Wind Cave National Park Camping Travel Guide

Wind Cave National Park Camping Travel Guide

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Caving in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota (courtesy, National Park Service )

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Wind Cave National Park Camping Travel Tips

By Travel Expert: Brian Kevin

  • Elk Mountain Campground near the visitor center is the only front-country camping option at Wind Cave. Nab a first-come, first-serve spot in one of the campground's west loops to be nearer to the short Elk Mountain Nature Trail.
  • Head south about 1.5 miles on the Sanctuary Trail into the park's backcountry camping zone. When you cross a small creek just before the junction with the Centennial Trail, follow the creek bed west to find sites near water amid a lumpy checkerboard of buttes and ponderosa stands.
  • Southwest of the junction of the Highland and Sanctuary Trails is a fairly broad grassland at the edge of a pine forest. You'll have to bring in your water, but a backcountry camp near the treeline is a fine spot to watch for wildlife.
  • Find Beaver Creek along the Centennial Trail just before it meets Highway 87 at the Lookout Point trailhead. Follow the creek a quarter-mile upstream until it begins to bend west, then continue north onto an open plateau, where your campsite can stare straight up the spine of the Rankin Ridge to the north.

Wind Cave National Park Overview

Don't be deceived by the park's name. Oh sure, there's plenty of wind at Wind Cave, but there's also more to see and do than visit the world-class, namesake cave. Above ground you'll find rolling prairie, interesting rock formations, and beautiful pine forests open to exploration. The park is also home to native wildlife such as bison, elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, and prairie dogs. Read More

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Hotels

Sojourner Inn

1729 Minnekahta Ave.
Hot Springs, SD 57747 Map

Distance: 8.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
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The Lodge at Palmer Gulch

12620 Hwy 244
Hill City, SD 57745 Map

Distance: 23.9 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

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from: $91

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites HOT SPRINGS

1401 HWY. 18 BYPASS
Hot Springs, SD 57747 Map

Distance: 9.1 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

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Attractions

Angostura Recreation Area

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Not Yet Rated
10 miles SE of Hot Springs off US Hwy. 385/18
13157 N. Angostura Rd.
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Angostura Reservoir is a recreation area offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.... Read More
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Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary

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14 miles south of Hot Springs off Hwy. 71
P.O. Box 998
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747 Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary spans 11,000 acres and is home to more than 500 wild horses... Read More
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Evans Plunge

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1145 North River St.
Hot Springs, South Dakota Map

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Evans Plunge is the world's largest warm-water indoor swimming pool. Vistors can enjoy three Waterslides, Tarzan Rings, Fun Tubes, Kids Pools, and a full service Health Club.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
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Airports

Major Airports near Wind Cave National Park

Distance (mi.)
Denver International Airport 264.5 map Flight Deals to DEN

Other Smaller Airports near Wind Cave National Park

Distance (mi.)
Rapid City Regional Airport 39.3 map
Gillette Campbell County Airport 116.1 map
Scottsbluff Scotts Bluff County Airport 117.0 map

Feature Articles

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Trip Ideas

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