National Park
Wind Cave National Park is a National Park in South Dakota. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts, 1 campground and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.
South Dakota National Park No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
3
Closures
0
Campgrounds
1
Visitor centers
1
3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 3 information.
Information
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.
Posted or updated Sep 24, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
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.
Posted or updated Jul 31, 2024 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
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.
Posted or updated Feb 10, 2023 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.
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.
Year-round
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.
20-45 Minutes Year-round
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.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
See all 14 things to do in Wind Cave →
Activities the NPS lists for Wind Cave.
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCavingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Advertisement
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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: 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).
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Cave Visitor Center | Daily: 8:00AM - 6:00PM | (605) 745-4600 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Mountain Campground | 64 | 64 | 64 | Yes, up to 40 ft | $24 | Recreation.gov |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
On Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Badlands National ParkJewel Cave National MonumentLewis & Clark National Historic TrailMinuteman Missile National Historic SiteMissouri National Recreational RiverMount Rushmore National MemorialAll in South Dakota
Advertisement
