Mammoth Cave Campground

We had a great stay at Mammoth Cave, with some caveats. The staff were all very professional and friendly in the campground and visitor center. Our campsite was great. Unfortunately there were a lot of people gathering wet firewood & attempting to burn it, so the air was incredibly smoky at night. Inexperienced, or just too cheap to buy firewood? Either way, water-logged wood and fresh leaves don't make for a good campfire ;) We also had a great hike, and did a cave tour. This is where my experience soured a bit. Too many daily tours back to back means you are hustled through without being able to actually sit for a moment and take it all in. Tour guide was great, but the park ranger pulling up the rear was rude. And a huge tour of people also meant if you were at the front (tour guide rec for slower folks), people behind you shoved and pushed; if you were at the back (tour guide rec for fast walkers), the ranger refused to let you stop to even glance at something. Just charge an entrance fee to the park and space out the tours. I felt like I was being herded angrily along. Much different experience at Carlsbad, where you can meander and, gasp!, sit down and be inspired.

Lots of trees for hammock camping! Great bathrooms. Awesome store.

The large shaded campsites with great pad for tents made for great nights and happy days!

Grounds are nice. Lots of campers. The showers and laundry require quarters, and there is no ATM, but there is a change machine that will give you change for $1 and $5. The camp grocery store has great little breakfast sandwiches too.

Clean bathrooms, quiet and peaceful site.

The campground was clean, quiet and close to the tours we were interested in.
Very nice. Bring quarters for the showers.

I could not bring myself to shower in the coin operated showers at Mammoth Cave Campground, and I desperately needed a shower from the heat. Instead I wiped down by a bathroom sink. The shower stalls appeared filthy, and to pay $1.50 for a 4.5 minutes where the temperature of the water could not be controlled, seemed like extortion from weary travelers. Of course the tour of the cave system was amazing and so I suspect the campground does not have much incentive to improve since it is convenient for those touring the cave to use the Mammoth Cave Campground.

A tour of the Kentucky State Capital was beautiful and highly recommended.