Wind Cave National Park

🕳️

Among longest

Caves on Earth

💵

Surface entrance fee

🎟️

$7–$45

Cave tour tickets

🦬

Bison + prairie dogs

Surface wildlife

🏕

$24/night

Elk Mountain camping

📐

Boxwork

Rare formation, best here

⚠️Surface Wildlife SafetyBison, 35 mph▾

🦬 Bison can run 35 mph, weigh up to a ton, and are particularly unpredictable during the May–August breeding and calving season — stay at least 25 yards back, more if they show any agitation. Mountain lions occasionally pass through; the park posts specific guidance for encounters. Don't feed prairie dogs or other wildlife — it makes them sick or dependent and puts them at risk near roads. Poison ivy and ticks are common in tall grass areas. NPS safety info ↗

🎟️Cave Entry & ToursFree surface, paid tours▾

ℹ️ The prairie surface, trails, and scenic drives are entirely free — only entering the cave itself requires a ranger-led tour ticket. Reserve ahead via Recreation.gov, especially in summer. Current tour schedule ↗

Tour Options$7 – $45▾

Garden of Eden TourShortest, easiest introduction — $7–$14

Natural Entrance TourMost popular, moderate walking — $8–$16

Fairgrounds TourLonger, more strenuous route — $8–$16

Candlelight TourLantern-lit, undeveloped passages, age 8+ — $16

Wild Cave TourCrawling/caving in gear, age 16+ — $45

🏕CampingElk Mountain▾

Elk Mountain CampgroundReservation▾

Fee$24/night ($12 when water is off, Oct–May)

Discount50% off with Senior/Access Pass

Full camping details on NPS.gov ↗

Park Contact Information

📞 Phone: (605) 745-4600 · Mailing Address: 26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747 · Official NPS contact page ↗