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.
Year-round
National Park · SD
Things to do in Wind Cave
The National Park Service lists 14 things to do at Wind Cave National Park. 13 have no extra fee, 13 need no reservation, and 6 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
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.
20-45 Minutes Year-round
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.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
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 diversity of species while visiting the park.
15-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
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.
Year-round
Horseback Riding in Wind Cave
The sprawling prairies and open ponderosa woodlands of Wind Cave give horseback riders thousands of acres to explore.
Year-round
Horse Trekking
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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.
Fall Pets allowed
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.
30-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Picnic at Wind Cave
Looking for a quiet place to enjoy a picnic? Whether you're looking for a good picnic spot or just a place to eat lunch while waiting for a tour, the picnic area is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
See Prairie Dogs in Their Prairie Dog Towns
Information about the Prairie Dog of Wind Cave National Park.
Year-round
Take a Cave Tour
Visit one of the world's longest and most complex caves.
60-90 Minutes Year-round Reservation required Fee applies
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.
10-20 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Watch Wind Cave Wildlife
View some of North America's most iconic wildlife while enjoying Black Hills scenery. Wind Cave's combination of prairie and forest ecosystems allows visitors to view a number of animals in their natural environment.
Year-round
Wind Cave Geology Driving Tour
The geology driving tour is a great way to see the park while learning about the rich geologic history of the Black Hills. On this 20 mile long tour, you will travel back in time and view Wind Cave's rock record to get a glimpse into its past.
60-90 Minutes Year-round
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Wind Cave. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
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Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Wind Cave National Park — things to do on nps.gov