How much does camping cost at Elk Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Elk Mountain Campground range from $12-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk Mountain Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk Mountain Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elk Mountain Campground before I book?

Yes! Elk Mountain Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elk Mountain Campground?

Elk Mountain Campground is open May 18 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk Mountain Campground?

Elk Mountain Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Elk Mountain Campground?

Fire policies at Elk Mountain Campground: Fires allowed only in designated fire grates; must be fully extinguished before departure.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elk Mountain Campground have?

Elk Mountain Campground has 63 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elk Mountain Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk Mountain Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk Mountain Campground?

Elk Mountain Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk Mountain Campground?

Popular activities at Elk Mountain Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk Mountain Campground

4.19

463 reviews

26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park#3 RV Camping South Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,226 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

In the off-season (O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Mountain Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,226 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

In the off-season (O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Mountain Campground

$12.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV or tent rate when water and flush toilets are available (May - September 30th). Senior (Golden Age)/Access pass holders pay half price....

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$45.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-745-4600wica_interpretation@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 463 reviews

86 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

unlevelreservation

"User reviews of Elk Mountain Campground are largely positive, with an average sentiment of 4.28. Visitors frequently mention the scenic location, helpful campground hosts, and clean facilities. Complaints focus on issues such as sloped campsites, narrow RV sites, and unreliable cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Elk Mountain Campground

26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Nearby places

Hot Springs (~11 miles), Rapid City (~56 miles), Chadron (~67 miles)

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including firewood (availability inconsistent per reviews), groceries, and camping gear, can be found in nearby Hot Springs (~11 miles).

Driving directionsFrom Rapid City, South Dakota: Follow SD Hwy. 79 south approximately 50 miles to US Hwy. 385. Turn right onto US Hwy. 385 north. Continue through Hot Springs another 6 miles north into Wind Cave National Park. Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center. From Chadron, Nebraska: Follow US Hwy. 385 north through Hot Springs, SD to the park. Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center. From Custer State Park: Follow SD Hwy. 87 south into Wind Cave National Park. Follow signs to the visitor center.

The visitor center and campground are accessible via paved roads, though official sources caution against solely relying on GPS or Google Maps due to potential errors in routing. Directions from nearby cities are provided, but no mentions of seasonal access issues or unpaved routes were noted.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Mountain Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 70s and 80s, with nights dropping to the 40s and 50s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally, bringing dramatic cloud formations and quick downpours. Reservations open May 18 and run through September 30, when park programs, trail access, and full facilities are available. Expect higher visitor numbers on holiday weekends and at dawn and dusk. Winter temperatures hover in the 40s, with occasional snow blanketing the pines. Spring brings wildflowers to the prairie.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: stable weather, ranger programs and active wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: 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.
Current Alerts: Seasonal water unavailability (October-May). Users reported poorly maintained facilities, including non-functional toilets and water spigots.

About Elk Mountain Campground

Elk Mountain Campground sits at 4,226 feet in Wind Cave National Park, where ponderosa pine forests transition into mixed-grass prairie. The 63 sites accommodate tents, small RVs, and large trailers, with fees running $12–$24 per night. Reservations are available May 18 through September 30, with first-come, first-served camping outside that window.

Elk Mountain Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned.

Historical Significance

Lakota oral tradition holds that Wind Cave is the birthplace of humanity, the sacred opening where humans and bison first emerged onto the earth's surface. You're camping above ground that carries profound spiritual significance, where ancient stories meet one of the planet's longest and most intricate cave systems.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs settle into the 70s and 80s, with nights dropping to the 40s and 50s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally, bringing dramatic cloud formations and quick downpours. Reservations open May 18 and run through September 30, when park programs, trail access, and full facilities are available. Expect higher visitor numbers on holiday weekends and at dawn and dusk. Winter temperatures hover in the 40s, with occasional snow blanketing the pines. Spring brings wildflowers to the prairie.

ElevationPerched at the perfect vantage point in the Black Hills, the campground offers that just-right mountain elevation where prairie meets pine, creating comfortable camping conditions and stunning vistas across the surrounding landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe southern Black Hills create a mosaic here. Some sites rest under ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in afternoon light. Others open onto prairie grasslands that roll toward the horizon. Bison graze within view of campsites. Prairie dog towns spread across the grasslands, and elk move through during seasonal migrations. One of the world's most complex cave systems runs beneath the campground. After dark, the lack of city lights reveals the Milky Way in full detail.

Geological RegionThe southern Black Hills cradle Elk Mountain Campground in a remarkable convergence of ecosystems. Here, the forested hillsides clothed in stately ponderosa pines gradually give way to mixed-grass prairie that rolls toward the horizon. Below your feet lies one of the world's most complex cave systems, while above ground, this unique geography creates a mosaic of habitats supporting an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. This is where the mountains meet the Great Plains, creating a landscape of edges and transitions that has captivated visitors for generations.

