While the park is open 24 hours a day year round, the Visitor Center is subject to seasonal closures. Check the park's website for current hours of operation.

Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No matter the season, Kentucky experiences moderate temperatures and weather. In the spring, conditions tend to be rainy, and while storms occur year round, the highest percentage of them occur between March and September.

Fees & Passes:
There is no entry fee for Mammoth Cave National Park. Most of the resources available within the park are offered free of charge. Various cave tours are offered at an additional cost, and it is recommended that you make a reservation before you visit. For more information about tour fees and making reservations, click here.

• Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping:
There are three campgrounds that operate within Mammoth Cave National Park, in addition to more than a dozen primitive backcountry campsites. A permit is required for backcountry camping and can be procured at the Visitor Center. Reservations are recommended at the Mammoth Cave and Maple Springs campgrounds. Campsites at Houchin Ferry are available on a first come, first served basis.

• Mammoth Cave Campground: Group sites are available.
• Houchin Ferry Campground
• Maple Springs Equestrian Campground: Group sites are available.

Lodging:
Lodging is available at the Mammoth Cave Hotel, as well as its affiliate locations. Reservations can be made online or by calling (877) 386-4383.

There are a variety of dining options located both in the park and in the nearby towns. Visitors can choose restaurant style dining or take advantage of various excellent picnic spots. In addition, the nearby counties and towns boast a variety of local restaurants.

The Mammoth Cave Hotel operates three restaurants in season and a Camp Store that provides a limited amount of supplies as well as groceries for campers. More information about dining options at the Mammoth Cave Hotel can be found here.

While the mysterious caves of Mammoth are the main attraction of the park, there are many opportunities to learn about both the natural and human history of the area. Check the events page for a current schedule of special events or the cave tours page for more information about ways to explore the caves though a variety of ranger-led programs.

The opportunities for exploration in Mammoth Cave National Park are limitless, and there are many different ways to explore all that the park has to offer. Touring the vast caves is just one example, but above ground exploration is encouraged as well. Miles of bike paths and hiking trails provide an escape from the every day while horseback riding or taking a float down the Green or Nolin Rivers provide an excellent way to unwind. Visit Mammoth Cave's website for more information on the park's other activities.

To download a variety of free brochures to help plan your visit, click here.