Wind Cave National Park

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Overview

One of the United States' oldest national parks, Wind Cave National Park is home to a secret world hidden below its scenic prairie. Above ground, visitors can explore the many trails that wind through grasslands and forested rolling hills that are inhabited by elk, bison, and pronghorn. Beneath this prairie wonderland lies one of the largest and most complex cave systems in the world - Wind Cave. Native Americans and early European explorers were drawn to the cave by the whistling wind that can be heard at its entrance. Visitors will be amazed by the incredible formations found in Wind Cave, and will undoubtedly enjoy the beautiful landscape and rich history that Wind Cave National Park has to offer.

To learn more about Wind Cave National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Wind Cave National Park that are open to mountain bikes. Bikes are permitted on established park roads, including both paved and gravel roads. This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the options for mountain biking in Rapid City.

Visiting Tips

Wind Cave National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Roads within the park are generally open all year long, but winter conditions can affect road status. For up to date road conditions, call the Wind Cave Visitor Center at (605) 745-1134.

Summers in the park are typically hot and dry, although thunderstorms, some producing large hail, are common. The park receives most of its rain in the spring; fall is a bit drier with warm days and cool evenings. The temperature inside Wind Cave is consistently 54 degrees year-round, and visitors should plan accordingly if planning on taking a cave tour. Long waits for cave tours can be expected during the summer. Consider visiting the cave during the morning to avoid the longest lines. Weekends are great times to come to the park during the summer as Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the most crowded days.

Fees & Passes:
There is no entry fee for Wind Cave National Park. Tickets are required for cave tours and there is a fee for camping in the park. To learn more about park fees click here.

Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping & Lodging

Camping:
The Elk Mountain Campground is the only campground in Wind Cave National Park and is open year round. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis but the campground does not usually fill up. Running water (including potable water) and flush toilets are available in the summer. For more information on camping in the park, click here.

Backcountry camping is allowed in the northwest area of the park. A free permit is required for all backcountry camping and can be obtained at the visitor center. Check out the park's website for more information.

Lodging:
There is no lodging offered within the park. A variety of lodging options are located in the nearby towns of Hot Springs and Custer.

Food & Drink

There are no dining options located within the park. Visitors looking for grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants will find plenty of options in the nearby towns of Hot Springs and Custer.

Other Activities

With over 30 miles of hiking trails to explore above ground, and plenty to see below the surface in Wind Cave, visitors will have plenty of ways to explore the park. Additionally, backcountry camping and horseback riding are two other popular activities within the park. For those looking to extend their exploration of the area outside of the park, there are several other noteworthy national park units and state parks located nearby; click here for more information on these nearby attractions. Other options include mountain biking up the road in Rapid City or rock climbing around the park.