Elk Mountain Campground
4.43159 reviews26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Elk Mountain Campground
$12.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
During peak season (May 18 - September 30), the fee is $24 per night for standard, tent-only, and RV sites without hookups. In the off-season (October 1 - May 16), the fee is $12 per night when water and flush toilets are not available, and fees are halved for Golden Age/Access pass holders. Group campsites are $45 per night year-round.
About this campground
Nestled where ancient ponderosa pines meet rolling prairie grasslands, Elk Mountain Campground invites you to experience the wild heart of Wind Cave National Park. With 63 thoughtfully placed campsites scattered across this diverse landscape, you'll wake to the whisper of wind through pine needles or the expansive views of native prairie. Open throughout all four seasons, this peaceful sanctuary serves as your gateway to underground wonders and above-ground adventures. Whether you're here to explore the mysterious depths of Wind Cave or traverse the park's scenic hiking trails, you'll find the perfect basecamp in the enchanting southern Black Hills.
Elk Mountain Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and group camping. Primitive camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping on sacred ground where stories stretch back through millennia. According to Lakota oral tradition, Wind Cave marks the very birthplace of humanity—the sacred opening through which both humans and bison first emerged onto Earth's surface. This profound cultural heritage intertwines with the park's natural wonders, creating a landscape rich in both spiritual significance and ecological importance. As you explore, you're walking paths that connect ancient traditions with modern conservation, protecting both the mysterious underworld and the vibrant ecosystems that thrive above.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Elk Mountain Campground with its own distinctive palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering in the crisp 40s and occasional snowfall blanketing the pines. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers burst forth in celebration. Summer brings warm, golden days with temperatures climbing into the pleasant 70s and 80s, perfect for exploration under typically blue skies—though afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the hills, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain. Autumn wraps the campground in a tapestry of gold as aspens shimmer against evergreen pines.
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 SceneryImagine settling into your campsite as golden hour light filters through towering ponderosa pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the evening sun. Some sites nestle in the protective embrace of the forest, while others open onto sweeping prairie vistas where native grasses dance in the breeze. This is a living landscape where massive bison graze just beyond your tent, bugling elk announce the changing seasons, and industrious prairie dog towns create their own bustling communities. When darkness falls, the absence of city lights reveals a breathtaking celestial display—the Milky Way stretches across the sky in all its ancient glory, reminding you why this place feels so timeless.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySites 17 and 49 are handicap-accessible, with flush toilets and potable water accessible during the main camping season.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size to accommodate tents, smaller RVs, and large trailers. Some users reported challenges with narrow sites for RVs with slideouts.
Sites 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 CampsitesLoop 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 CampsitesReviews favor campsites in Loop A for tent camping due to available tent pads. Reviews suggest avoiding sites like 28B for steep inclines.
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized into loops (A, B, C, D), with a mix of prairie and forested sites. Sites vary in size and levelness.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservable season: May 18 - September 30; off-season: October 1 - May 17 with limited facilities.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
WiFi
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
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
The campground connects to hiking trails such as the Elk Mountain Trail and Prairie Vista Trail, which are approximately one mile in length. These trails offer views of the surrounding Black Hills and are pet-friendly.Biking
The natural features of the surrounding national park make it suitable for casual to moderate biking, but dedicated biking trails are not explicitly mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Campers can observe bison, elk, prairie dogs, and other wildlife roaming the park’s prairie and forested landscapes.Cultural and Educational Programs
Ranger-led evening programs are held in the amphitheater during summer months, covering topics such as wildlife, park history, and geology.Winter Activities
Snow-based activities are not mentioned as offerings at this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in designated fire grates; must be fully extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 18 to September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present but details about pickup schedules are not available.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct proximity to lakes or streams, but the campground is surrounded by prairie and forest ecosystems.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include unlevel sites, narrow RV accommodations, and inconsistent facility maintenance (e.g., broken water spigots). Some users criticized the mandatory online reservation system.
HostHosts are often praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. They provide information on campground amenities and ranger-led activities.
Campground Map
26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
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.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).
Camper Reviews
4.4
159 reviews
Elk Mountain Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 159 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 159 reviewsShow more
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 159 reviewsShow more
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 159 reviewsShow more
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 159 reviewsShow more
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...
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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...
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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 159 reviewsShow more
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 159 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025