Weekend of Camping (and MORE) at Mammoth Cave National Park

Oct '09 9 Fri 3:00 PM
Location
Mammoth Cave National Park

1 Mammoth Cave Parkway
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
(270) 758-2180

Attendance
 29  people attended.
5.00 5.0014 (14 ratings)
Price

$10.00 per person
refund policy

Get ready for a fun filled camping weekend at Mammoth Cave National Park. With plenty of activities, from paddling, hiking, horseback riding, alpine slide and go carts, there will be plenty of fun for all!!

Just 1-1/2 hours north of downtown Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system, a part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky. It is centered around the Green River, with a tributary, the Nolin River, feeding into the Green just inside the park. With a confirmed 365 miles of caves and passageways it is by far the world's longest known cave system, well over twice as long as the second longest cave system. If it rains, no problem - we'll go caving!

We will be car camping at the Mammoth Cave Campground. Located ¼ mile from the Park Visitor Center. Each site features a paved parking area, a picnic table, and a fire ring. The campground has restrooms, fresh water, a dump station, garbage dumpsters, and a recycling station. There are no hookups for electricity or water. Showers, operated by the park concessioner, are open daily, 6am-10pm, $2/10min.

Paddling: The beautiful Green River flows through the heart of Mammoth Cave National Park. For those of you looking to paddle, there will be a separate paddle event for Saturday.

Cave Tours: There are 11 different cave tours available at Mammoth Cave. Tours cost anywhere from $8 to $12. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cavetourschedulefall.htm

Hiking: Like to hike? Then Mammoth Cave is the place for you. You'll stay busy with 24 hiking trails ranging in length from 1/4 mile to 8 miles. For a detailed list of hiking trails, go to: www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/trails.htm

Horse Back Riding: There are a couple of different stable located outside the park. Rates and time vary depending on the stable you choose. Reservations are recommended, so you'll need to call in advance to make arrangements.

Jesse James Riding Stables (This stable is located inside Mammoth Cave Park)
http://www.jessejames...
[masked]

D Bar K Horse Camp LLC
http://www.dbarkhorse...
[masked]

Kentucky Action Park: Alpine Slide, Chair Lift, Bumper Boats, Go-Carts, “Trampoline Thing” with bungees for flipping and turning, and MORE. Located just 8 miles from the park. Lot's of fun stuff for EVERYONE! Check out their website for more details: www.kentuckyactionpark.com

What To Bring: Camping gear, boat, bike, food and drinks
Note: Wood from outside Kentucky is not permitted so we'll have to get wood there.

Just like our Rock Island event, you can set your own schedule or buddy up with others to organize outings. This is pretty much a relaxing and nonstructured, fun weekend. Let's plan to have the first evening's meal as a group potluck. Would be a good time to plan outings with buds!

Directions:Take Interstate 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. Follow signs to Mammoth Cave Campground, located 1/4 mile from visitors center.

Notes:Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Sorry but member's children only, no friends of the children permitted. We are a family friendly group but get-togethers around the campfire after 9 p.m. is suggested for adults only.

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  • Leslie
    Leslie

    There is no way to describe a weekend with this crazy bunch of paddlers! We'll forget the rain and remember the propane blow torches trying to light wet wood - hahaha. We'll forget the nip in the air and remember teaming together during a capsize. What caver won't remember Fat Man's Misery? Benji chopping wood at dawn so we'd have a fire to wake up to - awesome! Coyotes howling, deer so close we could feed them. Horseback riding - yeehaw! What a weekend!!!

    Posted Oct 12, 2009 9:57 PM
  • Linda
    Linda

    I'm driving up EARLY Saturday morning in time for the paddle. Have fun Friday night!

    Posted Oct 8, 2009 6:38 AM
  • Leslie
    Leslie

    Mary, that's awesome that you bought those. We can spell out "PA+"!

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 10:27 PM
  • Leslie
    Leslie

    Dave, keep my cell handy and one of us will come get you: 615-681-3620. Note to all: I've got releases and maps to go horseback riding and Alpine Sledding and slingshot riding that I'll bring for Friday night's get together.

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 10:25 PM
  • Michael
    Michael

    This is useful for checking river levels in Mammoth Cave, or weather conditions or fall colors, etc.
    When the small islands are showing in the river the paddling is great according to John Beaver; Southern Kentucky Paddlers Society, President
    http://www.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/macacam/macac...

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 5:36 PM
  • Gabe
    Gabe

    Yes, Goodlettsville K-Mart on Long Hollow Pike... I will be driving a white ford f150 @ 12 noon come rain or shine

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 3:51 PM
  • Mary
    Mary

    Perhaps some glow sticks to light the way for after-dark arrivals? I'm going to the big-box retailer everyone loves to hate, today, and will see what they have.

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 10:17 AM
  • Renee
    Renee

    Hey Ya'll I got the whole day off on Friday, so I'm up for the convoy. Is the Goodlettsville K-Mart on Long Hollow Pike?

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 7:20 AM
  • Dave Livingston
    Dave Livingston

    Hey guys, I'm excited about the trip! I will actually be in Birmingham for business on Friday, leaving there at noon, driving to Nashville, loading up the boat and heading to the campground. Will anyone be leaving Nashville around 5pm that would like to caravan? Please let me know. Since I'll be there close to dusk, how do I find the group campground?

