Updated April 6, 2026
Although Mammoth Cave is one of the less well known national parks, last year 747,042 people visited the national park and spent $73.2 million on such things as gas, lodging, retail needs and in restaurants in local communities.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
There is no admission fee to Mammoth Cave National Park itself. It is FREE to enter. However, there are fees for tours, accommodations and the like. You cannot enter the Cave without a tour ticket booked in advance. Every visit to the underground portion of the park requires a timed entry booked through Recreaction.gov.
If a self guided tour becomes available you still need a reservation to do it. Don't show up without a timed entry ticket or you'll be turned away!
Always check with Recreation.gov and Mammoth Cave National Park website well in advance and book as soon as soon as tickets are released for your trip dates.
There are many different cave tours you can elect to take:
If it's your first visit to the cave you might want to start out with the Historic Extended tour. Most first timers take the Historic tour. The extended version gives you more information and you likely won't have as many people on your tour. As impressive as the cave is, its history is equally as impressive.
So line up the cave tours you want to take before you head to the Park, get your timed entry tickets ahead of time.
You will be needing a car as Mammoth Cave Natl. Park does not have a free shuttle system like some of the other national parks do. So if you're flying into Kentucky, you'll need a rental car.
Camping
Mammoth Cave National Park has three frontcountry campgrounds that offer common camping amenities and close proximity to the park’s visitor center area and cave tours. Goods & Services, such as laundry machines, shower facilities, and camping supplies are also available in the park.
The park also has 13 designated backcountry campsites or riverside camping options that offer opportunities to find solitude in the park’s rugged hills and majestic woodlands. Reaching these remote sites requires hiking, riding a horse, or paddling on the river for several miles.
All camping in the park requires a permit. Most sites are available by reservation which are highly recommended, especially around holidays and weekends. Reservations: Recreation.gov
Be forewarned that Houchin Ferry and Maple Springs have anything but good reviews as far as space, cleanliness, size and level of sites (uphill downhill). There is a water spigot and porta pots for bathrooms. These campsites might be okay for those who are into primitive camping but families might want something a little less rustic.
I recommend going to nearby Nolin Lake State Park and securing accommodations there...but again, book as early as possible so you get a spot! This is a BEAUTIFUL spot with plenty of amenities and activities for the whole family and part of the lake borders Mammoth Cave so you're not that far from the cave itself. (14 miles)
Nolin Lake State Park is a beautiful destination located in Edmonson County, Kentucky. The park is situated on the shores of Nolin Lake, a 5,795-acre reservoir that offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors.
Nolin Park has 60 primitive camping sites. They also have 32 RV spots with hookups and cabins for rent.
This page will show you all of the amenities the park offers.
Here's a listing of campgrounds outside of the Park.
For you RV'ers, Jay found a gem of an RV park called Cave Country RV Campground, located off KY 65 near Exit 53. I have to say it was one of the nicest RV parks I've ever seen! And clean? Everything was spotless including the bathrooms. The grounds were impeccably kept and beautifully landscaped. Save for an occasionally train passing at one end of the park (they don't blow their whistles so the noise isn't obtrusive) it was peaceful and quiet. All sites are pull-throughs with full hookups 50/30 amp. Sites are plenty large with a picnic table and you're not on top of anyone else.
Lodge at Mammoth Cave
For most national parks I recommend staying in a town or city outside of the park as it's usually more economical. Not the case with Mammoth Park because the next closest accommodations can be 20-45 minutes away.
Better to plan your trip as far in advance as possible and book your accommodations at the Lodge at Mammoth Cave. It is located right next door to the Visitors Center and features guest rooms, cottages and cabins. View accommodation options here
Don't be thrown off by the title on the video below! (By "yucky" she means vintage) The hotel underwent its last renovation in 2016 and new modern accommodations are being built as you'll see...
One of the new units...
I was told that what the hotel is doing is building these new units, then gradually tearing down the old units with the "yucky" vintage bathrooms. I don't know if that's reliable or not, but that's what I was told by a hotel employee and they had already torn down some units that had been there previously and were building new units on that site.
