At a glance
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. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping · Caving · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Auto
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 113 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (May – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: May – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
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.
Pack for Wind Cave
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
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LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
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Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
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YETI Rambler bottle
Ice at the trailhead is still ice back at the car.
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Entrance fees
Entry is Free.
Getting there
Nearest city: Rapid City, SD. Park center: 43.570°, -103.480°.
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.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Denver or Salt Lake City.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Wind Cave National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Wind Cave?
Peak season is May – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. 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.
Can you camp in Wind Cave National Park?
Yes — about 113 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Wind Cave National Park?
Rapid City, SD is the nearest major city. 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.
What are the best hikes in Wind Cave?
Popular trails include Rankin Ridge Trail (3.0 mi), Lookout Point Trail (0.1 mi), Wind Cave Canyon Trail (0.5 mi), Centennial Trail (0.8 mi). The park has roughly 30 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.