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 9:03 PM
  • Mary
    Mary

    Do you need headlamps for the non-wild tours? I got the feeling you don't. FYI, Friday looks iffy for storms. Saturday & Sunday look cool but dry.

    http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForeca...

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 12:41 PM
  • Gabe
    Gabe

    Leslie, come on, lets paddle in the rain... that puts the adventure in the plus. just bring a big sponge or pump>>>>

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:45 AM
  • Renee
    Renee

    Hey, This is my first trip with the group. Do I need to make reservations with the campground as well as the RSVP I sent to the group? I am also interested in caving...do I need a headlamp? I'm looking forward to it! : )

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:22 AM
  • Leslie
    Leslie

    Mary, If it rains and we can't paddle, we have something to do - a long cave tour! If it stays nice out let's go caving after the paddle. I'm bringing my headlamp.

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 8:46 PM
  • Tim
    Tim

    Count 2 more in for the convoy on Friday. I'm off from work all day.

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 12:34 PM
  • Mark Barchie
    Mark Barchie

    I am also off Firiday and would not mind going up early to set up and hit the river.

    Posted Oct 4, 2009 8:37 PM
  • Mary
    Mary

    I'd be up for some cave tour action, post or pre-paddle.

    Posted Oct 3, 2009 1:38 PM
  • Gabe
    Gabe

    "Lets Convoy" I would like to meet at Goodlettsville K-Mart @ 12. I have a truck to help carry any gear or boats. That would give us lots of time to set-up, though I am off all day and can leave sooner . Call me for details>>>gabe 495-0958

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 11:59 PM
  • Michael
    Michael

    Things To Do
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/things2do.htm
    Trails;
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/trails.htm
    Trails map;
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/upload/BackcountryM...
    Mammoth Cave National Park contains more than 70 miles of backcountry trails, forested Kentucky hills for hikers, horseback riders, & bicyclists.
    FISHING;
    You may fish in the Green & Nolin Rivers in the park, & in First Creek Lake, without a license. Kentucky State creel limits do apply.

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 5:43 PM
  • Michael
    Michael

    Camping Regulations
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/campingregulations....

    Showers
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/showers.htm

    ELECTRICITY;
    Each camp site does not have electrical hookup.
    I was advised by the camp office that ELECTRICITY is available in the bath house.

    WATER;
    Each camp site does not have a water hoookup.
    Water hydrants throughout campground for access to water.

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 5:38 PM
  • Michael
    Michael

    Mammoth Cave web site contains volumes of information.
    Posting a few specific links as direct navigation to items of interest:
    Mammoth Cave
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
    Camping
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
    Mammoth Cave Campground (PAP+ reservations here)
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/macacampground.htm
    Mammoth Cave Campground map
    http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/upload/MammothCaveC...
    Check-in time is 12 noon, Check-out time is 11am

    Posted Oct 2, 2009 5:37 PM
    • 1
    • 2

Who attended?

  • 29 attendees
    • “ I only attended for a short time but enjoyed the time I was there very much. The people that I did meet were very friendly and made me feel welcome. I loved getting to see my friends from school that I haven't seen in a long time. ( Terri and Evelyn). Hopefully, I can meet up with you all again soon. ”
    • “ Fun event. I enjoyed the fellowship and the opportunity to "camp" (albeit, in my car.) I appreciated the introduction to Mammoth Cave Nat'l. Park. I'll definitely go there again. Thanks, Leslie, for organizing! ”
    • “ You bunch of crazy paddlers. I love all of you! ”
    • Bama
      “ In spite of a little rain and cool weather I had a great time on the Green River, the cave tour and horseback riding. I would love to do this in the summer when we could go down to the River Styx on level five of the cave tour. ”
    • “ This was a great time with you guys and my kids had a blast! Little rain kicked it off but all was in good spirits and the cave tour was fabulous. Great job Terry getting through it! and the horse back ridding was awesome as well! Thanks guys for another great event!!!!! ”
    • “ Wonderful wonderful wonderful. Thanks, Leslie and Michael, for putting this together with such quick notice. ”
    • “ Everyone is so nice and safety is number one. I love this group! ”
    • “ We had a great weekend of camping, kayaking, and caving. ”
    • Jordan & Terri (+2 guests)
      “ Loved the great outdoors!!! Great time as always! ”
    • Michael (+1 guest)
      Smiley
      “ Excellent Trip offering many opportunities; Camping, Cave Tour, Paddling, Hiking Trails, Bike Trails, Horseback Riding. Everything was very affordable. The group of folks were a true pleasure to spend the weekend with. ”
    • Gabe (+1 guest)
      “ Great trip... I took a guest an it was her 1st taste of camping. She got it all. Rain Cold Sun Fun and the smell of smoke to go home with... she said she LOVED it...I did too. ”
    • Butterfly
    • Sue
    • Tim
      Mr. Gadget
    • MacGyver

Your organizer's refund policy for Weekend of Camping (and MORE) at Mammoth Cave National Park

Refunds offered if:

  • the Meetup is cancelled
  • you can cancel at least 14 day(s) before the Meetup

Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.

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Refunds are not offered for this Meetup.

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