Basic Information

Physical Address

Directions

Operating Hours & Seasons

Weather

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fees:

Visitor Centers

 

Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam at will throughout most of the park.

NPS

 

The visitor center is located 11 miles north of Hot Springs, South Dakota, just west of US Highway 385. Park roads are generally open year round. However, snow can limit access to some remote areas of the park in winter. For current park road conditions call the Visitor Center at 605.745.1134. For travel conditions outside the park check out the South Dakota road report.

Other information to help plan a visit to Wind Cave:

Operating Hours & Seasons

Visitor Center hours and information about visiting the park anytime of year.

Fees & Passes

Get information on cave tour and camping fees and find out about the America the Beautiful Pass program.

Permits & Reservations

Cave tour reservations are accepted in some some circumstances. Follow this link for information on backcountry camping and filming permits, as well.

Pets

What you need to know about visiting Wind Cave National Park with your pet.

Weather

Wind Cave National Park and the southern Black Hills are generally warmer and drier than the northern hills. Winter snowfall averages 30 inches annually. Spring and fall days vary from sunny and warm to cool, rainy, and windy.

Summer brings warm daytime temperatures with cool evenings. Severe thunderstorms are common in June and July and can produce large hail and severe lightning. Slow moving storms can dump large amounts of rain over a small area, leading to flash flooding. Be cautious when camping near a creek bed even if it is dry. Move uphill if flooding starts.

For current forecasts and warnings visit the National Weather Service forecast for Wind Cave National Park.

Cell Phones

Cell coverage in the Black Hills is spotty at best. It is often not possible to make a call while driving between towns. At the visitor center there is no coverage.

Food Services

The park has limited food and beverage vending services in the visitor center. Nearest grocery or restaurant services are available in the nearby towns of Custer and Hot Springs. A picnic area 1/4 mile north of the visitor center offers easy access to the visitor center and the start of cave tours.