Section I: Closures & Public Use Limits
36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) Closures:
NOTE:Violations under this section should be cited under 36 CFR 1.5(f)
1.5 (a)(1) The following areas are closed to;vehicular traffic, and/or all public use:
- All caves within Wind Cave National Park are closed to public use; except by authorized permit.
- The Wind Cave firearms range is closed to all public use and employee use with the exception of NPS commissioned law enforcement personnel. The Superintendent may grant permission for use of the range to authorized agents in accordance with the park’s Firearms Range Use Policy.
- The Wind Cave sewage lagoons and treatment areas are closed to all public use.
- The Wind Cave bison corrals and buildings are closed to all public use except by permit.
- The Rankin Ridge Fire Tower is closed to all public use except for administrative purposes.
- All service roads are closed to non-authorized vehicle use. Service and administrative roads shall be designated with signs or gates. These roads currently include: Mixing Circle Road, Lower Housing Loop, Upper Housing Loop, Reservoir Access Road, Wind Cave Canyon Road, and Bison Corral Road.
- In accordance with 36 CFR 5.6, the following park owned roads are closed to commercial vehicles:
NPS 5
NPS 6
Roads closed to commercial vehicle use shall be designated with signs. Commercial vehicles conducting business within the park, public transportation vehicles, and official concession or park contracted vehicles are exempted.
36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) Public Use Limits:
1.5 (a)(2) The following public use limits apply:
1) Segways and non street legal motorized scooters, as defined under 36 C.F.R. § 1.4, are motor vehicles. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a), 4.10(a) the Park is closed to the use of Segways and motorized scooters from all areas within the park including all park roads, trails and sidewalks.
However, any park visitor with proof of disability is permitted to use wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, Segways and motorized scooters in the Visitor Center, Elevator Building, Elk Mountain Campground, Picnic Area, vehicle pullouts, and adjacent sidewalks.
Due to potential damage to cave resources from wheelchairs and walkers in narrow passages, alternative tours are available to mobility challenged visitors. These include the Middle Landing and the Assembly Room, via the Lower Landing. Only the Middle Landing immediately outside of the airlock meets the accessibility for visitors with disabilities requirements for unassisted wheelchair access (Directors Order #42). The Assembly Room, via the Lower Landing, is accessible with assistance. Segways and motorized scooters are not permitted in Wind Cave due to potential damage to cave resources and for safety considerations to visitors. A person shall operate any mobility assistive device in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger one’s self or any other park visitor.
2) While participating in a public cave tour hard soled footwear is required. The consumption/use of food, tobacco products, beverages and gum, touching the cave, disposal of human waste (Urine/feces), and off trail travel is prohibited.
3) The operation of Mini-motorcycles (Pocket Rockets) are prohibited.
4) Flying kites and remote model airplanes is prohibited in the park.
5) Bus idling is prohibited in all areas except during the loading and unloading of passengers.
6) Willfully remaining, approaching, photographing, filming, or video recording within 50 yards of bison, (unless inside a legally positioned vehicle), or within 25 yards of any other wildlife or nesting birds or within any distance that disturbs or displaces wildlife or nesting birds is prohibited.
7) As stated in 36 CFR Section 4.10(a), all-off road travel is prohibited. In addition, Wind Cave National Park is closed to the off-road operation of all OHV type vehicles (ATVs) including along paved roadways. The Superintendent may authorize the use of off road travel and for administrative purposes such as fire control, search and rescue, law enforcement, resource management activities and maintenance activities.
8) Established quiet hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) apply to all developed areas and parking areas including administrative, maintenance and employee housing areas. The Superintendent may lift the restrictions during times of emergency operations or required maintenance.
9) The use of Elk Mountain Campground as a base camp for hunting is prohibited.
