MAPLE SPRINGS

Overview 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.