Details
26611 Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD, 57747
National Park ServiceLast Updated: February 4, 2026
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
This 64-site campground is open year round. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov. Two sites are handicap-accessible. Flush toilets and drinking water are available late May through September. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Two group campsites are also available through www.recreation.gov.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
The campground is open year-round with drinking water and flush toilets available late spring into early fall. Fees are half-price when water is not available. Sites can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.
Weather
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.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Amphitheater
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
Directions
The Elk Mountain Campground is located about 11 miles north of Hot Springs, or 22 miles south of Custer, off U.S. Hwy 385, about 1/2 mile west of the highway. Follow the link below for detailed directions to the visitor center; the campground entrance is approximately 1/4 mile north of the visitor center.
Rates & Fees
Campsite Fee
RV or tent rate when water and flush toilets are available. Senior (Golden Age)/Access pass holders pay half price. Interagency Annual Park Passes are not applicable for these fees.
Campsite Fee - Off-season
RV or tent rate when water is not available. Senior (Golden Age)/Access pass holders pay half price. Interagency Annual Park Passes are not applicable for these fees.
Rules & Regulations
Fire/Stove Policy
Fires are allowed in designated fire rings only and must not be left unattended. Extinguish all fires completely before leaving your campsite. Wood collection is not allowed.Regulations Overview
Overnight parking or camping is only allowed in designated campsites. Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people and one vehicle. Quiet hours are 10 pm through 6 am. Generators may run between 8 am and 8 pm. No unattended fires. There are trailer dump stations in Hot Springs and Custer. Do not dump waste water on the ground. There is a delicate cave system beneath the surface in this park; our actions can have a negative impact on it! Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. Pets are only allowed on the Prairie Vista trail and the Elk Mountain Campground trail. Read more at https://www.nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/pets.htmAccessibility
Wheelchair Access
There are two wheelchair accessible campsites at sites 17 and 49. There are wheelchair accessible vault toilets in B loop and seasonal accessible flush toilets in D loop. Campground amphitheater is wheelchair accessible.
Internet Information
Wireless internet is available at the information kiosk.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
RV and trailers are allowed in the campground, however, drivers should be mindful of site selection. While there are sites which will accommodate a large RV or trailer, not all sites can do so.
RV Maximum Length
40
Trailer Maximum Length
40
ADA Information
Campground amphitheater is wheelchair accessible with parking nearby.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Limited Development Campground
Additional Information
Maximum combined length is 36 feet and maximum width with slides extended is 10 feet.
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