Lodge at Mammoth Cave lobby
There are dining options on site as well as a small convenience type store, Cavers Camp Store.
If you only have 3 days to spend in Mammoth Cave National Park, I’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest known cave system, with hundreds of miles of underground passages featuring vast chambers, intricate rock formations, and historic cave routes. Guided tours range from easy walks to more strenuous, lantern-lit adventures that highlight geology, wildlife, and human history. Above ground, the park offers miles of hiking and biking trails, river paddling on the Green and Nolin Rivers, and opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing in a quiet, forested landscape.
For day 1, I strategically grouped the most popular attraction, Mammoth Cave, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 7 hours of your day.
Mammoth Cave Visitors Center
Mammoth Cave Natl. Park Visitors Center Photo credit: NPS
The Mammoth Cave Visitor Center is a must-visit at the Mammoth Cave National Park. It's located on the south side of the Green River and offers informative exhibits about the caves, a short informational movie, and friendly rangers who are happy to answer any questions. The center also features well-maintained facilities including restrooms and gift shops. Visitors can enjoy light hiking around the center and take a ferry to reach the north side of the river for more exploration.
Inside the Visitors Center Photo credit: NPS
The visitor center has a large lobby with a ticket desk on one side, an info desk in the center, two small gift shops on opposite sides of the lobby, a museum, and restrooms. Screens above the center desk give info about the various tours and where they meet and about ranger-led programs. There are several benches but it can be hard to find a place to sit when it gets crowded. The museum has plenty of information about the natural features and science of the cave and its human history. Cell service may not be great in the park.
Outside there are two shelters with benches where the tours begin. From there the rangers will lead your tour group to either walk down the hill to the Historic Entrance, or board a green school bus to another entrance to the cave, depending on which tour you're taking.
Pick up a map of the park while you're tat the Visitor Center.
Summer Hours
May 18–September 20
Every Day: 8:00 AM–6:30 PM
Mammoth Cave Historic Entrance
The Mammoth Cave Historic Tour offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with 540 stairs to navigate. The tour is led by an informative guide and is highly recommended for visitors. The trails are well-maintained, providing ample opportunities for exploration. Planning in advance is advised for other tours at the site. Overall, it's a fantastic place to visit and explore, offering a range of trails and cave tours to enjoy.
If it's your first visit to Mammoth Cave this historical tour is the one I recommend you take first. Or you could take the Historical Extended Tour for a more in depth tour.
A word on dining around Mammoth Cave. Nearly all of the restaurants around the cave itself are fast food restaurants. Apart from that, dining options are very limited, with the best options being about a 30 minute drive away in Bowling Green. I will give you some park restaurants in order to keep your itinerary within the previously stated time frame.
Green River Grill
Green River Grill is a restaurant located in Mammoth Cave National Park. It offers a menu featuring local and regional Kentucky favorites. The restaurant is situated near the Visitor Center and provides options for both sit-down dining and fast food. Visitors can enjoy various activities in the area such as cave tours, hiking, and water sports on two rivers. Additionally, there are camping grounds available for those looking to stay overnight within the park.
Big Hollow Trailhead
Big Hollow Trailhead offers over 10 miles of thrilling mountain biking trails, including an easy connector trail. It's a great place for bike riding, with various difficulty levels available. The trails feature fast flowy sections as well as rocky terrain, roots, bumps, and jumps. Visitors can enjoy a satisfying workout while exploring the diverse features of this MTB trail system.
Take the Historic Cave Tour
The Mammoth Cave Historic Tour is a two-hour, half-mile walking tour that offers accessibility for all visitors. It provides an opportunity to explore the main parts of the cave while learning about its history and stories. Although there are no stairs on this route, it may not cover certain picturesque features found on other tours. The tour includes interesting stories and covers a distance of two miles, but be prepared for quite a few steps along the way.
You'll want to wear closed toe shoes and bring a sweater along as it's very cool in the cave.
Evening: We drove 30 minutes to Bowling Green to Anna's Greek Restaurant. 1202 State St, Bowling Green, KY. It had received a perfect 5 star rating in customer reviews. Definitely worth the drive! Lovely former church with stained glass and high ceilings.
