The best camping near Wind Cave National Park

Q: Is camping allowed in Wind Cave National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed in Wind Cave National Park . The park has one campground, the Elk Mountain Campground, which offers 61 campsites for tents and RVs. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations. It provides basic amenities like picnic tables, fire grates, restrooms, and water. Note that there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs at the campground. Camping outside of the designated campground is not permitted within Wind Cave National Park .

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wind Cave National Park adventure.

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Explore landscapes above–and below–-ground while camping at Wind Cave National Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Wind Cave National Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Wind Cave National Park

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Elk Mountain Campground

77 sites · RVs, Tents In Wind Cave National Park

Explore camping beyond Wind Cave National ParkDiscover 200+ magical spots to camp in National Parks

Top-rated campgrounds near Wind Cave National Park

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Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! All sites including 'bring your own tent' sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

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(263)

Tent camping near a pine forest

17 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Custer, SD

These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. While staying here you have access to free hot showers, flush toilets, a dish washing station, a charging stations for electronics, a game room and a laundry room.

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(111)

Horse Creek Resort

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

theHCresort.com Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure. The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

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Black Hills Station

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Piedmont, SD

Located in Piedmont, South Dakota, our campground is surrounded by the Black Hills! Whether you’re in South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, visiting Mount Rushmore, or looking to reconnect with nature, we’re the perfect place to stay! We are home to the 46 Bar & Casino, and offer tent camping, RV camping, and have cabins all throughout our campground. Our RV spaces feature amenities such as full hookups (30- and 50-AMP), plus water, electricity, and sewer. Some of our on-site amenities are game machines and Wi-Fi. Located right off Interstate 90, there are many outdoor activities and nearby attractions for the whole family to enjoy – bicycling, hiking, and fishing to name a few! Or you can enjoy Rapid City and other nearby towns where there are many delicious restaurants, art galleries, national parks, and museums. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

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Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

theHCresort.com Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure. The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument. There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day prior to your stay. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

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Spring Valley Cabins

5 sites · Lodging, RVs9 acres · Piedmont, SD

Relax and recharge on a horse farm. Enjoy your morning coffee or sunset walks while petting horses or play with a few goats to unwind. We are conveniently located to trailheads for hiking and ATV adventures. This quiet and peaceful property offers RV hookups including water and electricity or a space to park and camp in your vehicle. Pets are more than welcome. Limited fire pit and grill available at request. Easy access to local restaurants and walking distance to neighborhood bars. 1.5 miles off of interstate. Access to shared bathrooms if needed.

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The Wilderness

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · West Pennington, SD

Learn more about this land:Tired of the city? Want to get away from people? This 80 acre site is perfect for getting away from civilization and experiencing nature as it was meant to be. Hike in the beautiful Black Hills or make the short trip to Lake Pactola for boating or fishing. If relaxing isn't your speed, take a bike ride on the Michelson Trail or travel one of the many off road trails nearby.

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Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Our property is nestled between Hwy 385, the Mickelson Trail, and the National Forest. We are located between Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park along Hwy 385 and the Mickelson Trail; about 30 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain. The nearest towns with restaurants are Pringle, (2 miles S); Hot Springs, (24 miles S), Custer, (9.5 miles N).; Hill City, (24 miles N), and Rapid City, (50 miles N). The blacktop driveway grants easy access for every type of vehicle. A couple of ponds, creeks, and dispersed willow, pine, and aspen trees enhance the diversity and beauty of the landscape. It is peaceful here and we enjoy sharing it with our guests during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat has our home, a big pole barn (RV storage), a garage/wood workshop with an attached restroom for all guests, a regular hot water shower cabin, a solar shower building, 2 small home-built camping log cabins, 7 RV sites, 9 clearly marked tent and car-camping sites, and several water hydrants fed by our well, providing great quality drinking water. 2 pets maximum per campsite, no pets allowed when booking a cabin.

Booked 9 times

HTR Black Hills

105 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Rapid City, SD

Explore the beauty of HTR Black Hills (formerly American Buffalo Campground). This unique destination is home to Mount Rushmore as well as numerous national and state parks, local attractions, and iconic events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. So, stay awhile when you tour all the mountains, canyons, caves, and rock formations with the spectacular backdrop of South Dakota. Nestled under tall pine trees, in the heart of the wonderful Black Hills, our on-site recreational facilities include a heated swimming pool & hot tub (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), mini golf, a playground area for children, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and wooded walking trails offer something for everyone!

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Highland Meadows Resort

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Highland Meadows Resort sits on 12.5 acres atop a private mesa in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The resort features four private cabins, two glamping tipis, and an earth home on the upper mesa — and a campground on the lower mesa. Tipis are equipped with a king-size bed, sleeper sofa, and basic kitchenette. There's a shared wood fire pit, laundry facilities, horseshoe pit, and a private bath w/ shower for each tipi. Tipis also come with a pack and play for one extra infant/toddler. Kitchenettes come with a microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and some basic place settings. The campground has several tent and RV sites, each with their own fire pit, picnic table, and power. The campground has a common area for larger gatherings and flush toilets with sinks. There are several water spigots in the campground as well: two near the restrooms and one at each RV site. Highland Meadows Resort is located near The Mammoth Site, Wind Cave, Cold Brook Reservoir, and local hot springs. It's a short drive from Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.

