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Camping near Wind Cave National Park

1,274 Reviews

With views of the Black Hills, open prairies, and pine forests, some of the best camping spots are in Wind Cave National Park. Near Hot Springs, SD, campers can stock up on camping supplies before pitching their tents. Campgrounds around the South Dakota park accommodate RV drivers, and also offer cabins and yurts as additional sleeping options. Backpack through the park watching birds perch calmly on the backs of bison. Elk and pronghorn antelopes also roam the prairies and forests. Campsites by the cave are a prime opportunity to discover the underground marvels that include the famous Wind Cave, and the subterranean chambers known as the Post Office and Elk’s Room.

Map showing campgrounds near Wind Cave National Park, South DakotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Wind Cave National Park (189)

    1. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    45 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-4600

    $12 - $45 / night

    "This campground is located in Wind Cave National Park and hardly ever fills to capacity."

    "Simple campgrounds in Wind Cave National Park. The campground was well maintained and in great condition."

    2. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    36 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities."

    "This is closest to the southern entrance. We had bison herds South of us and North. We never managed to make it East where the long trail is, which seems to be known for wildlife."

    3. Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

    28 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $30 / night

    "Beautiful area, awesome drive with scenery and WILDLIFE! I thought more about Teddy Roosevelt then Custer while here."

    "Also convenient to Wind Cave national park."

    4. Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    27 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $26 - $55 / night

    "This campground is open year round and is located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Features cabin, camper, and tent sites."

    "We were at Game Lodge campground site 36, which was right next to a little creek. At night, we could hear the water running and it was so calming."

    5. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    42 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "The area was beautiful with the Needles and the wildlife drives that were spectacular with buffalo , pronghorn ,and deer in your face."

    "This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."

    6. Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $20 / night

    "The lake is cool and quiet, tucked away in the center of Custer park. Several trails and tons of fishing spots. There are vaulted toilets and a shower house."

    "I planned my trip too late to stay at Sylvan Lake campground, but wanted to be near the Needles Highway since that was the reason this park was on my itinerary."

    7. Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    26 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-3600

    "5 miles from Sylvan Lake, minute to Custer, 30 minutes to Wind cave National Park. Full hookups, level site, good cell phone reception. Lots of space between sites for a private campground."

    "Campground Review: If you are looking for a family and pet friendly place to camp while visiting the Black Hills South Dakota area, look no further!!"

    8. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    34 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    18 miles
    Website

    "This was a great spot despite the thunderstorm I got caught in and nearly destroyed my tent."

    "Chances are you’ll be a ways away from other campers. Great spots to get away from the crowded campgrounds."

    9. Stockade South Campground — Custer State Park

    18 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 710-2267

    $15 - $35 / night

    "It was probably my favorite campground on our whole South Dakota trip. The bathroom was really nice and clean, the sites were spacious and the campground had lots of mature trees."

    "This is the quietest campground in the entire Black Hills-- away from the highway, yet asphalt road leads to entrance. Near Stockade Lake- beach, fishing pier, boat launch."

    10. Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA

    19 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-4304

    $60 - $100 / night

    "KOA doesn’t disappoint, they could widen their left clearance when first coming into the parking lot from the highway."

    "This KOA is set in beautiful surroundings. Sites are amongst trees, easy in/out. I arrived in the middle of a downpour, but that did not deter the hosts from showing me the site."

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Recent Camping Photos near Wind Cave National Park

430 Photos of 189 Wind Cave National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wind Cave National Park

1274 Reviews of 189 Wind Cave National Park Campgrounds

  • Ben E.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Sunrise Ridge Campground

    Friendly and welcoming

    Very friendly, and cozy atmosphere. Nestled right next to town, yet secluded enough to feel in the hills with nice views. Service is excellent on Verizon network and WiFi is provided. Correct placement on sewer hookup and spigot make dumps and water management super easy. Highly recommend, and reasonably priced!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Legion Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    Beautiful Views, Great Location, Great Price

    We loved everything about this place. Price was best of our month long vacation. Sites nice and level. Beautiful lake and trail across the street. Other than electric your on your own so bring water containers and empty tanks. Camp host was super nice. Really great location to explore the entire area. Custer is as good as any national park.

  • Cable A.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Ellsworth AFB FamCamp.

    Good resupply and laundry point

    Typical RV park. This is not camping. Spots are on top of each other and in a neighborhood. All amenities available including WiFi and laundry. Overpriced.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    Blue Bell Campground - Custer State Park

    Well maintained by friendly staff and hosts. It's nearing the end of the season, so the store wasn't well-stocked. Campsites have electric, which is great for chilly October nights. Showers are push-button with pre-set temp (warm, but not hot). AT&T cell service is great. Lots to see and do in this park. Beware of deer while driving--we've seen LOTS along the road.