Green River Bluffs Trail & Heritage Loop
The Green River Bluffs Trail offers a moderate hike through a wooded hillside, featuring vista points that overlook the scenic Green River.
The trail has two options: a longer, more challenging 1.5-mile route leading down to the river and looping back up towards Dixon Cave, and a shorter path with steep climbs above the historic entrance. The well-maintained trail is home to abundant wildlife and periodic benches for resting.
There are some inclines in a few areas that will get your heart rate up. The Green River side is more remote and a bit more challenging. The Heritage trail is nestled in beautiful woods with hidden caves below ground. The views are all great, although the dense vegetation makes them hard to see in the summer months.
Mammoth Cave Broadway
Mammoth Cave Broadway is a must-visit attraction for those seeking an underground adventure. This vast cave system offers guided tours that showcase its impressive limestone formations, underground rivers, and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore the depths of the cave while learning about its rich history and geological significance. The well-lit pathways make it accessible to all levels of adventurers, and the experienced guides provide insightful commentary along the way. Mammoth Cave Broadway promises an unforgettable journey into the mysterious world beneath the surface.
One of the most-visited parts of Mammoth Cave National Park, the passage called Broadway, or "Main Cave", is a vast subterranean river channel, long abandoned by the waters that formed it. Near left center on the cave floor lie pipes made of hollowed tulip poplar logs, remnants of the nitre mining during the War of 1812. This view looks toward Rotunda and the Historic Entrance.
The Rotunda
"The Rotunda" is a must-see attraction within Mammoth Cave. It is a prominent feature on most cave tours, allowing visitors to marvel at its grandeur.
Mammoth Cave Discovery Tour
The Mammoth Cave Discovery Tour is a self-guided walkabout underground, offering visitors the chance to explore at their own pace. This tour is available during the summer season and takes about 30 minutes to cover a distance of .75 miles (1.2 km). The entrance fee for adults is $8 and for youth it's $6. Families with young children found this tour perfect as they could move at their own pace without worrying about keeping up with a group.
Note that you still need a free timed entry ticket to do self guided tours.
Green River Trail - Horseback Riding
Green River Trail in Mammoth Cave National Park offers a picturesque setting for horseback riding enthusiasts. The lush canyons of Green River Valley provide an ideal backdrop for a leisurely ride atop a horse. Visitors have the option to bring their own horses, with designated parking spots available for trailers. Additionally, Double J Stables, an authorized concessioner of the park, provides guided horseback rides for those seeking a more structured experience.
Evening: Take a short 25 minute drive to Blue Holler Cafe for dinner.
This small cafe is bringing a slice of Deutschland to Kentucky, but don’t worry, they also have American-based dishes available. The restaurant is just a short drive from Mammoth Cave NP and has a very beautiful view of the park on its outside balcony.
Try their Zigeuner Schnitzel. Delicious!
$15.
The menu is filled with German favorites like Schnitzel and Bratwurst, but they also serve other American classics and a robust breakfast. Delicious down-home German cooking, friendly service and reasonable prices. They focus on authentic German recipes.
7713 Nolin Dam Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY
Zigeuner Schnitzel
For day 3, I've bundled attractions like Green River Ferry and River Styx and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 2 hours.
Green River Ferry
The ferry is situated at Green River Ferry Road, and has been in operation since 1934. It serves as a vital link for both visitors and local residents, providing a shuttle service across the Green River for vehicles, hikers, and bikers.
It can carry up to 3 cars per trip and offers quick crossings with minimal delay. The ferry provides access to the Echo River Spring Trail, White's Cave entrance, and several easy to medium trails, making it an ideal starting point for a 2-mile loop walk. During peak visitation season, there may be some waiting time due to limited capacity.
River Styx
It's a lot to pack into 3 days but it is possible to see the major attractions of Mammoth Cave within those 3 days.
If you can spend more than 3 days at Mammoth Cave Natl. Park and the surrounding area there's still plenty to see and do!
