| The
backcountry of Wind Cave National Park offers visitors a great opportunity
to experience and enjoy the abundant resources of the park. Backcountry
camping is limited to the northwest area of the park. This area, north
of Beaver Creek, east of Hwy. 87, south of NPS 5 and west of Highland
Creek Trail, is shaded in gray on the map. Within this area are several
different habitats - prairie, forest, and riparian - with a variety
of plants and animals living there. There are maintained and marked
trails within that section and throughout the park, however, the entire
park is open to hiking. |
| Permits |
All
backcountry campers must have a backcountry use permit in their possession.
These permits are free and can be obtained at the Wind Cave visitor
center information desk or at the Centennial trailheads. Permits help
park managers gather information needed to make wise resource management
decisions. Because the mission of the park service is to preserve
and protect the natural resources, a variety of needs must be considered.
|
| Minimum
Impact Camping |
Please
practice low impact camping and hiking techniques. Leave no trace
of your visit, make no changes. |
| Resource
Protection |
Do
not disturb or remove plants, wildlife, antlers or bones, or any other
cultural or natural feature. These features are all part of the ecosystem
and are important to the park history or for the survival of other
animals and plants. They are protected by federal law. |
| Travel |
Pets, bicycles, motorized equipment, firearms, and hunting
are prohibited in the backcountry. |
| Water |
We
recommend that you carry all the drinking water you will need. There
are only a few water sources within the park. Any water obtained in
the backcountry should be boiled or filtered. |
| Fires |
No
open fires are allowed in the backcountry. All cooking must be done
on self-contained fuel stoves. Campfires leave permanent scars on
the land and are frequently the cause of wildfires. The threat of
wildfire is moderate to extreme most of the year. |
| Campsites |
All
backcountry campsites must be at least 1/4 mile from, and out of sight
of any paved or improved dirt road. Campsites also must be 100 feet
away from any trail or any water source. |
| Litter |
All
litter must be packed out of the backcountry and disposed of properly.
The park's visitor center, picnic area, and Elk Mountain Campground
have receptacles for recyclable items. Litter is unsightly and ruins
the park experience for everyone. Please remember, cigarette butts
are litter, too. |
| Bison |
While
in the backcountry, be alert for the presence of bison (buffalo).
These animals may appear tame, but they are extremely unpredictable!
During the summer mating season they are particularly dangerous and
may charge without warning. Campsites should be located away from
wallows or mineral licks since bison tend to frequent these areas.
Always give bison plenty of room. Do not approach these animals! |
| Rattlesnakes |
Be
aware of the possible presence of prairie rattlesnakes. While these
animals are timid, they, like any wild animal, can be dangerous if
surprised or provoked. Rattlesnakes can be found anywhere in the park,
but be particularly alert when near cliffs, rocky areas and prairie
dog towns. |
| Insects |
Ticks,
mosquitoes, and deer flies can be plentiful in the park. They are
generally found in the wetter areas of the park. |
| Maintained
Trails |
1.
Cold Brook Canyon Trail - 1.4
miles one way, moderately strenuous
2. Wind Cave Canyon Trail - 1.8
miles one way, easy
3. East Bison Flats Trail
- 3.7 miles one way, moderately strenuous
4. Lookout Point Trail - 1.9 miles
one way, moderately strenuous
5. Sanctuary Trail - 3.6 miles one way,
moderately strenuous
6. Centennial Trail - 6 miles one way,
moderately strenuous
7. Highland Creek Trail - 8.6 miles
one way, moderately strenuous
8. Boland Ridge Trail - 2.7 miles one
way, very strenuous
9. Elk Mountain Trail - 1 mile loop, easy
10. Rankin Ridge Trail - 1 mile loop,
moderately strenuous
11. Prairie Vista Trail - 1 mile loop,
moderately strenuous (starts in Picnic Area near Visitor Center)
For more trail information please see the Wind Cave National Park
site bulletin entitled, Hiking. |
