Maple Springs

Campground · Kentucky · 7 bookable sites ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Mammoth Cave National Park (National Park) · Open Access

7
Bookable sites
50 ft
Max rig length
up to 24
People per site
773 ft
Elevation
Spacious sites with water and electric
Photo: Debra Spillman · Recreation.gov

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

The facts

  • 7 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 50 ft
  • Up to 24 people per site
  • Loops: Group Sites

Site types

  • 4 Equestrian Electric
  • 3 Group Standard Electric

Amenities

  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

7 campsites at Maple Springs

Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
G001Group SitesEquestrian ElectricBack InPaved—50 ft24 🐾
G002Group SitesEquestrian ElectricBack InPaved—50 ft24 🐾
G003Group SitesEquestrian ElectricBack InPavedSlight50 ft24 🐾
G004Group SitesEquestrian ElectricPull ThroughPavedSlight50 ft24 🐾
G005Group SitesGroup Standard ElectricPull ThroughPaved—50 ft24 🐾
G006Group SitesGroup Standard ElectricPull ThroughPaved—50 ft24 🐾
G007Group SitesGroup Standard ElectricPull ThroughPaved—50 ft24 🐾

Getting there

  • Directions 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 towards the Visitor Center. Turn left on the Green River Ferry Road. Cross the ferry and follow the signs to Maple Springs. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. For trailers or large vehicles, use alternate directions. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet.
  • Alternate Directions 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. Turn left on HWY 70 to Brownsville. Make a right on HWY 259. Turn right onto HWY 728 which becomes HWY 1827. Then turn right onto HWY 1352 and follow signs to Maple Springs Group Campground. Turn right onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left.
  • Directions 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 towards the Visitor Center. Turn left on the Green River Ferry Road. Cross the ferry and follow the signs to Maple Springs. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left. For trailers or large vehicles, use alternate directions. Vehicles boarding the ferry must not exceed 8 tons and have a length no more than 16 feet.
  • Alternate Directions 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. Turn left on HWY 70 to Brownsville. Make a right on HWY 259. Turn right onto HWY 728 which becomes HWY 1827. Then turn right onto HWY 1352 and follow signs to Maple Springs Group Campground. Turn right onto Maple Springs Loop. Maple Spring Campground will be on the left.

37.20722, -86.13167 · 37°12'26.0"N 86°7'54.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 91°F in Jul, down to 48°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F485362738188919085746151
Low °F293240485764686760494033
Precip in3.74.55.04.95.24.84.93.84.03.84.14.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Maple Springs

Can you reserve a site at Maple Springs?
Yes, Maple Springs is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Maple Springs have?
7 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Maple Springs?
50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Maple Springs?
Yes, pets are allowed at Maple Springs.
Does Maple Springs have hookups?
Electric, Water.
Are campfires allowed at Maple Springs?
Campfires are allowed at Maple Springs. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Maple Springs

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-15.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.