Mammoth Cave preserves the cave system, a part of the Green River valley, and hilly country of south central Kentucky. This is the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles explored! An early explorer named Stephen Bishop called this place a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place." Its expansive chambers and complicated labyrinths honor its name.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services such as cave tours and the visitor center are limited after-hours. There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.
Weather
Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).
Things to Do
Cave Tours
Reservation requiredJoin a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.
Become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger
Do you want to explore, learn about, and protect Mammoth Cave? If so, become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger! The Junior Ranger activity book is appropriate for all ages and is a great way to get more in-depth knowledge about the world’s longest cave and to learn about the natural wonders of the park.
Explore Wildflowers at Cedar Sink
Stunning rock faces, cave springs, and geological panoramas, you will experience a wide array of seasonal wildflowers and biodiversity.
Viewing Park Wildlife
Mammoth Cave is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life ranging from rare exotic cave species to more common woodland creatures. While viewing wildlife can be a highlight of any park visit, it is important to remember that animals in the park are wild. Precautions must be taken to keep not only you, but the wildlife safe.
Attend a Ranger-led Program
Attending a ranger-led program in the park is a great way to discover new things and learn more about the Mammoth Cave National Park.
Houchin Ferry to Brownsville
This short trip travels along the Green River from Houchin Ferry inside Mammoth Cave National Park to the former site of Lock and Dam #6 or the Brownsville boat ramp.
Getting There
Address: 1 Visitor Center Parkway Mammoth Cave KY 42259-0007
DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS! From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Houchin Ferry Campground
12 sites · $20/night
The Houchin Ferry Campground lies next to the Green River at the former location of the Houchin Ferry. This campground is operated year-round and is located 15…
Mammoth Cave Campground
111 sites · $25/night
The Mammoth Cave Campground is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic national park experience while still having easy access to amenities, cave tours, and ot…
Maple Springs Group Campground
7 sites · $50/night
Maple Springs Group Campground lies on the park's north side, six miles from the visitor center and three miles north of Green River Ferry. This campground off…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Mammoth Cave National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Mammoth Cave National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Mammoth Cave National Park open?
Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services such as cave tours and the visitor center are limited after-hours. There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.
What are the best things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park?
Popular things to do in Mammoth Cave National Park include Cave Tours, Become a Mammoth Cave Junior Ranger, Explore Wildflowers at Cedar Sink, Viewing Park Wildlife. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Mammoth Cave National Park?
Yes — Mammoth Cave National Park has 3 campgrounds, including Houchin Ferry Campground, Mammoth Cave Campground, Maple Springs Group Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.