Camping at Wind Cave: 64 Sites, Reservations & Elk Mountain Rates

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Wind Cave

Wind Cave National Park has one campground inside the park: Elk Mountain Campground, with 64 sites, open year-round. Reservations are made through recreation.gov. Expect to pay $12 per night during the main season, with the rate cut in half when running water is unavailable. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a free permit issued at the Visitor Center.

Campgrounds in the park (1)

• Campground Elk Mountain Campground recreation.gov · 64 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can you camp inside Wind Cave?

Yes. Wind Cave allows camping in the heart of the park at its only developed campground, Elk Mountain Campground, located a few miles from the Visitor Center. Dispersed camping isn't allowed in the frontcountry. Backcountry camping is limited to designated areas and requires a permit obtained on site.

Campgrounds in the park

Elk Mountain Campground

Elk Mountain is Wind Cave's only official campground. Its 64 sites fall into three categories: 14 tent sites, 50 RV sites, and 2 group sites. None have electrical hookups. Reservable sites are available alongside first-come, first-served sites.

Available amenities:

• Flush toilets and potable water from late spring through early fall
• Vault toilets available outside that period
• A picnic table and grill at every site
• Permanent food storage lockers, which are required and provided on site

The campground remains accessible in winter. When the water is turned off, the rate automatically drops to $6 per night. November through March, nighttime temperatures regularly fall below 14°F. Bring a sleeping bag rated for the conditions and an extra insulating layer if you're tent camping.

RV vs. tent: which site should you choose?

Elk Mountain accommodates RVs without any hookups: no electricity, water, or sewer. The maximum permitted length is 40 feet, so check that your vehicle fits before booking on recreation.gov. Generators are allowed only during the hours posted on site.

The 14 dedicated tent sites offer a more private setting, especially when summer afternoons climb above 81°F. If you're traveling in an RV and need full hookups, private campgrounds in Hot Springs or Custer are the natural alternative. The Wind Cave RV camping guide covers the roads and services available around the park for recreational vehicles.

Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park

When Elk Mountain is full, which is common on July and August weekends, several private campgrounds lie within 22 miles:

• Hot Springs (11 miles south): campgrounds with full electrical hookups, near the historic hot springs.
• Custer (22 miles north): several parks with water, electricity, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
• Black Hills National Forest: additional public campgrounds bookable through recreation.gov, in a wilder setting.

For lodging options that don't involve camping, the overview of lodging around Wind Cave and the guide to hotels and lodges near the park cover a wider area.

Backcountry camping (permit required)

Wind Cave allows backcountry camping in designated areas. The permit is free and must be picked up in person at the Visitor Center, either the same day or the day before. Reservations aren't available in advance. Sites are first-come, first-served.

Backcountry sites are marked on the paper map handed out at the Visitor Center. Be sure to bring all the water you'll need, since there are no reliable water sources in the park, along with a backup filtration system. Pack out all your waste. The Wind Cave hiking guide covers the routes leading to backcountry areas and the restrictions for each section.

How and when should you reserve a campsite at Wind Cave?

Reservations for Elk Mountain are made through recreation.gov, up to 6 months before your desired date. The booking window opens at a set time, and sites go quickly for July and August weekends.

Our recommendation is to book your night as soon as the window opens if you're targeting a popular summer date. During the week in September or October, sites are often still available on short notice.

Some sites are held for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. These sites become available each morning, so arrive before 9 a.m. to give yourself the best chance. For help choosing the best time of year, see the When to visit Wind Cave guide.

Rates: how much does a night of camping at Wind Cave cost?

A night at Elk Mountain costs $12 when potable water and flush toilets are operating, from late spring through early fall. The rate drops to $6 per night when water is unavailable outside that period. Online booking fees are added through recreation.gov.

Backcountry camping is free, including the permit.

The America the Beautiful Pass, the annual federal pass, does not cover campground fees. It covers only entrance fees to national parks. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Park fees and passes page, which explains both.

Camping safety and best practices

Bison. A herd of bison roams freely through the park and may come near the campground. Stay at least 82 feet away at all times. Never feed them, even from your vehicle. It's a federal offense punishable by a fine.

Rattlesnakes. They live in tall grass and rocky areas. Watch where you put your hands and feet whenever you step off the trails, especially in the morning when the rocks are still cool.

Food storage. The permanent lockers at every site are required for all food, scented products such as toothpaste and sunscreen, and cooking utensils. There are no exceptions. Park regulations require it, and the coyotes in the area have long known how to get into a poorly closed bag.

Summer thunderstorms. Severe storms with hail and lightning can develop within minutes between June and August. Leave exposed areas and high ground immediately at the first sign of storm clouds, even if the sun was still shining five minutes earlier.

Which campground is right for you?

The Wind Cave guide gives you an overview of the park to help plan your trip, including camping.

Frequently asked questions