Maple Springs Trailhead and Campground
Secluded campground in Mammoth Cave's backwoods with spacious sites, water/electric, and nearby hiking trails. A peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Maple Springs Trailhead and Campground
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Secluded campground in Mammoth Cave's backwoods with spacious sites, water/electric, and nearby hiking trails. A peaceful escape.
"Beautiful, remote campground with huge sites, but be prepared for basic facilities and potential ferry closures."
🚗 Check Ferry Status
The Green River Ferry is key for quick access. Confirm it's open before your trip to avoid long detours!
💰 Bring Cash for Stores
Nearby country stores prefer cash. A Dollar General is available for more substantial needs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spacious Campsites
Campground
Generously sized sites perfect for large families, RVs, or even horses. Enjoy ample space and level pads.
Secluded & Serene Atmosphere
Campground
Experience true tranquility with few other campers, especially in the shoulder seasons. Enjoy the remote, backwoods feel.
Well-Groomed Hiking Trails
Near Campground
Explore numerous hiking trails directly accessible from the campground, offering beautiful forest scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Route: Ferry or No Ferry?
Camping Comforts: What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Ferry Status
The Green River Ferry is key for quick access. Confirm it's open before your trip to avoid long detours!
💰 Bring Cash for Stores
Nearby country stores prefer cash. A Dollar General is available for more substantial needs.
🚿 Shower Strategy
Showers are coin-operated and a drive away. Bring plenty of quarters for your visit.
💧 Pack a Portable Sink
Vault toilets lack sinks. Tent campers may want to bring a portable sink for convenience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Ferry Status
The Green River Ferry is key for quick access. Confirm it's open before your trip to avoid long detours!
💰 Bring Cash for Stores
Nearby country stores prefer cash. A Dollar General is available for more substantial needs.
🚿 Shower Strategy
Showers are coin-operated and a drive away. Bring plenty of quarters for your visit.
💧 Pack a Portable Sink
Vault toilets lack sinks. Tent campers may want to bring a portable sink for convenience.
🐍 Be Aware of Wildlife
While beautiful, the area can have wildlife. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maple Springs Campground offers a tranquil, secluded experience with exceptionally spacious campsites and essential hookups. While many appreciate the remote beauty and quiet atmosphere, some visitors note the basic nature of the vault toilets and the inconvenience of distant, coin-operated showers. The access via the Green River Ferry is a key factor, with its closure leading to significant detours.
"Located in the "backwoods" of Mammoth Cave, this little campground is absolutely beautiful! We visited in late September and literally had the entire site to ourselves. The campsites are large and spacious for those with large families or horses. Very little effort needed in setting up the camper as the pad was level left to right. Water and electric hookups available. There are vault toilet within a short walk which were nice and handicap accessible, especially with the Green River Ferry being closed due to low water level. The dump station is at the main entrance, which is about a 45-50 minute drive around the park with the Ferry closed, maybe a 20 minute ride with the Ferry open. It was remote and secluded with numerous well-groomed hiking trails do explore. Would definitely visit again. Wild turkeys visited us one morning. We were fearful of a truly rustic campsite with 5 young children (12 and under), but the reality was merely simplistic. We had an enjoyable time, spent a day at the main entrance, and the rest was spent in the back-forty campsite. There are a couple country stores nearby for supplies (cash is still king) and a Dollar General Market not far away if something more substantial is needed."
Travis Moore
"Campground was nothing special. We appreciated being among only a few other campers during our visit in October, which gave the site an especially remote feeling. The bathrooms were in rough shape… we avoided at all costs. Getting to the campground takes planning… takes at least an hour to avoid the ferry if coming from the north. There’s quite a few hiking trails in walking distance of the campground, but the caves are a drive away. We weren’t able to visit the caves, so the scenery was forest-y, nothing unique. Given the hassle of getting here, we likely won’t return and wouldn’t recommend."
Lauren Burchill
"The area is quiet and beautiful, and the campsites are huge because they are for multiple groups. We went in November, knowing it would be cold, but we were still surprised there was no heat in the vault toilet spaces. There is also no sink of any kind so bring a portable one if you are tent camping, like we did. There was water and electricity at each site. The sites aren't marked very well, so it's tricky figuring out which is which.
And if you are tent camping, and want to shower, you have to go to the service building near the hotel which is for campers. It's about 10 minutes away, taking the ferry bridge, which is fun.
The showers are coin operated, and at the time, the women's only had one out of three working. The men's showers seemed to be in better shape, and you'll need at least $3 in quarters to have a decent shower. There are quarter-change machines, and there is a laundry room as well, all in that same spot. I was a little annoyed to have to pay for the shower, seeing as that we were paying $50/night to camp, but I can see how it conserves water.