Scenic ViewsVisitors can enjoy views of the surrounding Black Hills, prairie grasslands, and forested hillsides. Wildlife sightings, including bison and elk, are common.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings available directly at Elk Mountain Campground, only camping accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led evening programs are held in the amphitheater during summer months, covering topics such as wildlife, park history, and geology.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights
no more than 30 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 people, 2 tents, and 1 vehicle per site.

Groups

Group campsites require a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 30 campers. RVs are not allowed at these sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFour loops (A, B, C, D) organize the campground, mixing prairie and forested sites. Site sizes vary to fit different rig types, but levelness is inconsistent. Some campers struggle with sloped sites, and RV owners report narrow spots that complicate slideout deployment.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov or its mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityIn the peak season, sites are reservable in advance or via same-day booking on Recreation.gov. During the off-season, camping is first-come, first-served, with only B Loop sites open.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 change or cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours before check-in) incur an additional forfeit of the first night’s use fee. Reservation modifications can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySites 17 and 49 are handicap-accessible, with flush toilets and potable water accessible during the main camping season.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size to accommodate tents, smaller RVs, and large trailers. Some users reported challenges with narrow sites for RVs with slideouts.

PrivacySites offer a mix of privacy levels, with some sites being more open or clustered closer together along the roads, while others provide more seclusion.

Total Campsites63 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop A is recommended for tent camping due to the presence of level tent pads. Avoid site 28B due to its steep incline and lack of flat ground.

Best CampsitesLoop A gets the most praise from tent campers for its tent pads and generally better leveling. Site 28B draws specific complaints for its steep incline. Reviews note that some sites cluster close together along the roads while others offer more seclusion, though narrow spacing can challenge RVs with slideouts.

Need help booking Elk Mountain Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

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.

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Elk Mountain Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Campers can explore hiking trails, attend ranger-led programs, and observe the diverse wildlife of Wind Cave National Park. The campground is also a short distance from the Wind Cave Visitor Center.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep or uneven campsites, wildlife encounters (bison, elk), and exposure to the elements. Some campsites are reported to lack shade and level ground.

Active AlertsSeasonal water unavailability (October-May). Users reported poorly maintained facilities, including non-functional toilets and water spigots.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in designated fire grates; must be fully extinguished before departure.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services and police can be accessed in Hot Springs, approximately 11 miles from the campground. No hospital or detailed emergency facility is specified in this dataset.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present but details about pickup schedules are not available.

Water FeaturesNo direct proximity to lakes or streams, but the campground is surrounded by prairie and forest ecosystems.

Camp HostHosts are often praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. They provide information on campground amenities and ranger-led activities.

Cell CoverageWi-Fi is available at the information kiosk, but cell service varies and may be spotty across the campground. Some visitors reported no service, while others mentioned limited access near the entrance or host site.

Weather at Elk Mountain Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

463 reviews

Satisfactory

Elk Mountain Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Elk Mountain Campground are largely positive, with an average sentiment of 4.28. Visitors frequently mention the scenic location, helpful campground hosts, and clean facilities. Complaints focus on issues such as sloped campsites, narrow RV sites, and unreliable cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 463 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include friendly and knowledgeable hosts, clean restrooms, proximity to hiking trails and Wind Cave tours, excellent wildlife viewing, and peaceful surroundings. Many users commend the...

Based on 463 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues mentioned by visitors include unlevel campsites, narrow RV sites not accommodating slideouts, no showers, and limited cell phone or Wi-Fi access. Some visitors expressed frustration...

Based on 463 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Potential campers are advised to choose tent sites in Loop A for better leveling. Visitors should also consider bringing their firewood and making reservations in advance to avoid Wi-Fi connectivity...

Based on 463 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular, with positive reviews highlighting ranger programs and wildlife. Winter months see fewer visitors due to limited facilities (only B Loop is open) and the lack of...

Based on 463 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved the location, seclusion, and provided ranger events." - Natalie W. | "The camp hosts were delightful and kept the park in good condition." - Jacky P. | "The stars were beautiful and flush...

Based on 463 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 28B is steeply sloped and unsuitable for tent camping. Site 58 is reported as too narrow for RVs with slideouts. Site 17 and 49 are accessible. Loop A is better for tents, while B Loop sees...

Based on 463 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites (17 and 49) are well-received, but reviews note that some paths to restrooms may be inconvenient. Campground hosts are frequently mentioned as helpful for guests with specific...

Based on 463 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes, and pet-friendly trails like the Elk Mountain Trail and Prairie Vista Trail are appreciated by campers with dogs.

Based on 463 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Wind Cave National Park

Elk Mountain Campground

About Wind Cave National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Elk Mountain Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

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.

Directions

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.