Section II: 36 CFR 1.6 Permits:
The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent or designee is required. Application fees may apply to some special use permits. Permit fees apply to cave tours and the use of the campground. Backcountry camping and the day use of pack animals in the park require a permit which is available free at the Visitor Center. Violations under this section should be cited under 36 CFR 1.6(g)(1) or (2)
- Transporting a weapon, trap or net across park lands to access legal hunting and fishing areas requires a permit unless it is being properly transported in a mechanical conveyance – See 36 CFR 2.4(d)
- Specimen collecting, research and some science education activities – See 36 CFR 2.5
- Camping in designated areas: Elk Mountain Campground and Wind Cave National Park Backcountry Areas – See 36 CFR 2.10
- Horse and Pack Animal Use: Backcountry day use utilizing pack animals - See 36 CFR 2.16(g)
- Creating Audio Disturbances - Operating a public address system – See 36 CFR 2.12
- Aircraft and air delivery – See 36 CFR 2.17
- Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services – See 36 CFR 2.50, 2.51, 2.52 or 2.37
- Using or possessing explosives – See 36 CFR 2.38
- Conducting a sporting event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony or similar event – See 36 CFR 2.50(a)
- Conducting a pubic assembly, meeting, gathering, demonstration, parade, ceremony, wedding, or expression of view – See 36 CFR 2.51(e)
- Sale or distribution of printed materials – See 36 CFR 2.52(c)
- Livestock Use – See 36 CFR 2.60(b)(c)
- Residing on Federal Lands – See 36 CFR 2.61(a)
- Memorialization – See 36 CFR 2.62
- Exceeding established vehicle load, weight or size limits – See 36 CFR 4.11
- Displaying, posting or distributing advertisements – See 36 CFR 5.1
- Selling intoxicants – See 36 CFR 5.2(b)
- Engaging in or soliciting any business – See 36 CFR 5.3
- Commercial photography/filming (Use of models, vehicles, props, crew, casts, etc) – See 36 CFR 5.5
- Use of commercial vehicles to access private lands – See 36 CFR 5.6(c)
- Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, paths, structures, docks – See 36 CFR 5.7
- Operation of eating, drinking, or lodging establishments – See 36 CFR 5.10(a)
Section III: General CFR Regulations
36 CFR 2.1 - Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources:
2.1 (a) (4). All areas of the Park are closed to wood gathering.
2.1 (b). All persons on guided cave tours must stay on established trails or designated routes.
2.1 (c) (2) (i). Gathering of fruits, berries, nuts, in small quantities for non-commercial use is permitted. The quantity shall not exceed the daily use of the immediate family.
36 CFR 2.2 - Wildlife Protection:
2.2 (d). Motorized transportation of lawfully taken wildlife on Wind Cave National Park established roads will be conducted in compliance with applicable South Dakota State game laws. The retrieval of wounded or dead wildlife from the park is prohibited.
2.2 (e). All areas within Wind Cave National Park are closed to the viewing of wildlife with artificial light, which includes the purposeful direction of headlights and flash photography. The use of artificial light for special events, research, interpretive programs, emergencies and maintenance functions may be permitted by the superintendent or designee.
36 CFR 2.4 – Weapons, traps and nets:
2.4(d) The Superintendent authorizes the carrying of cased and unloaded weapons from the Centennial Trailhead, directly across NPS 5 to the Custer State Park access gate, (A distance of less than 50 feet). This is the only place in Wind Cave National Park where the carrying of weapons across park lands is allowed by the public. The transportation of weapons on park roads, inside a mechanical conveyance, is legal provided the weapons are unloaded, cased and stored in a manner that prevents their ready use.
36 CFR 2.10 - Camping:
2.10(a)
Camping:
- Camping is allowed in designated areas only.
- Camping or overnight sleeping in vehicles alongside roadways, in parking lots, picnic areas, trailheads and wayside exhibit areas is prohibited.
- The use of Elk Mountain Campground as a base camp for hunting is prohibited.
Food Storage:
- All human and pet food must be stored in a closed hard-sided container or enclosed vehicle when not in use. Food scraps, cooking utensils, and garbage must be stored or disposed of in such a manner as to be inaccessible to wildlife.
