How much does camping cost at Elk Mountain Campground?

Camping fees at Elk Mountain Campground are $12 - $45/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 January 01 to December 31. 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.

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.

Elk Mountain Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk Mountain Campground?

Fire policies at Elk Mountain Campground: 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. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.19

463 reviews

26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

BReport Card

Featured in:Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park#3 RV Camping South Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota +7 more

Quick Facts

4,226 ft

Price

$12 - $45/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 Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,226 ft

Price

$12 - $45/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 Official Website

Get Directions

Elk Mountain Campground

$12.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site 1: $45.00; Group Site 2: $45.00; RV Handicap Site: $12.00; RV Sites-B Loop: $12.00; RV Sites-D Loop (No Slides): $12.00; Tent or Truck...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Group Site Fee$45.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-745-4600wica_interpretation@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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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)

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.

Weather at Elk Mountain Campground

Current alerts(7)

Check in and Check out. Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. Check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
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.
Maximum Capacity. A maximum of two tents, 8 people, and 1 vehicle is permitted on each site. The group camping sites require a minimum of 9 people and a maximum of 30. RV's are prohibited at group sites.
Maximum Stay. An individual may stay a maximum of 14 consecutive nights, no more than 30 total nights during the calendar year.

Best Time to Camp at Elk Mountain Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliably warm, dry weather and full services (reservations May 18–Sept 30), making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and long evenings under ponderosa pines. Daytime highs are commonly in the 70s–80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, so you get comfortable daytime activity windows and crisp sleeping temperatures. Trail access, park programs, and on-site facilities are fully available, though expect higher visitor numbers at dawn/dusk and on holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is best: full services, ranger programs, positive summer reviews and warm dry weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. 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.

About Elk Mountain Campground

Elk Mountain Campground sits in mid-elevation ponderosa pine forest within Wind Cave National Park, near Hot Springs in the Black Hills. Operated by the National Park Service, this mid-sized campground serves as base camp for cave tours, prairie wildlife viewing, and trail access into one of the country's longest cave systems. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and ranger-led evening programs during the summer season.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliably warm, dry weather and full services (reservations May 18–Sept 30), making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and long evenings under ponderosa pines. Daytime highs are commonly in the 70s–80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, so you get comfortable daytime activity windows and crisp sleeping temperatures. Trail access, park programs, and on-site facilities are fully available, though expect higher visitor numbers at dawn/dusk and on holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: January, February

Elevation4226 ft above sea level

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.

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

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

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

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

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Elk Mountain Campground

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Campground connects to Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista trails (≈1 mile) and park trail network.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 PolicyFire/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

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m to 6:00 a.m

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

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 463 reviews.

Site 17Mentioned
Site 17 and 49 are accessible.
Loop AMentioned
Loop A is better for tents, while B Loop sees mixed reviews regarding site leveling.
Site 28BIssues noted
Site 28B is steeply sloped and unsuitable for tent camping.
Site 58Issues noted
Site 58 is reported as too narrow for RVs with slideouts.

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

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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Elk Mountain Campground

$12.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Site 1: $45.00; Group Site 2: $45.00; RV Handicap Site: $12.00; RV Sites-B Loop: $12.00; RV Sites-D Loop (No Slides): $12.00; Tent or Truck...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Group Site Fee$45.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-745-4600wica_interpretation@nps.gov

Go if

You want National Park Service camping near Wind Cave tours with ranger programs and don't mind unlevel sites.

Skip if

You need level RV pads or prefer campgrounds with open gate access throughout the night.

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Primitive

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Campgrounds

Wind Cave National Park

Elk Mountain Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 73% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 388 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Belonging
Grade A-.Staff & hosts
Grade A-.Crowds & noise

Watch-outs

Grade C.Campsites
Grade C+.Things to do
Grade B-.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how South Dakota grades overall

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.

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