Wind Cave National Park

Show on map (605) 745-4600 wica_interpretation@nps.gov

26611 US Highway 385
Hot Springs, SD 57747

Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.

Directions

Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2 mile west of the highway.

Reviews

Wind Cave National Park's campgrounds, particularly Elk Mountain Campground, offer a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing and proximity to ranger programs and cave tours. Facilities are generally clean and well-maintained, with friendly and helpful hosts enhancing the stay. However, some campsites can be uneven or small, lacking sufficient privacy and amenities such as showers and hookups. Connectivity is limited, and reservations may be complicated by spotty cell service and unclear instructions.

Quiet and peaceful campground setting

Opportunities for close wildlife viewing including bison and deer

Clean, well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets

Helpful and friendly campground hosts

Informative ranger talks, programs, and proximity to cave tours

Some campsites are sloped, uneven, narrow, or small

Limited or no showers and no electric or water hookups

Limited cell phone service and Wi-Fi, especially affecting reservations

Occasional noise disturbances and insect issues

Sites sometimes have limited privacy and proximity to roads

581 reviews

5 stars

378

4 stars

133

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Whiting W

Campground:Elk Mountain Campground

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Lack facilities at the campsite

Gene K

Campground:Elk Mountain Campground

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 13 days ago

We had a nice time. Our timing was good with the weather turning to winter!

Jacob R

Campground:Elk Mountain Campground

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 13 days ago

Great place to stay

Kara B

Campground:Elk Mountain Campground

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 15 days ago

Site wasn’t especially picturesque - but I plenty spacious and so well maintained

Jimmy W

Campground:Elk Mountain Campground

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 19 days ago

The campground was essentially a parking spot to camp. The season was closing down and there was no water and no campground host. Wi-Fi was available which was a plus.

Johanna S

Campground:Elk Mountain Campground

Loop:B

Site:

Reviewed 24 days ago

Awesome campground! Loved it! Will be back!

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Wind Cave National Park.