  • Jim A.
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Kemp's Kamp

    Perfect base for exploring local landmarks

    Kemp’s Kamp near Keystone, South Dakota, is one of those special places that perfectly blends comfort, nature, and convenience. Tucked away in the beautiful Black Hills, it’s the perfect base for exploring local landmarks like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, all just a short drive away. The campground offers something for everyone, from cozy, well-kept cabins to shaded tent sites and roomy RV spots with full hookups. Everything is clean and well-maintained, and the staff makes you feel genuinely welcome from the moment you arrive. The peaceful sound of Battle Creek running nearby adds to the charm and makes it feel like a quiet escape while still being close to the area’s main attractions. One of the highlights is the pool area, which is perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. The bathrooms and showers are spotless, and the laundry facilities make longer stays easy and comfortable. Small touches like these show how much care the owners put into making the campground a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay. https://aethersx2bios.net/

  • Reds H.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Big Pine Campground

    South Dakota’s best scenery

    Big Pine Campground in Custer, South Dakota, is one of those places that instantly makes you feel relaxed. Surrounded by tall pines and quiet trails, it’s perfect if you want to enjoy nature without giving up the little comforts. The campground is super clean, peaceful, and well-maintained, and the staff are genuinely kind and helpful. Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking an RV, or staying in one of their cabins or glamping spots, everything feels well thought out and easy. The bathrooms and showers are spotless, and the whole place has a cozy, welcoming vibe. It’s also really close to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore, so there’s plenty to explore nearby. Overall, Big Pine Campground is the kind of spot you end up wanting to come back to. It’s quiet, comfortable, and surrounded by some of South Dakota’s best scenery. https://redzhubscriptdownload.com/

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Calumet Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great location, easy access

    Plenty of spots off the service road. Spots have good distance from each other. Probably best for car/tent camping

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Hart Ranch RV Resort

    Hart ranch is okay

    There are a lot of changes going on here. Good and bad.not perfect but okay for a stay.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA

    Wonderful campground right off the main highway, but quiet.

    After spending two nights at the Spearfish KOA, I decided to take two more nights in Custer. This campground is clean and comfortable, and the perfect jumping-off point for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Wind Cave State Park, and touring the Black Hills.  All of which I did and had a wonderful time.

    The facilities were clean, shaded with conifers, and the bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen on this trip. The staff were wonderful. The terrain is hilly, so remember your levellers. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Guide to Wind Cave National Park

Camping near Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and explore the stunning landscapes.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park, one reviewer mentioned, "The trails were right off the campground...smaller than some parks but great!!"
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to diverse wildlife. A camper at Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park noted, "We didn’t see Buffalo, but neighbors said they were right next to the campground the morning before."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers. A visitor at Pactola Reservoir Campground shared, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park said, "The restrooms...are all extremely clean and nice, and the showers were the best I've ever used at a campground."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were very spread out and decently flat for tent camping."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often go above and beyond. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground noted, "The attendant was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A reviewer at Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park said, "It’s busy and loud here...lots of folks coming and going."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A camper at Elk Mountain Campground mentioned, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many sites book up quickly. A visitor at Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park advised, "Reservations for this campground open at 6AM mountain time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch mentioned, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have dining options nearby. A visitor at Game Lodge Campground noted, "There is a restaurant during tourist season."
  • Safety Precautions: Always check the weather and prepare for storms. A camper at Elk Mountain Campground appreciated the camp hosts who warned them about an incoming storm.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for Big Rigs: Many campgrounds are big rig friendly. A reviewer at Pactola Reservoir Campground mentioned, "Lots of space and great place to camp near the beautiful Pactola lake."
  • Electric Hookups: Check for sites with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Blue Bell Campground noted, "Great campground, clean bath house and level sites."
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations. A visitor at Stockade North Campground mentioned, "There are two dump station locations."

Camping near Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have a memorable experience in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Wind Cave National Park?

Elk Mountain Campground is the primary campground within Wind Cave National Park, situated just one mile from the visitor's center. This centrally located campground provides convenient access to the park's main attractions, including cave tours and hiking trails. The campground sits at the edge of a mixed-grass prairie with nearby forest, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking more remote options, the park also permits backcountry camping in designated wilderness areas with proper permits. The central location of Elk Mountain Campground makes it an ideal base for exploring the entire park, with hiking paths nearby that lead to elevated viewpoints overlooking the expansive terrain.

What camping options are available near Wind Cave National Park?

Wind Cave National Park offers diverse camping options both within and around the park. For RV enthusiasts, Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park provides full hookups with level sites just 30 minutes from Wind Cave. Custers Last Chance RV Park and Campground is another excellent option close to both Wind Cave and Custer State Park, offering full hookups for any size rig and protection from the area's notorious winds. Additional options include campgrounds within Custer State Park like Sylvan Lake and Blue Bell, which put you within easy reach of regional attractions including Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. For budget travelers, dispersed camping options exist on forest roads surrounding the park, though these typically offer minimal to no amenities.

What amenities are provided at Wind Cave National Park campgrounds?

Elk Mountain Campground offers basic but functional amenities. During peak season (when water is turned on), the fee is $18 per night, dropping to $9 during the off-season. The campground features sites suitable for both tents and RVs, with water available at RV sites during the main season. Restroom facilities include pit toilets during the off-season, with more complete facilities available during peak times. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and rarely fills to capacity, making it a reliable option without reservations. For those seeking more amenities, nearby Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground offers over 90 sites along a reservoir with more developed facilities, all within an hour's drive of Wind Cave and other Black Hills attractions.

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