Mammoth Cave Park Regulations

You can make the most of your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park by planning ahead, and becoming acquainted with some simple precautions, all designed to enhance your safety and enjoyment. Please review and observe the following park regulations and safety tips.

Safety Tips

lOn cave tours, it is vital that you wear proper footwear and select a tour that is appropriate for your physical abilities.

lBe aware of ozone alerts. The park occasionally falls under an ozone advisory on hot, sunny days.

lDo not approach or feed animals. All animals in the park are wild, and feeding them harms their well-being. All animals can be dangerous.

lExamine yourself for ticks after spending time outside. Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease.

lDo not drink from rivers, ponds, lakes or springs in the park without first treating the water. Potable water is available at the visitor center, the hotel, Camper's Store at Houchins Ferry Campground.

lWhen you hike, always tell others where you are going. Sign in at trailhead registers where they are available.

lSwimming in the Green River is not recommended due to strong currents and deep holes. Lifeguards are not on duty.

River Regulations

lCamping along the floodplain is by permit only. Inquire at the visitor center.

lBoats may be taken in and out of the water at Green River Ferry and Houchins Ferry. Canoes may be taken in and out at Green River, Houchins and Dennison Ferries.

lAll boat passengers must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. It should be worn at all times while on the river.

lNever dump or discharge refuse in the water.

lDo not leave boats unattended for longer than 24 hours without written permission from the Chief Ranger.

lBoating accidents resulting in property damage, personal injury or death must be reported to a park ranger immediately.

Fishing Regulations

lAt First Creek Lake, it is prohibited to use any live bait other than worms. On the rivers, you can use minnows or worms. Using bait seines in the park is strictly regulated, so please check with rangers for specific rules.

lPark wildlife is protected. Collecting frogs, turtles, mussels, etc., or digging for bait is strictly prohibited.

lNo fishing license is required in the park.

lKentucky fishing regulations apply. Inquire at the visitor center.

lFish by handline, rod and reel, or trot and throw line. All other methods are prohibited.

Camping Regulations

lConfine fires to ground grills.

lNever make new fire circles.

lRemove dry leaves, grass and other flammable material from the fireplace area and keep fires small.

lUse only fallen dead wood for fires.

lDo not hang lanterns in trees to prevent forest fires.

lQuiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

lWhen using radios, generators, motors and other noisy equipment; do not disturb your neighbors.

lPets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times.

lDo not leave pets unattended at your campsite.

lNever chop, cut, saw or drive nails into standing trees.

lChain saws are prohibited.

lFireworks, firearms, bows, air rifles, blow guns, sling shots and other weapons capable of destroying or frightening wildlife are prohibited in the park.

lHelp prevent forest fires—do not hang lanterns on trees.

lDo not dig, trench or level the ground at campsites.

lFor your own protection as well as the protection of park animals, do not feed wildlife. Wildlife needs to depend on its own resources, not ours, to survive in our national parks.

lRaccoons often visit campsites in search of food. Keep personal gear such as ice chests, stoves, thermos bottles and fragrant items in your car or trailer.

lCarry a flashlight when walking through the campground at night. Poisonous copperheads and rattlesnakes are common.

Horse Regulations

lSites 1, 2, 3 and 4 at Maple Springs Campground are designed to accommodate horses. Do not use any of the other Maple Springs sites if you are camping with horses.

lPark vehicles only at the gravel spaces located at each campsite. There is additional parking, in the area across the road from the bulletin board.

lDispose of horse manure by scattering it in the woods at least 200 feet behind the campsites.

lTie your horse to the picket areas located behind sites 1, 2, 3 and 4. Never tie horses to trees.

lThe central grassy area is for amphitheater and recreational use only. Do not let your horses use the area.

Homeland Security

Mammoth Cave National Park observes the Department of Homeland Security's "Homeland Security Advisory System." In the event of a national park Red Alert, Mammoth Cave National Park will modify tour schedules to increase security and your safety. Be advised that your tour reservation may have to be adjusted.

The following items are not permitted in the visitor center area:

lBackpacks

lCamera Bags and Tripods

lFirearms

lKnives

lLuggage (suitcases, duffel bags, etc.)

lPepper Spray/Mace

lSharp Instruments (box cutters, scissors, etc.)

lStrollers

lWeapons (clubs, batons, brass knuckles, etc.)