Elk Mountain Campground
43.5655, -103.4882 · Park boundary: National Park Service
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Reservation detailsThis 64-site campground is open year round. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Two sites are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water are available late May through September. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Two group campsites are also available through www.recreation.gov.
- Every day
- All Day
The campground is open year-round with drinking water and flush toilets available late spring into early fall. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.
RV or tent rate when water and flush toilets are available. Senior (Golden Age)/Access pass holders pay half price. Interagency Annual Park Passes are not applicable for these fees.
RV or tent rate when water is not available. Senior (Golden Age)/Access pass holders pay half price. Interagency Annual Park Passes are not applicable for these fees.
All campsites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. Payment is by credit or debit card only.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal · Vault Toilets - year round
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - year round
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
- RVs
- Allowed · up to 40 ft
- Trailers
- Allowed · up to 40 ft
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Limited Development Campground
There are two wheelchair accessible campsites at sites 17 and 49. There are wheelchair accessible vault toilets in B loop and seasonal accessible flush toilets in D loop. Campground amphitheater is wheelchair accessible.
Campground amphitheater is wheelchair accessible with parking nearby.
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.
Maximum combined length is 36 feet and maximum width with slides extended is 10 feet.
The Elk Mountain Campground is located about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or 22 miles south of Custer, off U.S. Hwy 385, about 1/2 mile west of the highway. Follow the link below for detailed directions to the visitor center; the campground entrance is approximately 1/4 mile north of the visitor center.
Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.
Overnight parking or camping is only allowed in designated campsites. Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people and one vehicle. Quiet hours are 10 pm through 6 am. Generators may run between 8 am and 8 pm. No unattended fires. There are trailer dump stations in Hot Springs and Custer. Do not dump waste water on the ground. There is a delicate cave system beneath the surface in this park; our actions can have a negative impact on it! Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. Pets are only allowed on the Prairie Vista trail and the Elk Mountain Campground trail. Read more at https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Location, hours, and facility details confirmed against the National Park Service registry.
National Park Service registryChecked 2026-08-04
Can you reserve a campsite at Elk Mountain Campground?
Both. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park has 64 sites that can be reserved in advance and 64 that are first-come, first-served.
How many campsites does Elk Mountain Campground have?
Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park has 64 campsites.
What is the maximum RV length at Elk Mountain Campground?
Elk Mountain Campground publishes a maximum RV length of 40 feet. Longer rigs will not fit its sites.
How much does it cost to camp at Elk Mountain Campground?
Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park charges between $12 and $24 per night, depending on the site type.
Are there showers at Elk Mountain Campground?
No. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park does not list showers.
Is there drinking water at Elk Mountain Campground?
Yes. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park lists drinking water: Yes - seasonal.
Is there cell service at Elk Mountain Campground?
No. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park does not list cell reception.
Is there a dump station at Elk Mountain Campground?
No. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park does not list dump station.
Is Elk Mountain Campground wheelchair accessible?
Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park: There are two wheelchair accessible campsites at sites 17 and 49. There are wheelchair accessible vault toilets in B loop and seasonal accessible flush toilets in D loop. Campground amphitheater is wheelchair accessible.
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