Mammoth Cave Campground is the main developed campground at Mammoth Cave National Park. The 105 sites are laid out in three loops through a nicely forested area. Shade should be plentiful in this campground. On recreation.gov sites did not seem to be reservable until mid-May, but plenty of sites were available when we arrived after 9:00pm. Of course the lows for the night were predicted to drop below freezing, so campsites may be more scarce in warmer temps.

We selected site 81 as it was dark when we arrived and seemed no better or worse than the rest. Next trip we may try to select one of the sites that run along Green River Ferry Road. There is a little valley just beyond those sites so the view and breeze seem like it would make those sites optimal.

One of the first things we noticed upon arrival were the well-lit pathways to the bathrooms. We checked out the facilities and found clean, updated flush toilets and sinks. Showers were located behind the camp store. Ten minutes of hot water were available with a $3 token purchased in the store. Again, crowds were light the weekend we were there, but the facilities were all clean.

Firewood was also available at the store at $5 for a decent sized bundle. I don’t remember the hours of the store, but we were pretty certain it would be closed by the time of our arrival. Fortunately we found wood at the Shell station in Cave City right off the exit. Fire pits were the standard metal rings which hinged above a concrete pad. Picnic tables were likewise concrete and looked ready to stand up to the ages.

I also have to appreciate that the campground offered not only dumpsters for trash, but full recycling facilities. I am really glad the parks are attempting to model great land stewardship policies.

The two nights we stayed at the campground were exceptionally quiet. We may have heard a few coyotes in the distance, but no street noise and the campers all seemed to retire at a reasonable hour. We certainly enjoyed our stay here and would be happy to return at any time. This park definitely offers more than just caves to the nature enthusiast.