Don't go it alone!

Join the NSS and get connected to the largest group of cavers in the world. The thousands of NSS members are the heart of the organization. Whether you are looking to start caving for the first time or have been underground for years, you belong!

Swamp Monsters 📷 Chris Higgins
Chris Higgins

Why Join

With thousands of members worldwide, being a part of the NSS means being connected to cavers everywhere. There is no better way to get access to trips, training, and fellowship. But the NSS also offers the following benefits:

Publications

Get immediate digital access to over 80 years of NSS publications, including the NSS News. For an additional $10/year, receive a printed copy of the News.

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Events

Every year the NSS holds a week long convention. Members receive a discount. Members also get access or discounts to regional events held all over the country.

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Training

Members get discounts on National Cave Rescue Commission training events held throughout the country.

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Gear

Get 45% or more off outdoor gear from major brands! Additionally, Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and On Rope 1 all offer generous discounts to NSS members.

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Support Caves!

Your membership dollars support NSS cave preserves, scientific programs, and exploration grants! Be a part of protecting the most fragile ecosystems on earth.

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Grants

NSS members can apply for the exploration & scientific grants the organization gives out every year. Learn more here.

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Additional Benefits

NSS Bookstore discounts

Discount on your first Convention

Connect with Cavers through the Membership Directory

Access to NSS Cave Preserves

Free Camping at HQ

Access to the NSS library

Membership Types

Regular Member

$40/year

Join the NSS and get access to events, publications, gear, training, and more.

  • Immediate digital access to publications. Receive monthly print copies of the NSS News for $10/mo more.
  • Gear discounts through Expertvoice, Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and on Rope 1
  • Access to NSS Members only events. Discounts on other events
  • Discount on NCRC training

Introductory Member

$20/year

Under 26 years old? The NSS offers a discounted membership for $20/year. Introductory members received digital access to the NSS News but do not have the option to receive print copies.

  • Immediate digital access to publications. Due to the reduced membership cost, introductory members CANNOT receive printed copies of the News..
  • Gear discounts through Expertvoice, Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and on Rope 1
  • Access to NSS Members only events. Discounts on other events
  • Discount on NCRC training

Institutional Member

$40/year

Organizations can join the NSS too! Institutional membership grants all the same membership benefits as regular membership save for the ability to hold leadership positions.

  • Immediate digital access to publications as well as monthly print copies
  • Gear discounts through Expertvoice, Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and on Rope 1
  • Access to NSS Members only events. Discounts on other events
  • Discount on NCRC training

Life Member

$1,000

For a one time payment, Life Members get access to normal member benefits for life.

  • Lifetime access to NSS News and other NSS Publications
  • Life Member fees finacially support the society by adding to the Life Member Fund, which has sustained the organization for decades
  • Access to NSS Members only events. Discounts on other events
  • Discount on NCRC training

Conservation Life Member

$2,000

Conservation life members get all the benefits of Life Members but also make an additional donation to support cave conservation.

  • Lifetime access to NSS News and other NSS Publications
  • Life Member fees finacially support the society by adding to the Life Member Fund, which has sustained the organization for decades
  • The additional $1,000 supports the NSS' conservation and education efforts.
  • Access to NSS Members only events. Discounts on other events

Family Membership

$40/year

An existing member can sign up their household for a family membership. Family members get one copy of publications for the entire household.

  • Immediate digital access to publications as well as monthly print copies for the household
  • Gear discounts through Expertvoice, Highline Rope, Inner Mountain Outfitters, and on Rope 1
  • Access to NSS Members only events. Discounts on other events
  • Discounted membership compared to individual memberships for the entire family