Maple Springs

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, and it 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. Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable. Access to the primitive campground is best via ferry, located six miles from the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. The ferry accommodates up to two cars, and the ride is free, taking just a few minutes. If the ferry is unavailable, you will need to drive around, which takes about 45 minutes. The sites offer electric and water hookups; there is no sewer or dump station at Maple Springs. Sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 are recommended for equestrian use and feature a horse tie-up area, so please consider sites 5, 6 and 7 before booking the others and leave the equestrian sites to those with horses. A small amphitheater is available on-site, and a large fire pit is provided for groups on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. 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.