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Camping near Wind Cave National Park

1,259 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 (188)

    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."

    "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

    35 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. Bismarck Lake Campground

    19 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

430 Photos of 188 Wind Cave National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wind Cave National Park

1259 Reviews of 188 Wind Cave National Park Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Auto-Inn Motel and RV Park

    Absurd fee for water!

    The lady charged $25 for 30 gallons of water. Ridiculous.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Hart Ranch RV Resort

    It is a RV Resort

    This place has everything, gas station, golf course, roaming security, paved roads, concrete pads, pet and non pet areas, 10mins to town if you need to, and more. Their rules say $50 fine for speeding which is ok cause there is alot of people walking. Met a nice couple who stays there often, if it was closer to home for me I would too. I should give it 5 stars but I grade tuff.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    Quiet paradise in the pines

    This is my second time here in the same spot. The bathrooms are clean and staff is friendly. The crowd is quiet and respectful. There is laundry on site, firewood for sale, and I believe they sell propane. The wildlife is everywhere. I have had deer, turkey, and rabbit within 50 feet. Awesome place!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    Road to Mackinac and back

    This is a lovely campground in Wind Cave National Park. Surrounded by a Ponderosa Pine forest, with a fence and cattle guard to keep the Bison out! Seasonally there are flush toilets and water, off season pit toilets and no water. No RV hookups, no generators allowed (though a couple campers violated that rule, which was annoying for 5 min). It's very quiet here, heard coyotes on several nights. 62 sites, some tent only, the sites ok for RVs held a couple that were quite large. Our trailer is only 20ft. Sites were generally roomy. There is wifi, which was surprising!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Balsar Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & big rig friendly

    Gorgeous spot right off the paved Sheridan Lake Road. We stayed for a week while hiking & UTV-ing. Several spots available (maybe 8 if with a group?) and two other campers came and went while we were there. We were all far enough away that it didn't disturb the solitude. Cows visited on the last day! :-D We camped by the stream. 1 caution = if driving a long rig, it's a sharp right hand turn off Sheridan Lake Road coming from Rapid City. Very doable --just be ready.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice open & quiet

    2 miles of gravel to get up to this ridge area but very possible with 32' TT Space trees, nice and open, plenty of room

  • TF The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Custer Trail

    Established Campground

    Smallest campground on the lake from what I saw. There are 4-5 RV sites and a handful of walk-in tent sites. Trailhead is marked no camping. Staying in mid September, there was no camping/fee signage so I stayed for free. Was the only one there. Super duper quiet, and right on the water for a quick morning paddle.

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    Great Centrally Located Campground

    Fort Welikit (We- Lik-It) is very centrally located to many of the memorials, caves, and drives within the park and surrounding area. Our site was not the best for a 45’ class A, but with the help of one of the camp hosts supplying a portable step our visit was enjoyable. The owners have kept the tall pines in the campground. Our site #6 was almost always shaded. The sound of the wind in the trees truly put you to sleep. Fort Welikit allows Amazon deliveries. A nice touch.
    We had a few nights of rain and the owner was out every morning dragging the gravel back in place to keep the interior roads smooth.

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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