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Camp Custer in Star Valley

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Custer, SD

Dry camping RV spot located in the southern Black Hills on 3 acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, visiting wildlife and occasional hot air ballons from the fire pit & picnic table just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles South of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Jewell Cave. Walk, bike or run on the 109 mi Mickelson trail. We are also 2 hours from Badlands National Park. This area is rich in beauty and history so be sure to get out and explore!

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Refuge Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Our tucked away forest and meadow are the perfect place to find peace and relaxation away from the busy tourist spots in the Black Hills. We have a walking trail going throughout the property and we are very close to the Mickelson Trail (1.1 miles from driveway), Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park, Custer State Park, natural hot springs, and much more. We are family and pet friendly. Great location for a home base for UTV and ATV riding with plenty of extra parking.

The best camping near Wind Cave National Park guide

Overview

About

A visit to Wind Cave National Park is like getting a two-for-one package. Above ground, you’ll find expansive prairies with roaming elk and buffalo. Below ground is one of the largest caverns in the world. Hike the 30 miles of trails, which take you through the grasslands and dense forests, and book a cave tour to view the fascinating underground structures upclose, while learning about the history and geology. Round out your visit by biking, birding, or taking a scenic drive. In addition to a developed campground, Wind Cave National Park also allows backcountry tent camping.

Notable campgrounds

Best for backpackers: With a permit, backcountry camping is allowed off trails that crisscross the prairies and forests in the northwest region of the park.
Best for a traditional campout: Elk Mountain Campground has basic sites for both tents and RVs with no hookups.
Best for camping with a group: Elk Mountain Campground has two group campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are available on the Recreation.gov website for dates between late May through early September.
The booking window operates on a rolling basis, with reservations available 10 months in advance.
Other times of year, all sites are first-come-first-served.
This campground is open year round.
Water and flush toilets are available late May through September, with discounted camping fees in the off season.

When to go

The spring season may be cool but pleasant, with the highest potential for rain. Summer brings temperatures reaching 80 degrees, with low humidity and generally dry conditions, other than the potential for thunderstorms. Fall is a popular time to visit the park, as the elk mating season begins. In September and October, the sound of bugling elk fills the park at dawn and dusk. Temperatures are cool. Winter brings the potential for heavy snows and freezing temperatures.

Know before you go

This park does not have a dump station. Campers should find options in the nearby towns of Hot Springs and Custer.
Generator use is allowed between 8am and 8pm.
Cell phone signals may be limited.
During the summer months, ranger programs are offered daily in the amphitheater.
Cave tours may fill up, especially in peak season, so advanced reservations are recommended.

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8 ratings · 4 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Alex H.

19 reviews

Recommends

· November 2018

Nice, spacious campground. It is necessary to go on a ranger-guided tour to gain access to Wind Cave. Reservations are only accepted for two specialty tours so arrive early (first-come, first-served) to purchase tickets. Don't miss out on the more beautiful (IMHO) cave - Jewel Cave - nearby.

Sara + Mike (.

9 reviews

Recommends

· September 2017

Very populated

Elizabeth K.

7 years on Hipcamp

June 2017

Tent camped here and used it as a base for a trip to Mt. Rushmore which is about 45 minutes away. No electric or showers but flush toilets and water. The cave tour was great and the hiking trails were good but not challenging. Bison, Elk, and Mule Deer were plentiful. A short drive to the near by town of Hot Springs where the library has WiFi.

Andy D.

8 years on Hipcamp

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed in Wind Cave National Park?

Yes, camping is allowed in Wind Cave National Park. The park has one campground, the Elk Mountain Campground, which offers 61 campsites for tents and RVs. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations. It provides basic amenities like picnic tables, fire grates, restrooms, and water. Note that there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs at the campground. Camping outside of the designated campground is not permitted within Wind Cave National Park.

Is Wind Cave National Park worth a visit?

Wind Cave National Park is definitely worth visiting. The park offers a unique experience with its intricate cave system, which is one of the longest and most complex in the world. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and learn about the fascinating geology, history, and Native American significance of the area. Above ground, the park also features beautiful mixed-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forests, and abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and prairie dogs. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, and a campground for those who wish to extend their stay. Overall, Wind Cave National Park provides a memorable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

What are the best months to visit Wind Cave National Park?

The best months to visit Wind Cave National Park are from late spring to early fall, specifically May through September. During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. Keep in mind that summer months (June through August) can be busier with more visitors, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in May or September.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Wind Cave National Park?

Securing a Wind Cave National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Wind Cave National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Wind Cave campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Wind Cave National Park?

Most Wind Cave National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a Wind Cave reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Wind Cave campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.