Maple Springs Group Campground
The Quick Take
Maple Springs is Mammoth Cave's wild card -- a tiny group campground on the north side of the park that most visitors never even hear about. With just seven sites, it feels more like a private horse camp than a national park campground, and honestly, that's exactly what it is. You'll need to cross the Green River by ferry just to get here, which immediately filters out the casual crowd. The trade-off is real: no showers, no flush toilets, no dump station, and cell service is essentially nonexistent. What you get in return is direct access to over seventy miles of backcountry trails and enough quiet to actually hear the forest. This is the pick for equestrian groups and backcountry hikers who treat the campground as a base camp, not a destination.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 7 sites are reservable.
Book at Mammoth Cave LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. All sites are paved. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Generators:• Quiet hours: 10 pm - 6 am.
- Bear Safety:• Store your camp food inside a vehicle to prevent wildlife access.
- Checkout:• Check-out time is 11 am.
- Occupancy:• Maximum of 24 persons per site, 8 horses per equine site.
- Stay Limit:Maximum 14 day stay in calendar year.
Pro Tips
The Green River Ferry operates on a set schedule and does not run at night -- check current hours before you head in, especially if you're arriving after dark. Getting stranded on the wrong side of the river is a memorable experience for all the wrong reasons.
Each site accommodates up to twenty-four people and eight horses, making this one of the most affordable group camping options in the park at fifty dollars a night split across a full group. Book through Recreation.gov early for peak weekends in spring and fall when equestrian groups lock down sites months ahead.
There's potable water on site but almost nothing else, so pack like you're heading into the backcountry. Bring your own firewood, a camp stove, and enough food for the duration. Store everything in your vehicle -- the park is serious about wildlife-proofing your site.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
From the south, take the Mammoth Cave Pkwy toward the Visitor Center. At the intersection with Green River Ferry Rd, turn left onto Green River Ferry Rd. At Green River, cross the river by ferry and continue onward until the Maple Springs Loop Rd appears on your Left. Turn left onto Maple Springs Loop Rd. In approximately ¼ mile, Maple Springs Group Campground will be on your left. From the north, take KY259 to KY728 to KY1827 to KY1352, then follow Green River Ferry Rd to Maple Springs Loop Rd.
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