Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Photo: NPS Photo
Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources.
- LocationHot Springs, SD
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now60°F Patchy rain nearby
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Aquifers
- Astronomy
- Birds
- Bison
- Bridges
- Cats (wild)
- Caves, Caverns and Karst
20 more topics
- Coniferous Forests
- Elk
- Endangered
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Forests and Woodlands
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- Grasslands
- Groundwater
- Homesteading
- Native American Heritage
- Night Sky
- Prairies
- Ranches
- Scenic Views
- Trails
- Transportation
- Unique Species
- Westward Expansion
Alerts (3)
InformationNatural Entrance Tour Route Closes For Season October 1, 2026 The Natural Entrance Tour Route will be closed for the season beginning October 1st, 2026. The Garden of Eden, Fairgroun… Read more
The Natural Entrance Tour Route will be closed for the season beginning October 1st, 2026. The Garden of Eden, Fairgrounds, and Accessibility Tour Routes remain available. This annual closure will last through the winter season.
InformationCentennial Trailhead Parking Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shu… Read more
Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.
InformationWind Cave moves to cashless fee collection Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ d… Read more
Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
Things to Do
14 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Backcountry Camping at Wind Cave
Experienced hikers may enjoy camping in Wind Cave's scenic backcountry. Thousands of acres of undeveloped forest and prairie provide countless sites for hikers to pitch a tent and camp.
Learn more about Backcountry Camping at Wind Cave on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger
Kids of all ages can become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, learn about the park, and take the pledge to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Learn more about Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Bike Wind Cave
Explore Wind Cave by bike. Although bikes are limited to established roads, this is a great activity for those who want to take their time to sightsee in the park.
Learn more about Bike Wind Cave on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Bird Watching in Wind Cave
Wind Cave has many opportunities to view birds throughout the year. Although you can bird watch anywhere in the park, the Elk Mountain Campground and visitor center offer the best chances to see a…
Learn more about Bird Watching in Wind Cave on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking at Wind Cave
View rolling prairie vistas, ponderosa forests, and see wildlife in its natural environment. Wind Cave National Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails on the surface and provides visitors the…
Learn more about Hiking at Wind Cave on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Horseback Riding in Wind Cave
The sprawling prairies and open ponderosa woodlands of Wind Cave give horseback riders thousands of acres to explore. Though there are no facilities within the park that provide horses, visitors may…
Learn more about Horseback Riding in Wind Cave on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Listen For Bugling Elk
In September and October, male elk can be heard as they bugle to challenge each other and attract females. This haunting sound is a sure sign that fall has arrived in the West. During this time of…
Learn more about Listen For Bugling Elk on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Pet Friendly Hikes
If you are traveling with a furry friend, Wind Cave has two pet friendly trails. Both are close to the visitor center and about one mile in length.
Learn more about Pet Friendly Hikes on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Camping
1 campground listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Elk Mountain Campground
Reservable Campground
Elk Mountain Campground, straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offering unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the…
Reserve on Recreation.govDetails
Fees: RV or tent rate when water and flush toilets are available (May - September 30th). Senior (Golden Age)/Access pass holders pay half price. Interagency Annual Park Passes are not applicable for these fees. $24.00 Campsite Fee - Off-season…
Overview
Elk Mountain Campground, straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offering unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Black Hills. These campsites are available in both forested and open environments.
- Campsites may be reserved all year through Recreation.gov. Reservations may be made 6 months in advance of your stay and same day reservations are available.
NOTE: This is a cashless campground. Only credit cards will be accepted through Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Recreation
Hiking at Wind Cave
- View rolling prairie vistas, ponderosa forests, and see wildlife in its natural environment. Wind Cave National Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails on the surface and provides visitors the opportunity to view pristine Black Hills scenery. Find out which trail is the best for you.
Pet Friendly Hikes
- If you are traveling with a furry friend, Wind Cave has two pet friendly trails. The Prairie Vista trail leaves from the Visitor Center and the Elk Mountain Trail leaves from the amphitheater at the Elk Mountain Campground. Both trails are approximatly 1 mile in length.
Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger
- Kids of all ages can become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, learn about the park, and take the pledge to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Facilities
This 63-site campground is open all year with sites available on a reservation basis from May to September 30th. In the off-season, only sites 15 through 35 are available. Sites 17 and 49 are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water are available from late spring through early fall. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Ranger programs are offered most nights in the amphitheater during the summer. Two group campsites are able to be reserved 6 months out.
Natural Features
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks.
Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance
- You can still see the largest natural opening into Wind Cave without going on a tour. This small hole is one of the only known natural entrances into the cave. Lakota oral tradition speaks of how the first bison and humans emerged from this deeply spiritual place.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (605) 745-4600.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Wind Cave National Park Tours
Ticket Facility
Welcome to Wind Cave National Park, home to the world’s 7th longest cave and one of the world’s most complex maze-cave systems. Most cave rooms are small, connected by…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 6057454600
Details
Welcome to Wind Cave National Park, home to the world’s 7th longest cave and one of the world’s most complex maze-cave systems. Most cave rooms are small, connected by narrow passages with low ceilings. Boxwork, a rare and delicate cave formation, emerges from the cave walls and ceilings throughout. Guided tours are the only way to experience Wind Cave. Advance tickets may be purchased through this website. Same-day tickets are also available the day of the tour at the park visitor center. Tours often sell out prior to tour times. See Seasons & Booking for details. The park’s surface is home to and one of the last remaining islands of mixed-grass prairie in North America. Rare wildlife including bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs roam over 30,000 acres. Several roads and 30 miles of trails are available to explore the rolling prairie and ponderosa pine forests. There is no fee to enter the park or hike the trails.
Other Visitor Services
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Wind Cave Visitor Center
Facility
The visitor center is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days. All cave tours are ranger-led and leave from the visitor center.
26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD (605) 745-4600 Directions
Details
The visitor center is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days. All cave tours are ranger-led and leave from the visitor center.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Wind Cave National Park
Hours details
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Wind Cave National ParkOpen 24 hours, daily
The park is open all day, every day. Snow or severe weather can limit access to some areas of the park, especially in winter. Visitor Center hours and cave tour schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the park website or call 605.745.4600 for current conditions.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
26611 US Highway 385Hot Springs, SD 57747
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
60°F
Patchy rain nearby · feels like 55°
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Today
61° 40°
Sunny17% rain -
Tomorrow
57° 39°
Partly Cloudy68% rain -
Wednesday
54° 39°
Overcast83% rain
Updated 8 min ago
What to expect by season
Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.
Photos
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Delicate fins of boxwork, a rare cave feature, in Elk's Room, Wind Cave. — NPS Photo -
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1 more photo
Getting There
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2 mile west of the highway.
Mailing address: 26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
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