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Caves to Photograph in the USA

226 caves in 39 states, each with computed light, night-sky and weather data for planning. Pick a state, or start with the most documented locations below.

Top caves

Carlsbad Caverns National ParkCave
Carlsbad Caverns National ParkEddy County, NM
Mammoth Cave National ParkCave
Mammoth Cave National ParkEdmonson County, KY
Lechuguilla CaveCave
Lechuguilla CaveEddy County, NM
Horse CaveCave
Horse CaveHart County, KY
Boyden CavernCave
Boyden CavernFresno County, CA
Catacombs CaveCave
Catacombs CaveSiskiyou County, CA
Oregon Caves National Monument and PreserveCave
Oregon Caves National Monument and PreserveJosephine County, OR
Cave
Nutty Putty CaveUtah County, UT
Florida Caverns State ParkCave
Florida Caverns State ParkJackson County, FL
Jacob's Well (Texas)Cave
Jacob's Well (Texas)Hays County, TX
Crystal CaveCave
Crystal CaveTulare County, CA
Luray CavernsCave
Luray CavernsPage County, VA
Onondaga Cave State ParkCave
Onondaga Cave State ParkCrawford County, MO
Timpanogos Cave National MonumentCave
Timpanogos Cave National MonumentUtah County, UT
Blanchard Springs CavernsCave
Blanchard Springs CavernsStone County, AR
Kazumura CaveCave
Kazumura CaveHawaii County, HI
Paisley CavesCave
Paisley CavesLake County, OR
Wyandotte CavesCave
Wyandotte CavesCrawford County, IN
Natural Bridge CavernsCave
Natural Bridge CavernsComal County, TX
Kartchner Caverns State ParkCave
Kartchner Caverns State ParkCochise County, AZ
Natural Tunnel State ParkCave
Natural Tunnel State ParkScott County, VA
Sandia CaveCave
Sandia CaveSandoval County, NM
California CavernsCave
California CavernsCalaveras County, CA
Fort Rock CaveCave
Fort Rock CaveLake County, OR

By state

Map

How to photograph caves

Caves are lit artificially — show caves have fixed lighting, so a fast lens and high ISO beat flash, which flattens formations.

  • Many show caves restrict tripods on tours; ask in advance or bring a small beanbag.
  • Use manual focus with focus peaking in low light.
  • Never touch formations — skin oils stop their growth.
  • Follow White-nose Syndrome decontamination rules where posted to protect bats.

Season: Cave interiors stay at a constant temperature year-round; summer tours fill up, so book ahead.