Mammoth Cave National Park

About Mammoth Cave

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.

From the National Park Service.

Entrance fees

This park has no entrance fee.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

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).

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. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.

Getting there

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.

Campgrounds

• Houchin Ferry CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Mammoth Cave CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Maple Springs Group CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov

Webcams

• Green River Bluffs & Air Quality

Visitor centers

• Mammoth Cave Visitor Center

Alerts

• Park Closure: Green River Ferry Temporarily Out of Service
• Park Closure: Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service
• Information: Temporary Closure of Select Trails for Rehabilitation Project
• Information: Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Sources

Mammoth Cave National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.