Mammoth Picnic Shelters

About

Mammoth Picnic Shelters are reservable day-use facilities within Mammoth Cave National Park, nestled among oak, elm, and maple trees in the Green River Valley. Two shelters are available: the enclosed shelter (G-1) features electrical outlets, 10 tables, and 57 chairs, while the open shelter (G-2) lacks power. Both accommodate groups of up to 60 people. The picnic area includes flush restrooms, potable water, garbage dumpsters, fire grates, and charcoal grills. Fires are not permitted inside the enclosed shelter. Trailheads to the Green River Bluffs Trail and Dixon Cave Trail are nearby, both approximately one mile long. This is strictly a day-use facility. Check-in is at 10am and check-out is no later than 6pm. Overnight camping is explicitly prohibited in all picnic areas. For overnight stays, visitors should book at nearby Mammoth Cave Campground or Houchin Ferry Campground.

Directions

From the North: Take I-65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. Once in the Visitor Center parking lot turn right into the Picnic Area. From the South: Take I-65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. Once in the Visitor Center parking lot turn right into the Picnic Area. Do not rely exclusively on mobile GPS or automated navigation systems.