National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is a National Park in Kentucky. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts (2 closures), 3 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.

Kentucky National Park No entrance fee

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 3:52 AM EDT · NPS Data API

Looking out from a large cave entrance with falling water and green trees shown over the entrance. — Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave · Photo: NPS Photo / J. Cooper (via nps.gov)

About the park

“Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.”

— National Park Service, nps.gov/maca

Active alerts

Closures

Campgrounds

Visitor centers

Current alerts and closures

3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 2 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.

Closure

Green River Ferry Temporarily Out of Service

The Green River Ferry has temporarily suspended operation due to low water levels. Ferry service will resume once water levels rise and conditions are safe. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000

Posted or updated Sep 2, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Closure

Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service

Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.

Posted or updated May 5, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave

Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.

Posted or updated Aug 2, 2021 ·Details on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

Things to do

A ranger talks to two park visitors near a historic train — Photo: NPS Photo/ Nathaniel Leies

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.

10-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Guided Tours

A plastic junior ranger badge sitting on a ranger hat — Photo: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

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!

Year-round Pets allowed

Junior Ranger Program

A large cave passage with a paved trail on the right side. — Photo: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Cave Tours

Join a ranger as you discover the complex history and intricate geology of the worlds longest cave system.

1-6 Hours Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Guided Tours

See all 17 things to do in Mammoth Cave →

Activities the NPS lists for Mammoth Cave.

AstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingCavingFishingFreshwater FishingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHands-OnHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Horseback RidingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Operating hours

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.

Park Hours
Day	Hours
Monday	All Day
Tuesday	All Day
Wednesday	All Day
Thursday	All Day
Friday	All Day
Saturday	All Day
Sunday	All Day

Weather: Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s.

Contact and directions

Phone: 2707582180
Email: [email protected]
Address: 1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007
Coordinates: 37.1976, -86.1309· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor center	Standard hours	Phone	Passport stamp
Mammoth Cave Visitor Center	Daily: 8:30AM - 4:30PM	(270) 758-2180	Yes

Campgrounds

Campground	Total sites	Reservable	RVs	Fee	Reserve
Houchin Ferry Campground	12	12	No	$20	Recreation.gov
Mammoth Cave Campground	111	109	Yes, up to 38 ft	$25	Recreation.gov
Maple Springs Group Campground	7	8	Yes, up to 40 ft	$50	Recreation.gov

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

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More parks in Kentucky

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Camp Nelson National Monument Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Fort Donelson National Battlefield Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail All in Kentucky

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.