Elk Mountain Campground

4.20

463 reviews

26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

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

Quick Facts

4,226 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,226 ft

Price

$12 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyWiFi

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Elk Mountain Campground

$12.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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...

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

4.20

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

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).

Best Time to Camp at Elk Mountain Campground

Each 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with ranger programs, positive summer reviews and abundant wildlife viewing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder season with good scenery; fewer explicit fall details provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open in off-season with wildlife and trails available, but facilities are limited until May 18.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but limited facilities (only B Loop), bathrooms closed and fewer services.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservable season: May 18 - September 30; off-season: October 1 - May 17 with limited facilities.
Current Alerts: Seasonal water unavailability (October-May). Users reported poorly maintained facilities, including non-functional toilets and water spigots.

About Elk Mountain 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.

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 layoutThe campground is organized into loops (A, B, C, D), with a mix of prairie and forested sites. Sites vary in size and levelness.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

WiFi

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

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.

HikingThe 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.

BikingThe natural features of the surrounding national park make it suitable for casual to moderate biking, but dedicated biking trails are not explicitly mentioned.

Wildlife viewingCampers can observe bison, elk, prairie dogs, and other wildlife roaming the park’s prairie and forested landscapes.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led evening programs are held in the amphitheater during summer months, covering topics such as wildlife, park history, and geology.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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.

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.

Weather at Elk Mountain Campground

Reviews

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