Wind Cave National Park

SD
Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Below the remnant island of intact prairie sits Wind Cave, one of the longest and most complex caves in the world.
Park photoPark photoPark photoPark photoPark photo
1/ 5

WEATHER INFO

Spring: Highs range from 50-70°F with highly variable weather. Spring is the park's wettest season. Summer: Hot and generally dry with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 80°F (27°C). Strong thunderstorms are common and can produce large hail and lightning. Fall: Generally dry with warm days and cool nights. Highs 50-60°F. Lows below freezing are common. Winter: Highs are in the high 30s with lows around 10°F. Snowfall averages 30 inches annually, periodically closing park roads.

Weather @ Wind Cave
Jan 19 Weather icon
Jan 20 Weather icon
Jan 21 Weather icon
Jan 22 Weather icon
Jan 23 Weather icon
Jan 24 Weather icon
Jan 25 Weather icon
Jan 26 Weather icon
last updated: 26 min

DIRECTIONS INFO

Denver, Colorado
Navigate to Park
5.8 hr
Wind Cave
Wind Cave National Park is located in South Dakota about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or about 22 miles south of Custer, on US Highway 385. The park Visitor Center, where all cave tours begin, is approximately 1/2 mile west of the highway.
View Campgrounds
Alerts

PARK CLOSURE

High Speed Wind Event Closures

During the early morning hours of December 18, 2025, western South Dakota experienced an extreme wind event with gusts over 90 mph. The Wind Cave Visitor Center, park roads, Elk Mountain Campground, and Prairie Vista and Wind Cave Canyon Trails are open. All other trails are closed for hazard removal.

INFORMATION

Centennial Trailhead Parking

Reminder: Overnight parking without a camping permit is prohibited. Permits are not issued specifically for parking. Shuttles are available in the Black Hills for through hikers on the Centennial Trail.

INFORMATION

Wind Cave moves to cashless fee collection

Payments for cave tours, campground fees, as well as Interagency Passes at Wind Cave National Park, will be by credit/ debit cards or digital payments only. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

More Info