Elk Mountain Campground

A tent set up among the grass and Ponderosa

NPS photo

 

Elk Mountain Campground, which straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offers unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Black Hills. These first-come, first-served campsites are available in both forested and open environments. If paying with cash, please use exact change only. Park staff cannot issue refunds for the campground.

 

Campground Status Information

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Campground Amphitheater Programs

PLEASE NOTE: All ranger led programs except for the Elk Bugling Program have been canceled until further notice in order to adhere to recommended social distancing protocols. The programs listed below follow a typical summer schedule.

Wind Cave is known for its namesake cave, but this park offers a vast array of learning opportunities above ground, too. Below is a list of ranger-led programs offered at the Elk Mountain Campground Amphitheater. All are welcome to attend these free events.

All events are weather dependant.

Program Schedule
Junior Ranger Program 30 minutes Free; All ages welcome Junior Rangers are valuable protectors of our parks. There's a lot to learn about being a ranger! Join a ranger at the campground amphitheater to learn more about Wind Cave National Park, and what it means to protect park resources.	May - September 8:00 PM Check availability at Visitor Center
Evening Program 45-60 minutes Free; All ages welcome Explore various topics about Wind Cave's cultural and natural history with a ranger at the campground amphitheater. Topics vary nightly and the schedule of topics can be found posted in the campground at each restroom bulletin.	May - September Check availability and schedule at Visitor Center
Elk Bugling Program 30-45 minutes Free; All ages welcome Join a ranger to learn about the Rocky Mountain Elk, one of Wind Cave's most elusive residents. Visitors will be invited to hear a short presentation at the campground amphitheater, and then caravan in their personal vehicles to a nearby destination to hear the bugle of the elk.	Evenings in September. Check schedule at Visitor Center