Places to Stay
From a tree house to a glamping dome, here's where to stay near Kentucky's only national park.
Getty/Courtesy of Airbnb
Home to the world's longest known cave system, not to mention miles of beautiful hiking trails, river valleys, and rolling hills, Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park is a wonder to behold. As an Ohioan, I've visited this national park just an hour north of the Tennessee border on numerous occasions over the years on road trips down South. And while I've spent most of my time in the park exploring the actual Mammoth Cave below ground, what travelers might not know is that there is plenty to do above ground as well, including hiking and biking trails that are beautiful in every season.
No matter what you hope to do in Mammoth Cave, from fishing to biking to spelunking, your perfect national park trip starts with the accommodations you call home. Luckily, I've found some of the best vacation rentals and hotels near Mammoth Cave National Park to cozy up in. Whether you're looking for a stay with its own hot tub and firepit or want to go glamping under the stars, there's something for everyone in this beautiful slice of Kentucky. From a cabin in the trees to a lakeside retreat, here are the best Airbnbs, vacation rentals, and hotels near Mammoth Cave National Park.
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Our top picks:
- Best for a stay inside the park: The Lodge at Mammoth Cave
- Best for a cozy cabin: The Maple Retreat
- Best for groups: Five-bedroom with multiple game rooms
Gorgeous home adjoining the national park
Number of guests: 12
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
Why we love it: Next to the national park, dock, hot tub, firepitThis newly built three-bedroom is just waiting for you to arrive in style. The activities are endless here; the property is just one mile from Mammoth Cave National Park, so you can spend your days hiking, but if you want a change of pace, head home to hang out on the dock and fish in the lake. After a day of enjoying the great outdoors, sit around the firepit and tell stories, or take a dip in the hot tub. There are two king bedrooms and one room with four twin beds built bunk-bed-style into the wall for the kids. There are also plenty of gathering spaces for everyone to enjoy together.
Location: Mammoth Cave
Things to do nearby: Green River Ferry, fishing on the lakeTree house with a winding staircase
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Elevated deck, winding staircase, proximity to the national parkLess than a mile from the Cedar Sink trailhead in Mammoth Cave National Park, this tree house Airbnb puts you in an ideal location for hiking. And after a long day exploring the area, two comfy bedrooms await you and up to three other guests. Inside, you’ll find fun nature-themed decor, like a wall composed of small cross sections of tree trunks and hanging antlers in both the common area and the bathroom. My favorite aspects of the home are the picturesque winding staircase and the elevated deck for relaxing amongst the trees.
Location: Brownsville
Things to do nearby: Cedar Sink trailhead, Turnhole Bend Nature trailhead
Log cabin set on five secluded acres
Number of guests: 6
Bed and bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Why we love it: Stone fireplaces, washer/dryer, porchIf you've never stayed in a log cabin before, here's your chance! This historic building is just seven miles away from Mammoth Cave National Park. Set on five acres of secluded land, you can expect old-world charm to abound, but you will also be able to enjoy modern amenities like Wi-Fi and a smart TV. Find decorative stone fireplaces with heaters in each room, two comfortable bedrooms (a room with a queen bed and a room with a double and two singles), and a kitchen for whipping up quick meals. Outside, enjoy the porch, firepit, and plenty of land to explore on foot.
Location: Smiths Grove
Things to do nearby: Vintage shops, historic buildings, and antique shops in Smiths Grove city centerFive-bedroom with several game rooms
Number of guests: 14
Bed and bath: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths
Why we love it: Multiple game rooms, private backyard, access to neighborhood amenitiesThis family-friendly stay is perfect for a multigenerational trip to Mammoth Caves. Kids (and kids at heart) will adore the variety of games on-site, including an air hockey table, a Pop-A-Shot arcade game, and cornhole. Plus, the property offers access to the neighborhood amenities, like pickleball courts, a clubhouse with Wi-Fi and TVs, and a basketball court. There's a spacious open-plan first floor for lounging around, and five bedrooms to fit the whole crew: two kings, two queens, and a room with bunk beds.
Location: Clarkson
Things to do nearby: Leitchfield Aquatic Center, Nolin Lake State Park, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum
Glamping dome for four
Number of guests: 4
Bed and bath: Studio, 1 bath
Why we love it: Firepit, unique glamping experience, wood-burning hot tubSurround yourself with nature at this unique glamping dome, where you can enjoy all the beauty of camping with none of the hardship. Expect spectacular views right from your bed and space to hang out and eat meals on the deck. Unlike many glamping sites, this dome has a kitchen with a pressure cooker and a fully working bathroom inside, so you don't have to worry about walking around outside in the dark if you have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. A queen bed and a lofted double bed (reachable by a ladder) sit on the main floor, so this dome is best for friends or family who don't mind the lack of privacy.
Location: Clarkson
Things to do nearby: Nolin River Lake, Flag Island, Dickeys Mill Recreation AreaRetreat with valley views and a hot tub
Number of guests: 10
Bed and bath: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
Why we love it: Hot tub, firepit, arcade gamesWith a spacious layout, ample seating, and a large kitchen big enough to throw together group dinners, this three-bedroom home is a great place to make memories after trips to the nearby national park. Enjoy a peaceful snooze in one of the three bedrooms (a king and two queens) after a relaxing night spent enjoying dinner on the deck and soaking in the hot tub. Weather not to your liking? Arcade games, cozy seating areas, and three different living areas (with TVs) will keep you entertained.
Location: Mammoth Cave
Things to do nearby: Brier Creek Recreation Area, Nolin Lake State Park
The Maple Retreat
Number of guests: Varies
Bed and bath: Varies
Why we love it: Pet-friendly, close to the park, private deckGuests can check into one of The Maple Retreat's well-appointed accommodations, ranging from classic log cabins to the unique Mirror Cabin (which looks like something out of a movie), for a comfortable stay just a few miles from the park. This property is ideal for families or couples who like a bit of privacy with their hotel stays, since every cabin is stand-alone. Each unit comes with fully stocked bathrooms and kitchens, so while you get to enjoy the nearby nature, you'll never be too far from modern comforts. All cabins feature private decks, smart TVs, Wi-Fi, and parking spots right outside.
Location: Park City
Things to do nearby: Green River, Cedar Sink trail
How to plan a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park
What is there to do at Mammoth Cave National Park?
Mammoth Cave National Park has both above-ground and underground activities. I'm partial to the cave tours, which take travelers down into Mammoth Cave on a guided journey through the stone labyrinth where you’ll wander down narrow pathways, see dripstone formations, and take in the towering stone walls. The massive size of this cave system (the largest in the world) is nearly impossible to imagine. You cannot go into the cave on your own, so you'll need to purchase a ticket for one of the tours, but keep in mind that reservations can sell out, so you'll want to book in advance.
If you don't enjoy the thought of venturing into the earth, there are over 80 miles of above-ground trails to explore in the park as well. You can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking on the river, and fishing when weather allows.
When is the best time to visit Mammoth Cave National Park?
Spring and fall are excellent times to visit Mammoth Cave thanks to the mild weather, wildflowers in the spring, and fall foliage in autumn. Summer is the high season, so it can be quite crowded (and hot above ground). While winter is beautiful, it can bring snowstorms and seasonal campground closures.
Jamie Spain is Condé Nast Traveler's Travel Bookings Editor where she covers hotels, stays, and deals. She currently lives in New York City and has been in the industry for over six years, previously covering entertainment, lifestyle, and product reviews. You can find her past work in Good Housekeeping, People, ... Read More
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