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Camping near Wind Cave National Park

1,160 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wind Cave National Park (176)

    1. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

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

    $24 - $45 / night

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

    "Kept our camper there while we did a night of backcountry camping in Wind Cave National Park and we really liked how private and quiet it was. We felt safe leaving the camper there overnight."

    2. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    31 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

    27 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. 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."

    6. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    40 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."

    7. Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

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

    "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!!"

    "The spots are spacious and the hookups are located in a perfect spot to make things easy. Bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean."

    8. Stockade South Campground — Custer State Park

    17 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."

    9. Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA

    15 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-6449

    "Clean, quiet campground tucked away in the beautiful Black Hills"

    "Close proximity to Hot Springs. There were other campers that were quite noisy at night well after quiet time."

    10. Bismarck Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9300

    $30 / night

    "This National Forest campground is directly across the 2-lane "highway" from Custer State Park, a beautiful park with several campgrounds, vintage lodges and cabins, lovely small lakes and plenty of opportunities"

    "Right next to Lake bismark and very close to all the attractions in the black hills. Had Verizon phone service. Only about 15 min. Drive from the town of custer too."

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Recent Camping Photos near Wind Cave National Park

390 Photos of 176 Wind Cave National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wind Cave National Park

1160 Reviews of 176 Wind Cave National Park Campgrounds

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

What camping is available near Wind Cave National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wind Cave National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 176 campgrounds and RV parks near Wind Cave National Park and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wind Cave National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wind Cave National Park is Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 42 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wind Cave National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Wind Cave National Park.

What parks are near Wind Cave National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Wind Cave National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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