Howe Caverns
Howes Cave, NY
A limestone cave system reached by elevator, where guided tours follow an underground river past stalactites and narrow passages. The cave stays cool all year, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
Howe Caverns, near Howes Cave in Schoharie County, were discovered in 1842 by the farmer Lester Howe, who had noticed that his cows gathered at an opening in the hillside on hot days. The cave lies in limestone, reaches about 156 feet (roughly 48 m) below the surface and stays at a constant 52°F (11°C) all year. As early as 1843 Howe led the first visitors through by torchlight; since the reopening in 1929, elevators have taken visitors down, and the passage is electrically lit.
The standard tour consists of a walk of about 2 km (1.25 miles) with a short boat ride on the underground River Styx and around 140 steps. Allow about an hour and a half. Wear a jacket even in summer and closed-toe shoes, as sandals are not allowed. Most visitors arrive by car.
- Nearest town
- Howes Cave, NY
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 42.6989, -74.3980
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mallet PondCampsite10 mi from Howe Caverns
- Frosty Acres CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Howe CavernsTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Thompsons Lake CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Howe Caverns
- Nickerson Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover20 mi from Howe CavernsTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Arrowhead Marina and RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Howe CavernsMotorhomes
- Cooperstown Shadow Brook CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Howe CavernsTentsCaravansElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in New York · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Howe Caverns?
Howe Caverns is in Howes Cave, NY, at GPS 42.6989, -74.3980. It is about 33 mi from Albany.
Can you camp near Howe Caverns?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mallet Pond, about 10 mi away; within 25 mi there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Howe Caverns?
Places worth a stop nearby: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (27 mi), Kaaterskill Falls (39 mi), North-South Lake (39 mi) and Olana State Historic Site (44 mi).
When is the best time to visit Howe Caverns?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)