Backcountry Camping:
- A permit is required for all backcountry camping
- Open fires are prohibited in the backcountry
- Backcountry camping is permitted in the northwest area of the park only. The designated area is north of Beaver Creek, east of route 87 and west of the Highland Creek Trail. (See map)
- All other backcountry areas in the park are closed to camping
- Campsites must be a ¼ mile from, and out of sight of, any paved or improved dirt road and all campsites must be 100 feet away from the trail and any water source.
- A site may only be occupied for two consecutive nights and an individual is limited to 7 nights per trip and no more than 30 total nights per year.
- Human waste must be buried in a shallow hole 100 feet or more from camps, trails and water sources. Food waste and trash must be packed out of the backcountry, burial of these items is prohibited.
Elk Mountain Campground:
- A camping permit is required to camp at Elk Mountain Campground.
- An individual may stay a maximum 14 consecutive nights, no more than 30 total nights during the calendar year.
- A maximum of two tents, 8 people and 1 vehicle is permitted on each site.
- The group camping site is limited to 30 people
- Campground quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- The campground is closed to persons other than registered campers from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Generators may only be used from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Checkout time is 10 a.m.
36 CFR 2.11 - Picnicking:
- Unless closed, picnicking is permitted throughout the surface area of Wind Cave National Park.
- Picnicking in Elk Mountain Campground is allowed only if there are open campsites.
- Open fires and charcoal fires are prohibited unless they are in a designated fire grate. Fire grates are located in the Visitor Center picnic area and the Elk Mountain Campground.
36 CFR 2.12 - Audio Disturbances:
2.12 (a) (2). Park residents may operate power saws within residential areas from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. without a permit.
* Note: Established quiet hours, (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), apply to all developed areas and parking areas; including administrative, maintenance and employee housing areas. The Superintendent may lift the restrictions during times of emergency operations or required maintenance.
36 CFR 2.13 - Fires:
2.13 (a) (1). Open fires are prohibited at all locations except for Elk Mountain Campground, park residential areas and the established picnic ground. All fires, must be confined in established fire grates or charcoal broilers which are located in the Elk Mountain Campground, Visitor Center Picnic Area and park housing areas.
2.13 (b). All fires shall be completely extinguished and cold to the touch prior to abandonment. Disposal of remaining ash and by-products into garbage cans is prohibited.
Reminder: Fires must not be left unattended.
36 CFR 2.14 - Sanitation and Refuse:
2.14 (a) (2). The use of government refuse receptacles, garbage cans and dumpsters for the disposal of household refuse is prohibited. Employees may bring recyclable items from home if their local community does not have a recycling program. The disposal of commercial and industrial refuse within the Park is prohibited. Park residents may utilize government receptacles when occupying Park quarters.
2.14 (a) (8). In backcountry areas, human waste must be buried in a shallow hole, 100 feet or more from camps or water sources and immediately covered. All food waste, food containers, and disposable items packed into the backcountry must be packed out. Burial of these items is prohibited.
36 CFR 2.15 - Pets:
2.15 (a) (1). All caves, hiking trails, and backcountry areas are closed to pets. Service dogs are allowed on paved cave trails if medically necessary. All public use buildings are closed to pets except for service dogs. Properly leashed dogs are allowed in the Elk Mountain Campground, on established roadways, roadway corridors, parking lots, and on the two front country nature trails; Elk Mountain and Prairie Vista.
2.15 (a) (3). Leaving pets unattended or tied to any object while unattended within the Park is prohibited, including the exterior of motor vehicles parked or camped within Park boundaries. Pets may be left unattended within motor vehicles with proper ventilation and water and in weather that is not hazardous to the immediate welfare of the animal.
2.15 (a) (5). Pet excrement shall be removed by the pet owner/handler from all public use areas.
2.15 (e). Park residents may keep pets in accordance with the Park pet policy.
Reminder: 2.15(a)(2) Pets must be restrained at all times and when using a leash, the leash may not exceed six feet.
