Elk Mountain sits on rolling prairie grassland inside Wind Cave National Park, about 10 miles north of Hot Springs. The 75-site campground feels more like camping in a pasture than a traditional forest setting, with scattered junipers providing minimal shade. Elk, bison, and prairie dogs are regular visitors — elk will walk right through your campsite at dawn and dusk. Sites are spacious with fire rings and picnic tables, but no hookups or showers.
It’s all first-come-first-served, no reservations. Summer fills up by early afternoon, but spring and fall usually have availability. The park stays quiet compared to nearby Custer State Park. Restrooms have flush toilets but no showers. Wind is constant on the prairie, so stake everything down tight.
Prairie camping with elk walking through your campsite
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Elk Mountain Nature Trail, South Dakota Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Hot Springs, SD |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 75 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $14.00 / night |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |