Wind Cave National Park
1 campground in the park · 114 nearby · 3 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
3 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- CautionTemporary Emergency Fire ClosureOpen fires of any kind, including charcoal fires, are prohibited until conditions improve. Smoking is prohibited except for in vehicles or buildings where indicated. Use of gas stoves is permitted in areas that are clear of flammable materials.
- InformationCentennial Trailhead ParkingReminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
- InformationWind Cave moves to cashless fee collectionPayments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
At a glance
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 1 campgroundReserve on Recreation.gov
- Near the park
- 114 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 3 sitesWithin 50 mi
Where to camp
Camping in the park 1
Camping near the park 114
- Aerial viewCampground
Camp site
8.6 mi · Hot Springs, SD
- Public Land
Cold Brook Campground
8.6 mi · Hot Springs, SD
Free and dispersed nearby 3
See them on the mapServices nearby: 2 dump stations · 4 rest areas
About Wind Cave
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national…
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Photos: NPS Photo / Dan Roddy · NPS Photo
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
Plan your visit
Getting there
Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2…
Weather
Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are…
Plan your visit
Hours
The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Getting there
Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2 mile west of the highway.
Weather
Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.
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