Mammoth Picnic Shelters

About this campsite

Overview

There are two shelters available at the Mammoth Cave Picnic Area for visitor use, two of which can be reserved.

Shelter G-1 in Picnic Area is an Enclosed Shelter *(Pick up the key at the Mammoth Cave Campground Kiosk 10am on the day of your reservation.)*
Check-in 10am. Check-out is no later than 6pm. Let the attendant know when you are planning on checking out so they can make arraignments to inspect the shelter and collect the key.
Shelter G-2 in Picnic Area is an Open Shelter

The shelters are within Mammoth Cave National Park, which is best known for its cave that extends over 400 miles. The cave formation began millions of years ago when mildly acidic groundwater dissolved on beds of limestone, creating subterranean passages. Native inhabitants of the cave include bats, spiders, and blindfish.

New Winter Hours for Enclosed shelter (G-1). December 1st, 2025, to February 28th, 2027. During this time only, hours will be 9am to 4pm. Key and instructions will be picked up at the Visitor Center.

Recreation

Picnicking, enjoying the outdoors, and exploring the caves are of primary interest to visitors. The site has trailheads to the Green River Bluffs Trail and the Dixon Cave Trail. Both hiking trails are about a mile long.

Facilities

The picnic shelters are across from the Visitor Center parking lot, nestled in the Picnic Area. Each shelter is equipped to accommodate up to 60 people. Choose from the enclosed shelter or the open shelters, and enjoy the grassy surrounding area as well.

Natural Features

The picnic shelters are surrounded by oak, elm, and maple trees in the Green River Valley. The park sits above the labyrinth of underground caves and extends out over rolling hill country.

Nearby Attractions

The Green River is where anglers can fish for perch, bass and bluegills, and where kayakers can paddle past lush, tree-lined banks. Any part of Mammoth Cave National Park's 52,800 acres is worth exploring through trails or scenic drives.

Charges & Cancellations

For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below:

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Location

MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS•KY

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Common questions about MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS

Can you book MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS online?

We hold no online booking link for MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS, so it is not bookable through this page. Many parks and showgrounds still require a booking, so contact the operator before you go. Their website or phone number is the fastest way to confirm a site.

Where is MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS?

MAMMOTH PICNIC SHELTERS sits in KY. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

1.3 km away

Turnhole Bend CG

Campground: Turnhole Bend CG. Operated by National Park Service.

3.1 km away

MAPLE SPRINGS

Overview Click See More at the bottom of this overview and review the "Need to Know" section of the campground. 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. Mammoth Cave 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. Recreation Avid horseback riders head to Maple Springs to explore the lush backcountry trails. Hikers will also find these trails enjoyable. Facilities 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. Taking the ferry is the quickest route to the campground. If the ferry is unavailable, you will need to drive around, which takes about 45 minutes. For information on ferry schedules and trailer standards, call (270) 758-2166. These sites offer electric and water hookups. Sites 1, 2, 3, and 4 are recommended for equestrian use and feature a horse tie-up area. Please consider sites 5, 6, and 7 before booking the others, and prioritize those with horses for the equestrian sites. Note that there is no sewer or dump station at Maple Springs. A small amphitheater is available on-site, and a large fire pit is provided for groups on a first-come, first-served basis. Natural Features 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. Nearby Attractions 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. Charges & Cancellations Group Facilities - Overnight -$10.00 cancellation fee AND forfeit the first night's use recreation use fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the arrival date (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). For rules and reservation policies please follow the link below: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies