Camping at Wind Cave: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Fees
Wind Cave National Park has one campground inside the park: Elk Mountain Campground, with 75 sites, open year-round. Reserve on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Expect to pay about $18 per night, with no electrical hookups. Backcountry camping is also available with a free permit issued at the visitor center.
Campgrounds in the park (1)
- Campground Elk Mountain Campground recreation.gov · 64 sites Directions ↗
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 less than 1.2 miles from the visitor center. Free 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 75 sites are spread across partially wooded loops at about 3,600 feet in elevation. Tents, trailers, and RVs without hookups are all welcome.
Available amenities:
- Flush toilets (May through October); vault toilets during the off-season
- Potable water during the season
- A picnic table and charcoal grill at every site
- Fixed food-storage lockers (required and provided on-site)
The campground stays open in winter, but nighttime temperatures from November through March regularly drop below 14°F. Bring a four-season sleeping bag and an extra insulating layer if you're sleeping in a tent.
RV vs. tent: which site should you choose?
Elk Mountain welcomes RVs, but there are no hookups (no electricity, water, or sewer). The maximum length varies by loop, so check that your vehicle fits directly when you book on recreation.gov. Generators are allowed only during the hours posted on-site.
Tent sites in the woods offer welcome shade in summer, when afternoons can easily top 81°F. If you're traveling in an RV and need full hookups, private campgrounds in Hot Springs or Custer are the natural alternative (see below). The Wind Cave RV camping guide covers roads and services for recreational vehicles around the park.
Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park
When Elk Mountain fills up, which is common on July and August weekends, several private campgrounds are within a 22-mile radius:
- 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 that can be reserved on recreation.gov, with a more rustic setting.
For lodging options that don't involve camping, the overview of places to stay around Wind Cave and the guide to hotels and lodges near the park cover a wider area.
Backcountry camping (permit required)
Wind Cave allows camping in its designated backcountry areas. The permit is free and must be picked up in person at the visitor center on the day of your trip or the day before. Reservations aren't available. It's first-come, first-served.
The backcountry sites are shown on the paper map handed out at the visitor center. You must bring all the water you'll need because there are no reliable water sources in the park, along with a backup filtration system, and pack out all your waste. The Wind Cave hiking guide details the routes to the backcountry sites and the restrictions in each area.
How and when should you reserve a campsite at Wind Cave?
Reservations for Elk Mountain are made on 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 aiming for a popular summer date. On September or October weekdays, sites are often still available at short notice.
A portion of the sites is set aside for first-come, first-served arrivals. These sites are released each morning, so arrive before 9 a.m. to improve your chances. To choose the best time of year, check the When to visit Wind Cave guide.
Fees: how much does a night of camping at Wind Cave cost?
A night at Elk Mountain costs about $18 (an indicative rate; check the current amount on recreation.gov because NPS fees are reviewed periodically). recreation.gov service fees are added when you book online.
Backcountry camping is free, including the permit.
The America the Beautiful pass (the annual federal pass) doesn't cover camping fees. It only covers entrance fees at national parks. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Park Fees & Passes page, which provides an overview of entrance fees and passes.
Camping safety and best practices
Bison. A herd of bison roams freely through the park and may approach 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 trail, especially in the morning when the rocks are still cold.
Food storage. The fixed lockers at every site are required for all food, scented products (toothpaste, sunscreen), and cooking utensils. There are no exceptions. Park regulations require it, and the area's coyotes figured out a long time ago how to get into a poorly closed bag.
Summer storms. Severe thunderstorms with hail and lightning can form 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 should you choose for your needs?
| Traveler | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Family with a tent | Elk Mountain, wooded site reserved in advance |
| RV without hookups | Elk Mountain, check the length limits on recreation.gov |
| RV with hookups | Private campgrounds in Hot Springs or Custer |
| Backpacker | Backcountry, free permit at the visitor center |
| Walk-up arrival | First-come, first-served, arrive before 9 a.m. |
The Wind Cave guide gives you an overview of the park to help plan your stay, including camping.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp inside Wind Cave?
Yes, you can camp inside Wind Cave National Park. Elk Mountain Campground (75 sites, open year-round) is the park's only developed campground. It accommodates tents and RVs without electrical hookups.
Which campground should you choose at Wind Cave?
Whatever your needs, Elk Mountain Campground is the only choice inside the park. For electrical hookups or more complete services, private campgrounds in Hot Springs (11 miles south) or Custer (22 miles north) are the alternative.
When should you reserve a campground at Wind Cave?
Reserve as soon as the 6-month booking window opens on recreation.gov. July and August weekends fill up within a few hours. Outside the peak season, sites are often available at short notice.
How can you camp at Wind Cave?
There are three ways to camp at Wind Cave: reserve a site at Elk Mountain, use one of the few non-reservable sites on a first-come, first-served basis, or camp in the backcountry with a free permit from the visitor center issued the same day.
How much does a night of camping at Wind Cave cost?
A night at Elk Mountain Campground costs about $18, excluding recreation.gov reservation fees. Backcountry camping is free.
Could you encounter dangerous animals while camping at Wind Cave?
Yes. Bison roam freely through the park, including near Elk Mountain. Stay 82 feet away at all times and never approach them. Rattlesnakes are also found in the grass and rocky areas. Wind Cave has no bears.