Headquarters Campground in Kentucky on map - U.S.

This campground is in the center of the action at Mammoth Cave.

Ihave spent more nights here than any other campground in Kentucky. Why? There is much to do at Mammoth Cave National Park, but smart visitors will want to make tent camping part of their adventure, in addition to experiencing everything else the park has to offer. And if you are going to plant yourself at Mammoth Cave for a few days, why not do it at the campground that is in the center of the action? Appropriately called Headquarters, it is strategically located near the park's revamped visitor center, where most of the cave tours take place. All visitors owe it to themselves to head underground and explore part of the world's largest known cave system.

After your obligatory underground tours, take some time to see the less-heralded aboveground features of this protected swath of the Bluegrass State.

The campground is large but is spread over a wide area that is more level than not. Pass the campground entrance station. The first loop on your left has campsites i-ю, which are for tent campers only. These are the most preferable sites, as they have been reworked and gravel tent pads have been added. The next loop has sites 11-53. Typical of the camping area, these are well-shaded and roomy. Some of the sites are pull-through, which big rigs like, but having no electricity here discourages them from taking over the campground. The next area has sites 54-90. This large loop starts out level, then offers some vertical variation. The campsites in the rear of the loop, such as 76, 78, and 80, are the most desirable. The final loop, with sites 92-111, is the hilliest. This is also where the campground host stays, which enhances everyone's stay. In addition, the campground entrance station is starred by park-service employees who are there to help. Overall, the campground has that old-time atmosphere of vacationers out to have a good time in a pretty setting, as it should be in national parks. The campground fills on summer weekends, so reservations are recommended if you come during this time.

Cave tours are mandatory for visitors. The park's visitor center is a short walk away; head over here to determine the length and difficulty of the cave tour you wish to undertake. Some of the more rugged tours will leave you muddy, but coin-operated showers and a laundry will return you and your duds to shipshape.

A superb trail system traverses the aboveground natural world between the campground and the nearby Green River. Grab a view along the Green River Bluffs Trail. Or see the entrance of Dixon Cave along the Dixon Cave Trail. See the outflow of Echo River Spring down by the Green River. Or see the Mammoth Dome Sink. These are all interesting features that demonstrate the relationship between aboveground rock and water and the rock and water you see on cave tours. Springtime visitors will enjoy the added bonus of an amazing wildflower display that rivals the one at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are dozens of miles of other trails away from the Headquarters area too. I make an annual springtime visit to Mammoth Cave to hike the aboveground trails throughout the park and appreciate the showy bluebells, fire pinks, and a host of other colorful offerings of the season of rebirth.

Consider taking a canoe trip on the Green River, which winds its way through the protected nature of the park. You will see springs, gravel bars, and wildlife. The Green isn't bad fishing either. Call Mammoth Cave Canoe and Kayak at 877-592-2663 for trip times and reservations. No matter what you do here at the park, throw in a tent-camping experience too. You won't regret it.

ADDRESS: Mammoth Cave National Park, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

OPERATED BY: National Park Service

CONTACT: 270-758-2424, nps . gov / maca; reservations: 877-444-6777, recreation . gov

OPEN: March-November

SITES: 111

SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring, lantern post; some have tent pads

ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation

REGISTRATION: At campground entrance station

FACILITIES: Coin-operated hot showers, flush toilets, water spigots, camp store, laundry

PARKING: At campsites only

FEE: $16

ELEVATION: 480 feet

¦ Pets: On leash at all times

¦ Fires: In fire rings only

¦ Alcohol: At campsites only

¦ Vehicles: Wheeled vehicles must be on parking pad

¦ Other: Strict quiet hours 10 p.m.-6 a.m.

From Exit 48 on I-65, take Park City Road north, then keep north as Cave City Road merges into Mammoth Cave Parkway. Stay right with Mammoth Cave Parkway, and follow it to park headquarters and the Headquarters Campground, on your right near the camp store.

GPS COORDINATES   N37° 10.942'   W86° 5.811'