Elk Mountain Campground

Elk Mountain Campground, which straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offers unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Black Hills. These campsites are available in both forested and open environments.
This is a cashless campground, only credit cards will be accepted through rec.gov or the rec.gov app.
Advanced reservations or same day booking is availabe May 20th-September 30th.
October 1st-May 19th this location is avialbe on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. (See our "Need to Know" tab for more information)
We hope you enjoy the reservation process and thank you for considering camping at Wind Cave National Park.

This 63-site campground is open all year with sites available on a reservation basis from May 20th to September 30th. In the off-season, only B-loop is available. Sites 17 and 49 are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water are available from late spring through early fall. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Ranger programs are offered most nights in the amphitheater during the summer. Two group campsites are able to be reserved 10 months out.

Elk Mountain Campground Permit Regulations:

An individual may stay a maximum of 14 consecutive nights, no more than 30 total nights during the calendar year.

Open fires and charcoal fires are prohibited unless they are in a designated fire grate.

A maximum of two tents, 8 people, and 1 vehicle is permitted on each site.

The group camping sites require a minimum of 9 people but are limited to a 30-person maximum.

Campground quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The campground is closed to persons other than registered campers from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Generators may only be used from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Check-in time is 1:00 p.m.

Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

All pets must be properly leashed.

The speed limit inside the campground is 15 MPH.

Notifications and Alerts

Wind Cave tours are suspended until further notice. Our elevators are under construction. Thank You.
Attention: FLUSH TOILETS IN D & C LOOPS ARE CLOSED. One pit toilet is available in B Loop and flush toilets are availabe in A and B Loops

Need to Know

Elk Mountain Campground Permit Regulations:

• In the peak season (May 20th-Septempber 30th), all sites are available. You may book sites in advance or use same-day booking. However, you must reserve and pay for your site on rec.gov before occupying it.

• In the off-season (October 1st-May 19th), B-loop sites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Loops A, C & D will be closed for the winter. Water is not availabe during this time.

o Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app. The QR code is located at the information kiosk.

o Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

o Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds or modifications.

o Wireless internet is available at the information kiosk

Contact Information

Mailing

26611 US Highway 385 Hot Springs SD 57747

Physical

26611 US-385 Hot Springs SD 57747

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 605-745-4600

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

The visitor center is 11 miles north of Hot Springs off US Hwy. 385, about 1/2 mile west of the highway. Do not rely exclusively on your GPS or Google Maps to find the campground. Routes can be misleading or incorrect. The coordinates for the Visitor Center are N43.55677 W103.47799

From Rapid City, South Dakota:

Follow SD Hwy. 79 south approximately 50 miles to US Hwy. 385.
Turn right onto US Hwy. 385 north. Continue through Hot Springs another 6 miles north into Wind Cave National Park.
Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From Chadron, Nebraska:

Follow US Hwy. 385 north through Hot Springs, SD to the park.
Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From Custer State Park:

Follow SD Hwy. 87 south into Wind Cave National Park.
Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

Available Campsites

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