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Elk Mountain Campground

Wind Cave National Park

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Upcoming Availability

14 of 14 days currently show available sites.

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Fri, Sep 11

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Campground guide

What to know before booking

Elk Mountain Campground, straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offering unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Black Hills. This 63-site campground is open all year with sites available on a reservation basis from May to September 30th. Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources.

reservation Window

10 Months

max Stay

30 nights

Official campground details, summarized

Concise planning notes based on the public Recreation.gov campground information.

Facilities

This 63-site campground is open all year with sites available on a reservation basis from May to September 30th. In the off-season, only sites 15 through 35 are available. Sites 17 and 49 are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water are available from late spring through early fall. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Ranger programs are offered most nights in the amphitheater during the summer. Two group campsites are able to be reserved 6 months out.

Natural Features

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. Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance You can still see the largest natural opening into Wind Cave without going on a tour. This small hole is one of the only known natural entrances into the cave. Lakota oral tradition speaks of how the first bison and humans emerged from this deeply spiritual place.

Recreation

Hiking at Wind Cave View rolling prairie vistas, ponderosa forests, and see wildlife in its natural environment. Wind Cave National Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails on the surface and provides visitors the opportunity to view pristine Black Hills scenery. Find out which trail is the best for you. Pet Friendly Hikes If you are traveling with a furry friend, Wind Cave has two pet friendly trails. The Prairie Vista trail leaves from the Visitor Center and the Elk Mountain Trail leaves from the amphitheater at the Elk Mountain Campground. Both trails are approximatly 1 mile in length. Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger Kids of all ages can become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, learn about the park, and take the pledge to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Important notices

Elk Mountain Campground Reservations o In the peak season (May - Septempber 30th), all sites are available. You may book sites in advance or use same-day booking. However, you must reserve and pay for your site on Recreation.gov before occupying it. o In the off-season (October 1st-May), sites 15 through 35 are available for booking on Recreation.gov. All other sties are closed for the winter. Water is not availabe during this time and there is a vault toilet. You may book sites in advance or use same-day booking. However, you must reserve and pay for your site on Recreation.gov before occupying it. Wireless internet is available at the information kiosk o Once payment is made on-site, we do not offer refunds, modifications may be made through Recreation.gov.

Fire/Stove Policy: Open fires and charcoal fires are prohibited unless they are in a designated fire grate. Fires are allowed in designated fire rings only and must not be left unattended. Extinguish all fires completely before leaving your campsite. Wood collection is not allowed, firewood is available for purchase in local communities. If a local fire ban is in place, information will be posted at the entrance kiosk. A fire may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

Water. Flush toilets and drinking water are available from late spring through early fall. Fees are half-price when water is not available. There are no showers at the campground.

Check in and Check out. Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

Surrounding campgrounds

Other tracked campgrounds within driving distance, nearest first.

Cold Brook Campground

Cold Brook Lake

7.2 mi

Cedar Pass Campground

Badlands National Park

78 mi

Common questions

Is Elk Mountain Campground available right now?

Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 14 of the next 14 days, starting Fri, Sep 11. Availability changes constantly — check the calendar above, then confirm on Recreation.gov.

How do I book Elk Mountain Campground?

Reservations are handled by Recreation.gov, not by Kestrel. Use the official reservation link on this page to book. Kestrel only watches availability and tells you when a site frees up.

How far in advance can I book?

Recreation.gov lists a booking window of 10 Months for this campground.

How quickly will I hear about a cancellation?

Kestrel rescans every two minutes, and every 30 seconds during the provider's daily release window. Alerts go out by email as soon as a matching site appears.