Cave Destinations every RV Traveler Needs To Know About
11-02-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
Dark and mysterious, caves can be considered a naturally occurring, living museum of sorts. In fact, some of the earliest paintings and sculptures have been found within the walls of caves. There are certain natural formations that seem to linger with visitors, and we have always loved spelunking. In fact, we try to explore the caves in every state we visit, so here is a list of some of the incredible caves found throughout the country. Fortunately, since caves are typically located within state or national parks and forests, most are easy to reach in your RV. That makes them great destinations for underground adventures. Even if you just like spending time outside, you might want to go check these out.
Blanchard Springs Caverns, Arkansas
Located in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest in Arkansas, Blanchard Springs Caverns is considered a “living cave”. This is because it's still developing, which means the different rock formations continue to evolve so every visit you take will be a little different.
The two major rooms here are the Coral Room and the Cathedral Room. The Coral Room has the traditional calcite formations like stalagmites and hollow straws; the Cathedral Room is big enough to contain three football fields. Touring this amazing cave is a fairly comfortable adventure since it stays 58-degrees Fahrenheit all year long.
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
As one of the oldest and most recognized cave systems in the world, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico was discovered in 1898. There are several enormous, underground chambers that peak at 250-feet high and descend to 370-feet deep. Along with the beautiful formations, there are several impressive rooms including the “Hall of Giants,” “Temple of the Sun,” and the “Bottomless Pit.”
Although the caverns are a full day's drive from any other major attraction in the southwest, there're around eight RV campgrounds in Carlsbad itself with a range of amenities and prices.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
With more than 365-miles and five-levels, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave has long been considered the world's longest cave. In fact, new caves continue to be discovered. With so many acres to cover, there are several tours available at different levels of difficulty. Some are perfect for less mobile cavers and those carrying small children while others are better suited for more athletic visitors.
Out of respect to the original, lamplight explorations, Mammoth avoids the normal, manufactured lighting that most caves use. The natural, minimalist lighting provides an atmospheric experience.
Meramec Caverns, Missouri
Located about an hour from St. Louis—near Stanton, Missouri—Meremec Caverns actually refers to a 4.6-mile series of limestone caves. This 400-million-year-old exhibit has been open to the public since 1935. In fact, it was one of the first roadside attractions that made Route 66 a road-tripper's paradise.
A few of the notable features are "The Ballroom," "The Mirror Room," "The Stage Curtain," and "The Wine Room." In addition to the beautiful scenery, there is a motel, café, and canoe rides down Meremec River.
Niagara Cave, Minnesota
Near the town of Harmony, Minnesota—on the Minnesota-Iowa border—is Niagara Cave. Tours of this underground wonder began in 1934 in the aptly named “Reception Room.” Some of the impressive attractions include the “Alligator,” “Echo Chamber,” “Elephant’s Head,” “Paul Bunyan’s bed,” and the “Wishing Well.” What makes this cave truly unique, however, is the 60-foot underground waterfall inside, which is, of course, how it got its name.
In Conclusion
These are just a few of the many majestic caves found throughout the country, but they offer more than enough to provide plenty of adventures and ample photo opportunities. Most of the caves listed are in parks that are fun destinations on their own, so there's lots to do before and after touring. Caves are naturally climate controlled at an average 50-degrees which makes them fairly comfortable to visit any time of the year. From caves and waterfalls to wildlife and wilderness, the U.S. Landscape is a feast for the senses, and with an RV, getting there truly is half the fun!
Blanchard Springs Caverns, Arkansas
Located in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest in Arkansas, Blanchard Springs Caverns is considered a “living cave”. This is because it's still developing, which means the different rock formations continue to evolve so every visit you take will be a little different.
The two major rooms here are the Coral Room and the Cathedral Room. The Coral Room has the traditional calcite formations like stalagmites and hollow straws; the Cathedral Room is big enough to contain three football fields. Touring this amazing cave is a fairly comfortable adventure since it stays 58-degrees Fahrenheit all year long.
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
As one of the oldest and most recognized cave systems in the world, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico was discovered in 1898. There are several enormous, underground chambers that peak at 250-feet high and descend to 370-feet deep. Along with the beautiful formations, there are several impressive rooms including the “Hall of Giants,” “Temple of the Sun,” and the “Bottomless Pit.”
Although the caverns are a full day's drive from any other major attraction in the southwest, there're around eight RV campgrounds in Carlsbad itself with a range of amenities and prices.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
With more than 365-miles and five-levels, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave has long been considered the world's longest cave. In fact, new caves continue to be discovered. With so many acres to cover, there are several tours available at different levels of difficulty. Some are perfect for less mobile cavers and those carrying small children while others are better suited for more athletic visitors.
Out of respect to the original, lamplight explorations, Mammoth avoids the normal, manufactured lighting that most caves use. The natural, minimalist lighting provides an atmospheric experience.
Meramec Caverns, Missouri
Located about an hour from St. Louis—near Stanton, Missouri—Meremec Caverns actually refers to a 4.6-mile series of limestone caves. This 400-million-year-old exhibit has been open to the public since 1935. In fact, it was one of the first roadside attractions that made Route 66 a road-tripper's paradise.
A few of the notable features are "The Ballroom," "The Mirror Room," "The Stage Curtain," and "The Wine Room." In addition to the beautiful scenery, there is a motel, café, and canoe rides down Meremec River.
Niagara Cave, Minnesota
Near the town of Harmony, Minnesota—on the Minnesota-Iowa border—is Niagara Cave. Tours of this underground wonder began in 1934 in the aptly named “Reception Room.” Some of the impressive attractions include the “Alligator,” “Echo Chamber,” “Elephant’s Head,” “Paul Bunyan’s bed,” and the “Wishing Well.” What makes this cave truly unique, however, is the 60-foot underground waterfall inside, which is, of course, how it got its name.
In Conclusion
These are just a few of the many majestic caves found throughout the country, but they offer more than enough to provide plenty of adventures and ample photo opportunities. Most of the caves listed are in parks that are fun destinations on their own, so there's lots to do before and after touring. Caves are naturally climate controlled at an average 50-degrees which makes them fairly comfortable to visit any time of the year. From caves and waterfalls to wildlife and wilderness, the U.S. Landscape is a feast for the senses, and with an RV, getting there truly is half the fun!
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Author: Carrie Todd
