Wind Cave National Park$12
Elk Mountain
Total sites: 65
Booking Window: 10 months
Booking Window: 10 months
4,260 ft
65°F
40°F
40°F
no signal
Elk Mountain Campground, Wind Cave National Park, SD - Latest Reviews, Photos & Campground Map
Elk Mountain Campground is part of Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota (1 hr 9 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 4,260 feet. Elk Mountain Campground is rated 4.5 stars from 248 reviews. There are a total of 65 campsites including 16 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 49 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 15 and 36 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 10 months in advance. Fees range from $12.00 to $45.00. Some amenities include restroom, amphitheater, firewood, and pay telephone. Activities include hiking trails.
Attention: Loops A, C & D are closed from Oct. 1, 2025, to May 15, 2026, for the winter season. There is no potable water available in the campground during this time. Loop B remains open for reservations and potable water is available at the Visitor Center.
Campground Capacity (Next 30 Days)
Campsite Reviews (248)
4.5 out of 5
| 5 star | 63% | |
| 4 star | 26% | |
| 3 star | 6% | |
| 2 star | 4% | |
| 1 star | 1% |
@JeffreyW413498 · Camped on Mar 7, 2026 at Campsite #35
Great area. Clean bathrooms. Quiet campground.
Major Issues
@stephenv9A6945 · Camped on Jan 20, 2026 at Campsite #18
Wind Cave was amazing!! Rangers were very knowledgable
@JohnB8383631 · Camped on Oct 22, 2025 at Campsite #16
Off season, one loop open, no water at campground. Water available nearby at visitor center. Very clean vault toilet. WiFi available at no cost.Very quiet location (except for when people drive over the cattle guard fast). Not crowded, weather was great. Easy access to the whole Black Hills (Custer, wildlife loop, Rushmore, etc.). Beautiful drives to the north through prairie.Excellent hiking into Cold Canyon, to the fire overlook at Rankin Ridge, and others.
Some Coverage
@JimmyW82697F20 · Camped on Oct 16, 2025 at Campsite #31
During the Federal lockdown the campground was still open. I camped in a small rv, and essentially you are parked on the road in your designated spot. Water was turned off, and there are no electric hookups - just a grassy area and a picnic table. This is pretty much dry camping.
@KennethM666135 · Camped on Oct 5, 2025 at Campsite #21
Beautiful park. Nice, quiet campground. Above average wildlife viewing and hiking. We'll go back. My wife and I highly recommend this campground.
@SummerS6EB32A1 · Camped on Oct 1, 2025 at Campsite #34
Great spot, especially for tent campers, which has shade. Right next to an area with bison, clean bathrooms, utility sink, and easy-access to many water spikots. Includes several good sunset spots too, and a great area for star gazing. Would absolutely stay there again.
No Service
@JoanC7C68CEF81 · Camped on Sep 28, 2025 at Campsite #8
Loved the campground, I was in a tent in Loop B. Only issue was the one person that ran his generator for hours. I ended up moving to the tent only area which was so nice. Enjoyed having flush toilets and sinks. Super nice hosts.
Some Coverage
@AdamM2914458 · Camped on Sep 27, 2025 at Campsite #3
Nice shade. Bathrooms were ok. Only 1 stall per bathroom. Check-in was confusing. Site person was great. Cheap camp site so you can't ask for more.
Major Issues
@NicoleT6425693 · Camped on Sep 25, 2025 at Campsite #2
The sites didn't feel too close together. The bathrooms were clean. I mostly enjoyed hearing the coyotes as the sun went down. It was a serene spot in the tent only area.
Good
@VickieR4E8AAB8 · Camped on Sep 25, 2025 at Campsite #51
Great campground. Clean flushing bathrooms. Sites aren't very level. No cell coverage but there is internet access at host site.
No Service
@MaryAnnJ029AB6 · Camped on Sep 25, 2025 at Campsite #27
Watch out if your campsite is under trees! We were invaded by conifer seed bugs. We are 5 days and 7 states away and they are still popping out!
@CarolineB789FA · Camped on Sep 24, 2025 at Campsite #25
The campsite was great. The camp host was very nice. We enjoyed the hikes in the Park. I loved that Buffalo are right outside the campground
Good
@JosephF1050353 · Camped on Sep 24, 2025 at Campsite #50
The phone/internet use is sketchy. Almost completely unavailable. We wanted to book extra days but couldnt get access at the campground and the Welcome center was absolutely no help at all. I understand the lack of internet but it would have been nice if I was offered a phone to use to book more days. If this is an ongoing issue, maybe adding a phone for visitors to use to make and confirm reservations.
No Service
@MaureenP723645 · Camped on Sep 22, 2025 at Campsite #24
Wind Cave was an unexpected jewel with many surprises. The campground was very convenient to the park, clean and quiet. I recommend it to anyone looking for above and under ground adventures!
No Service
@DavidW7736336 · Camped on Sep 21, 2025 at Campsite #55
We stayed 7 nights at Elk Mountain campground. Beautiful area to explore. Nice trail at the campground. Lots of spigots to get water, bathrooms clean. Host very friendly. Heard elk bugle one night from the campground.
No Service
@EdS6016815 · Camped on Sep 21, 2025 at Campsite #31
Everyone - hosts and rangers were exceptional in service:) thank you. It was a great experience
Good
@VickieK1146085 · Camped on Sep 20, 2025 at Campsite #31
Beautiful area, loved our stay, very clean! Suggest you get a better wi-fi signal, took forever to get reservation done.
No Service
@LOWELLB7599140 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #9
The campground has a tents only loop. Every National park should have one. Are you hearing this, Capitol Reef?
Some Coverage
@AmyR5823789 · Camped on Sep 19, 2025 at Campsite #53
Wow what a great place. I hate to really say how good it was because I dont want it to be too popular. That was a great time. We woke up to a Bison or ten in the campsites which was fantastic. Prairie dogs were abundant but they were entertaining.
No Service
@MelanieC53E32D · Camped on Sep 18, 2025 at Campsite #54
Small but nice campground near Custer State Park. The campground is older so many spaces are not suitable for larger RVs with slide outs. Looking at the campsite photos helped us find a site we fit in. Very peaceful with a short, scenic hiking trail from the campground.
Good
@PatriciaS93400 · Camped on Sep 17, 2025 at Campsite #35
Sandy was a wonderful and helpful host. Because of her advice we were able to get tickets for the cave tour we wanted so we could join friends.
Major Issues
@StephenT431742 · Camped on Sep 16, 2025 at Campsite #54
Most sites unlevel. Very few sites could accommodate our 25 trailer and pickup. Very confusing registration process. Sign says to stop and register but no instructions. Very frustrating.
No Service
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