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Wind Cave National Park

A view of Wind Cave National Park

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One of America’s oldest national parks, Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, offers visitors watchable wildlife, hiking, camping and a Wind Cave - one of the longest and most complex caves in the world. It’s a unique formation rarely found elsewhere, and is a must-see for nature lovers and travelers everywhere!

Wind Cave National Park also includes the largest remaining natural mixed-grass prairie in the US, and has 28,295 acres of wildlife sanctuary, making it possible to visit and view bison, elk and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Below ground, the Wind Cave has 140.47 miles of explored cave passageways, making it the sixth-longest in the world. It also features 95% of the world’s discovered boxwork formations and is recognized as the densest cave system in the world.

The weather in the Wind Cave National Park and the accompanying southern Black Hills are generally warmer and drier than the nearby northern hills. Spring and fall weather varies from sunny and warm to cool, rainy and windy, with temperatures ranging from 50s-60s for the high and 40s and 50s for the low. The summertime has warm daytime temperatures and cool evenings, ranging from the 70s-80s and in the 50s for the lows. In June and July, severe thunderstorms with large hail and severe lightning are common. In the wintertime, there is an average of 30 inches of annual snow and temperatures in the 30s-40s and lows in the teens.  

There are several towns and communities nearby Wind Cave National Park as well as a few National Park Service Sites, so there is plenty to do both inside the park and outside of it! Whether you’re looking for a historical experience like Deadwood, one of America’s longest ongoing historic preservation projects, or a small, mountain town like Hill City, there’s plenty to do or see in the area.

If you’re looking for ranger-guided or park sponsored events, view the park calendar here. Information on guided tours, including the popular cave tours, can be found here.

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Weather
  • Spring 40-60 F
  • Summer 50-80 F
  • Fall 40-60 F
  • Winter 30-40 F
Location & Hours
  • Coming soon
Park Info
  • Coming soon

RV Rentals Near Wind Cave National Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Wind Cave National Park Hiking Trails

Wind Cave National Park Hiking Trails

Wind Cave National Park offers over 30 miles of hiking trails which vary between mixed-grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest. Viewing large wildlife is common on the trails, as bison, elk and mountain lions roam throughout the park. Keep in mind that the animals are wild and should be viewed with caution, and regulations require at least 25 yards from bison and elk. For more information about hiking in the Wind Cave National Park, clickhere.

Here we’ve chosen some of our favorite hiking trails.

Wind Cave National Park Trails

Things to do Outside Wind Cave National Park

Things to do Outside Wind Cave National Park

Once you’ve explored the sights above and below ground at Wind Cave National Park, there is plenty more to see and do in the area. Whether it’s another nature experience at a nearby national or state park or simply grabbing a delicious meal with friends and family, there’s something great to do before or after the park.

Restaurants

Shopping

Sightseeing

RV Resorts & Campsites near Wind Cave National Park

There are plenty of options when it comes time to rest your head down at night! The Wind Cave National Park has one campground within the park, and the Custer State Park, to the north of Wind Cave, also has campgrounds. Additionally, Black Hills National Forest, nearby the park, has numerous campgrounds. Here are some of our favorites:  

RV Resorts & Campsites near Wind Cave National Park

Campgrounds Near Wind Cave National Park

Find the Best Dumpstations Near Wind Cave National Park

Find the Best Dumpstations Near Wind Cave National Park

An unglamorous but necessary aspect of RVing? Dump stations. Knowing where the best dump stations are near you will allow for more ease and less stress in your travels. Dump stations are an easy and convenient way to clear waste from your RV. Use our guides to find dump stations on your route, so you can get back to the good stuff – exploring, relaxing, and making memories on the road.

Dumpstations Near Wind Cave National Park

How to get to Wind Cave National Park

How to get to Wind Cave National Park

There are several options for getting to Wind Cave National Park. Keep in mind that the Visitor Center of the National Park is located 11 miles north of Hot Springs off U.S. Hwy 385. Do not use your GPS to find the visitor center, instead, follow park signs.

Another way to travel to Wind Cave National Park is by RV. When you rent an RV, you’ll have the ability to travel at your own pace and stay comfortable. Plus, you will be able to get a front-row seat and actually stay IN the park! Don’t own an RV? No worries,RV rentals are available across thecountry.

From Rapid City directly, follow Route 79 south approximately 50 miles to U.S. Route 385, turn right onto U.S. Route 385 North, then continue through Hot Springs. Then, follow U.S. Hwy 385 another 6 miles north and into Wind Cave National Park. Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From Rapid City via the Black Hills, follow U.S. Hwy. 16 south and west to U.S. Hwy. 385. Turn left on US Hwy. 385 south to Hill City and continue south through Custer City. The park is about 20 miles south of Custer, SD off U.S. Hwy 385. Once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From western Nebraska, follow U.S. Hwy 385 north through Hot Springs, SD to the park, and once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

From Custer State Park, follow State Road 87 south into Wind Cave National Park, and once in the park follow signs to the visitor center for cave tours and general park information.

The nearest commercial airport to the park is in Rapid City, South Dakota. The airport offers car rentals.

FAQ Icon
Frequently Asked Questions
    What is the best time of year to visit Wind Cave National Park?

    Fall is the best time of year to visit Wind Cave National Park. Although the cave stays a steady 53°F year-round, the park is busier in summer months. Visitors may find fewer crowds and nice weather above ground in the early fall months.

    How large is Wind Cave National Park?

    Wind Cave National Park is 33,847 acres or almost 53 square miles large. The Wind Cave itself is more than 150 miles of surveyed passages in length.

    Are pets allowed at Wind Cave National Park?

    Yes, pets are allowed at Wind Cave National Park. Pets can be in the visitor center area and campground, and on the Elk Mountain Campground Trail and Prairie Vista Trail. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry or on any other trails.

    Are there designated camping spots in Wind Cave National Park?

    Yes, there are designated camping spots in Wind Cave National Park. Elk Mountain Campground has tent and RV campsites, although there are no hookups.

    What is the climate of Wind Cave National Park?

    The climate of Wind Cave National Park is semi-arid and the area has mild winters and warm summers. Inside the cave, the temperature stays fairly steady at 53 degrees year-round.