For those interested in cavern touring, the area around Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky offers several state park camping options. From the scenic Nolin Lake State Park to the highly-rated Axtel Campground, this guide will help you plan your perfect camping and caving adventure.
Nolin Lake State Park
Nolin Lake State Park is located along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore the famous caverns. This 5,795-acre park features a 333-acre lake created from the impoundment of the Nolin River in 1963.
Campground Details
- Campsites: The park offers a variety of camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, and even some cabins.
- Amenities: Nolin Lake State Park provides modern amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a dump station for RVs.
- Activities: In addition to caving, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities on the lake and surrounding areas.
- Ratings: Based on 20 reviews, Nolin Lake State Park has an impressive 8.3/10 rating, making it a popular choice for campers.
Other Campgrounds Near Mammoth Cave National Park
While Nolin Lake State Park is a great option, there are several other highly-rated campgrounds in the area that are worth considering for your cavern touring adventure.
Axtel Campground
- Location: Situated just a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park
- Ratings: With a 9.0/10 rating based on 68 reviews, Axtel Campground is a top-rated option for campers.
- Amenities: The campground offers full hookups, restrooms, showers, and other modern conveniences.
The Driftwoods RV Park
- Location: Located just a few miles from the entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park
- Ratings: This campground is consistently ranked as one of the top-rated options near the national park.
- Amenities: The Driftwoods RV Park provides full hookups, a swimming pool, and other amenities to make your stay comfortable.
Mammoth Cave National Park Campgrounds
For those who want to stay within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park, there are a few camping options to consider.
Mammoth Cave Campground
- Location: This developed campground is located within a quarter-mile of the visitor center.
- Campsites: The campground offers 111 primitive campsites, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.
Firewood Quarantine
- Regulations: Visitors should be aware that firewood from certain states is prohibited in the park due to the risk of insect infestations. Campers are encouraged to use dead or downed wood found within the park or purchase firewood from the Caver’s Camp Store.
Backcountry Camping
For the more adventurous campers, Mammoth Cave National Park also offers 13 backcountry tent sites for those who want to venture deeper into the wilderness.
Important Information for Cavern Touring
When planning your camping and caving adventure near Mammoth Cave, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Cave Tours: The national park offers a variety of cave tours, which are available daily except on December 25th. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.
- Weather: Cavern temperatures can be significantly different from outdoor temperatures, so it’s important to dress appropriately for your cave tours.
By considering these state park camping options and important details, you can plan the perfect cavern touring experience near Mammoth Cave National Park. Whether you choose to stay at Nolin Lake State Park, one of the nearby campgrounds, or within the national park itself, you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
References
- https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
- https://campgrounds.rvlife.com/regions/kentucky/mammoth-cave-national-park
- https://parks.ky.gov/explore/nolin-lake-state-park-7822
- https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/kentucky/national-park/mammoth-cave/all
- https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/macacampground.htm