Hotels in Mammoth Cave

Explore the Underground Wonders of Mammoth Cave: Nature's Hidden Masterpiece

Discover the wonders of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, where nature’s grandeur unfolds beneath the surface. As the world’s longest cave system, Mammoth Cave National Park invites adventurers to explore its stunning limestone formations and intricate passageways. Surrounding the cave, lush hardwood forests and serene rivers create a picturesque backdrop for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Nearby, the Kentucky Castle and the Corvette Museum offer unique cultural experiences. Whether you're an avid explorer or seeking a peaceful retreat, Mammoth Cave promises unforgettable memories in a captivating, off-the-beaten-path destination. For the best hotel rates in Mammoth Cave, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Mammoth Cave

Some of the best places to stay in Mammoth Cave are Shawnee Estates, Cave City and Horse Cave. Shawnee Estates, Cave City, and Horse Cave are fantastic bases for exploring Mammoth Cave National Park. Shawnee Estates offers scenic views and cozy cabins, ideal for families. Cave City is known for its convenient access to attractions and a range of budget-friendly hotels. Horse Cave boasts charming accommodations with a small-town feel. For first-time visitors, Cave City is the best choice due to its proximity to the park and variety of lodging options, making it easy to explore. Here are some of the most popular hotels with our guests in Mammoth Cave:

1. Shawnee EstatesOpens in a new window: Shawnee Estates offers a charming outdoor experience with close proximity to various attractions. Visitors can explore the National Corvette Museum, delve into the history at Western Kentucky University, or embark on an adventure at Lost River Cave. The area features several hotels catering to different needs. Embassy Suites by Hilton Bowling GreenOpens in a new window is a 3.5-star hotel suitable for pet lovers, offering amenities like service animal fees waived and pet permissions. Kentucky Grand Hotel & SpaOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star establishment, is perfect for business travelers with facilities such as a business center and meeting rooms. For a more adventurous stay, Barren River Lake State Resort ParkOpens in a new window provides direct access to outdoor activities and business amenities, making it a versatile choice.
2. Cave CityOpens in a new window: Cave City is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, boasting attractions like Mammoth Cave National Park and Dinosaur World. The region’s blend of family-friendly and adventure-themed activities makes it ideal for all types of travelers. Among the hotels, Hampton Inn Cave City, KYOpens in a new window offers 2.5-star accommodations that welcome pets and feature convenient amenities. OYO Hotel Cave City KYOpens in a new window is another pet-friendly motel option, ensuring a comfortable stay for animal lovers. Comfort Inn And SuitesOpens in a new window caters to families and business guests alike, with business facilities and amenities for children.
3. Horse CaveOpens in a new window: Horse Cave is a fantastic destination for outdoor adventures, with attractions such as Mammoth Cave National Park and Dinosaur World nearby. This area is suitable for both families and business travelers. Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave, an IHG HotelOpens in a new window offers 2.5-star accommodations with business amenities and pet-friendly policies, making it ideal for those traveling with pets. Another option, Quality Inn & SuitesOpens in a new window, also provides business facilities and welcomes pets, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

Things to do in Mammoth Cave for first time

Mammoth Cave offers a captivating blend of expansive cave systems and lush natural landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Over three days, explore hiking trails, enjoy boating on serene lakes, and relax in campgrounds. It's an unforgettable destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Mammoth Cave:

• Day 1: Begin your adventure at Mammoth Cave National Park, where you can explore the world’s longest cave system, filled with stunning formations and fascinating history. Don’t miss the Echo River, where you can take a boat tour to see the unique underground landscape. Afterward, journey to Tall Man's Misery, a narrow passage that showcases the cave’s rugged beauty. This day offers a perfect combination of awe-inspiring nature and thrilling cave exploration.
• Day 2: Start your day at Nolin Lake State Park, a beautiful spot for outdoor activities like hiking or fishing. After soaking in the serene views, head over to Nolin River Lake, where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic or rent a kayak to paddle through the clear waters. Conclude your day with a visit to Cub Run Cave, famous for its stunning limestone formations and rich biodiversity, making it a must-see for cave enthusiasts.
• Day 3: Kick off with a visit to the National Corvette Museum, a dream destination for car lovers where you can admire classic and modern models. Next, make your way to Diamond Caverns, known for its breathtaking crystal formations and guided tours that delve into the cave's history. Finish your day at Triple R Pay Lake, where you can unwind with fishing or simply enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the lake, creating a perfect ending to your Mammoth Cave adventure.

5 tips to find a great Mammoth Cave hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: If you're looking for an affordable getaway, consider visiting Mammoth Cave during the budget-friendly months of January, November, and December, when hotel prices are at their lowest. To truly experience the area's great value for money, it's recommended to stay for at least 2-3 days. During your visit, you can explore key attractions such as Mammoth Cave National Park and its beautiful lake and river, ensuring you make the most of your time in this stunning natural landscape.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're seeking last-minute deals to Mammoth Cave, Hotels.com can be a great resource. By visiting the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections, you could find discounted rates on nearby hotels as your travel date approaches. To enhance your chances of snagging a great rate, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, keeping you informed about flash sales and special promotions that could help you save on your reservation costs. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Mammoth Cave while enjoying potential savings!
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can fluctuate based on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Mammoth Cave.
4. Consider your location: When booking your holiday on Hotels.com, keep your location in mind. Staying near major attractions or downtown areas may offer convenience, but it usually tends to come at a higher price. For more affordable options, consider hotels in less central neighborhoods, weighing the balance between cost and ease of access to the sights you want to visit.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next booking in Mammoth Cave and sign up to Hotels.com's free One Key program, letting you earn and use reward points on your next stay. Progress through the Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers to unlock various advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Don't hesitate, sign up today.

Mammoth Cave experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 34.2°F (1.2°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 77.2°F (25.1°C). April tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Mammoth Cave are March, June, and July, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light rainfall. In contrast, January, November, and December are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.

Mammoth Cave Travel Information