South Dakota / Custer County / Wind Cave National Park

Elk Mountain Campground

Open — Open year-round. Loop B (sites 15-35) remains open during winter; Loops A, C, and D are closed October 1 through May 15. No potable water available in the campground during winter, but water is available at the Visitor Center. Flush toilets operate late spring through early fall; vault toilets available year-round.

About

Elk Mountain Campground occupies a unique transitional zone between ponderosa pine forest and rolling prairie grasslands in Wind Cave National Park, one of America's oldest national parks. The 63-site campground offers diverse camping environments, with sites situated in both shaded forest and open prairie settings, providing excellent opportunities to observe the park's wildlife including bison, elk, pronghorn, and prairie dogs. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the park's dual worlds: the intricate cave system below and the pristine Black Hills landscape above. Over 30 miles of surface trails wind through the park, with the Elk Mountain Trail departing directly from the campground amphitheater. This pet-friendly trail offers approximately one mile of hiking through varied terrain. The campground features both tent-only sites and RV-accessible sites that accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length. Facilities include seasonal flush toilets and potable water from late spring through early fall, with vault toilets available year-round. The campground operates on a reservation-only basis through Recreation.gov and accepts credit card payments exclusively. Ranger programs are offered at the amphitheater during summer evenings. Two group sites accommodate larger parties. The location provides convenient access to Wind Cave's natural entrance and visitor center, where cave tours depart regularly during operating season.

Directions

Located 11 miles north of Hot Springs off US Highway 385, approximately 0.5 miles west of the highway. From Rapid City, take SD Highway 79 south 50 miles to US Highway 385, turn right and continue 6 miles north through Hot Springs into the park. Campground entrance is about 0.25 miles north of the visitor center. Do not rely exclusively on GPS. Visitor Center coordinates: N43.55677 W103.47799

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