Kentucky Down Under
Take the kids to Kentucky Down Under, run by a couple of native Australians. It's basically like an Australian mini zoo featuring animals from Australia. We loved the Outback section where "roos" (as the Aussies call kangaroos) and emus roam freely. For $1 you can feed them. There's also a lorrie house where the lorries fly freely, a petting zoo, and a gem mining area,
They have golf carts for rent if you have mobility issues or just don't feel like walking the entire property. The golf carts can be reserved 24 hours in advance. The terrain is a bit hilly...
No reservations are required and tickets must be purchased at their ticket office. Prices are posted here
Feeding a baby roo in Mom's pouch at Kentucky Down Under
3700 L&N Turnpike Road, Horse Cave, KY.
Money $aving Tips:
10% Discount for AAA Members: Must present ID to receive the discount.
$2 Off for Military Personnel: Valid with a valid military ID.
Explore the Cedar Sink Trail
Cedar Sink Trail is 2.5 miles roundtrip, with several sets of stairs that will lead you down into the sink hole and back out. A total of 295 stairs will be traveled during the hike. 45 to 60 minutes.
Kayak or Canoe the Green River
The rivers inside of the park are part of the Green and Nolin Rivers Blueway, a National Water Trail encompassing 36 miles of navigable waterway and 7 public access sites. Over 30 miles of the Green and Nolin Rivers trace through the Mammoth Cave National Park.
The Green River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the country. It is home to more than 150 fish species, more than 70 species of mussel including many threatened or endangered species. The river spans 25 miles (40.2 km) through the park and is dotted with sandbars, islands, and subsurface springs.
While considered a flat-water river, the current can still be very swift and prior paddling experience is recommended. Regardless of water level, always be alert to hazards such as submerged trees and rocks, drifting debris, and the park's ferry.
Within the park there are three river access points accessible by car: Dennison Ferry, Green River Ferry, and Houchin Ferry. All of these sites are located on the south side of the Green River. Outside of the park on the Nolin River is the Tailwater Recreation Area.
-
Dennison Ferry consists of a wooden canoe and kayak ramp with a series of concrete stairs to the water.
-
Green River Ferry consists of a wooden canoe and kayak ramp with a concrete staircase to the water and an auto ferry ramp that doubles as a launch site for motorboats.
-
Houchin Ferry consist of a temporary canoe and kayak launch ramp. This launch site is often very muddy, please use caution.
-
Tailwater Recreation Area consists of a paved boat ramp to access the Nolin River.
Canoes and Kayaks Liveries
Sunset Point
Hike to the ridge-top Sunset Point, where you can see nearly the entire Green River Valley and view spectabular sunsets.
Green River Valley
The Lookout
We decided to drive to Park City near the park entrance to a place called The Lookout on a tip from one of the campers in the RV park. WOW! American $
Phenomenal food, service and view for the right price! Good menu selection too.
22850 Louisville Rd, Park City, KY
Farmwald's Restaurant
We couldn't believe our luck that we found an authentic Amish restaurant and bakery 40 miles from Mammoth Cave! Farmwald's Restaurant - 3720 L&N Turnpike. Horse Cave. KY - just off Exit 58 on I-65.
Okay it's a little weird they have camels out behind the restaurant...but Farmwald's is a fantastic restaurant and bakery. I've never seen cinnamon rolls the size of Farmwald's. They're HUGE! They have a great breakfast menu, including a build-your-own-breakfast option.
Everything is made from scratch and homemade.
Their bakery goods are to DIE FOR!
(Jay had to physically pull me out of the bakery. LOL)
They also have a store featuring a one-of-a-kind collection of handcrafted Amish goods, home décor, jams, and local favorites that's worth checking out.
We left with more food that we'd bought than what we'd eaten for breakfast!
Blue Holler Cafe
Blue Holler Cafe. 7713 Nolin Dam Rd Mammoth Cave, KY.
Very tasty German dinners! Decorating in the restaurant is a bit eclectic.
On Friday nights a fish buffet: fried fish buffet. Catfish, hush puppies, potatoes, beans, slaw, and more.
Note that if you're staying in the Cave City area, it will take close to 40 minutes of driving around the national park to get there.