It was a good experience overall, and we really enjoyed the cave tour we took."
Jan Rudd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing the campground depends on the Green River Ferry's operation. If open, it's a short ride. If closed due to low water, expect a significant detour (45-50 minutes from the north) around the park. Plan your route in advance based on ferry status.
No, the Green River Ferry closes when water levels are too low. It's crucial to check its operational status before your trip to avoid unexpected delays and longer drives.
Without the ferry, the drive to Maple Springs Campground can be quite long, potentially taking around 45-50 minutes from the north side of the park.
Yes, there are a couple of country stores nearby where cash is preferred. A Dollar General Market is also a short distance away for more substantial shopping needs.
The caves themselves are a drive away from the campground. While there are hiking trails nearby, visiting the main cave tours will require additional travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to book campsites in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or holidays, to secure your spot.
Campgrounds typically operate 24/7 for access, but check-in and check-out times may apply. It's best to confirm specific hours with the park service if available.
While the campground itself might have a nightly fee, there may also be park entrance fees associated with Mammoth Cave National Park. Check the official park website for current fee information.
Campsites typically include water and electric hookups. Vault toilets are available on-site, but showers are located at a separate service building and require payment.
Showers are coin-operated, so you'll need quarters. It's advisable to bring plenty of change, as card payment options are not typically available for shower facilities.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
The campsites are noted for being very large and spacious, suitable for large groups or those with multiple vehicles. They offer level pads and come with water and electric hookups.
Vault toilets are available within walking distance of the campsites. However, showers are not directly at the campground; you'll need to drive about 10 minutes to the service building near the hotel.
Water hookups are available at each campsite, providing convenient access for campers.
Yes, it's suitable for tent camping, but be aware that vault toilets lack sinks, so bringing a portable sink is recommended. Showers are also a drive away.
Some visitors have noted that the campsite markers are not very clear, which can make it tricky to identify your assigned site.
🎫 🏞️ Nature & Activities
There are numerous well-groomed hiking trails in walking distance of the campground, offering opportunities to explore the surrounding forest scenery.
Yes, you can visit the cave tours, but they are a drive away from the campground. Factor in travel time when planning your cave tour visits.
Visitors have reported seeing wildlife such as wild turkeys. However, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards, like copperheads mentioned in some reviews.
The scenery is described as 'forest-y' and beautiful. While it might not be unique to everyone, the natural beauty and tranquility are appreciated by many visitors.
The spacious campsites and nearby hiking trails can be enjoyable for children. The simple, rustic nature of the campground can also be an adventure for younger ones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
However, parents should be prepared for the basic facilities. The lack of sinks in vault toilets and the distance to coin-operated showers require extra planning. Bringing along portable sinks and ensuring you have plenty of quarters for showers will be essential. The campground's simplicity, while appealing to some, means you'll need to be more self-sufficient in managing the needs of young children.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
🐴 Equestrians and Horse Owners
While specific equestrian facilities aren't detailed, the generous site size is a strong indicator that horse owners will find the layout accommodating. Riders can likely access nearby trails directly or with minimal transport, enjoying the natural beauty of the park with their equine companions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Access: The Ferry Factor
This access challenge is a recurring theme in traveler feedback. Some visitors found the detour inconvenient and a reason they wouldn't return, while others accepted it as part of the 'backwoods' experience. Understanding this logistical hurdle is essential for planning a stress-free trip to this more remote part of Mammoth Cave National Park.
Campground Amenities: Rustic Charm vs. Modern Needs
However, the facilities require some adjustment for those accustomed to more developed campgrounds. Vault toilets are available but are described as basic and lacking sinks, prompting some campers to bring portable sinks. The shower facilities are not on-site; they are located at a service building about a 10-minute drive away and operate on a coin-operated system, requiring quarters for short shower durations. While some find this an acceptable trade-off for the secluded location, others express frustration with the added cost and inconvenience, especially given the nightly camping fee.
It's also worth noting that campsite markers can be unclear, adding a minor challenge to finding your designated spot. Overall, the campground provides a foundation for a comfortable stay, but visitors should come prepared for a more self-sufficient camping experience, particularly regarding hygiene facilities.
Exploring the Surroundings: Trails and Caves
For those eager to explore the famous cave systems, it's important to note that the main cave tours are a drive away from the campground. While the campground itself is situated in a more remote area, it serves as a base for accessing the broader park attractions. Visitors should factor in travel time when planning their cave tours and other park activities. The scenery is described as beautiful and forest-like, offering a tranquil escape for nature lovers.
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