WIND CAVE CAMPOUT (SD) August 8-10, 2024

Host: Carla Sartwell 928-499-9066 (texting ok) azsidecarla@gmail.com and Desse Johnston as co-host

Location: Elk Mountain Campground, Loop B, Wind Cave National Park, 26611 US Hwy 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Park Campground host phone: 605-745-1222(Suzy), 605-745-4600(for General Info).

Coordinates: N43.55677 W103.47799 (Visitor Center at Wind Cave)

Directions: Just 12 miles north of Hot Springs on Highway 385. From Rapid City take Hwy 79
south 50 miles to Hwy 385 then 6 miles north continue through Hot Springs on this hwy. Follow
signs to the Park Entrance Visitor Center about 2 miles off Hwy 385. Elk Mountain Campground
entrance is ½ mile beyond or north of Visitor Center.

IBMC Camp Location: This year we are camping to Loop B. This is a change from last year. It is
the first camping area on the Elk Mountain campground road. All sites are on flat ground with
some trees. These sites will accommodate tents, tent trailers and RVs. Sites can be shared.
Reservations: Use Recreation.gov website starting May 20th to make your reservation for a
site in Loop B. Suggested sites in Loop B are the following numbers:
15, 16, 17(Handicapped),18-25.

Fees: $24 per night Visitors holding a Senior or Access Pass, or a Golden Age or Golden Access Pass pay half price a night per site..

Campground: Each site has picnic table and fire grate. Running water and flush toilet
restrooms nearby. No electric service. Cell phone service is marginal as it is in a canyon
environment. Firewood may be available at entrance of the campground, check with camp
ranger.

Services/Conveniences: Hot Springs, (14 miles via Hwy 385 South) and Custer, (20 miles via
Hwy 385 North) are full-service cities for gasoline, grocery, restaurants, hardware, medical,
etc. Showers available in Custer at South Dakota Outdoor Shop. It is new and coin operated on
Mt. Rushmore Street. Also, KOA south of Hot Springs which has showers but be advised main
street is still under “destruction.”

Attractions: Last year we had buffalo near campground entrance. Park campfire programs
nightly at the amphitheater. Elk Mt. Nature Trail near campsites. Wind Cave tours suspended
until a new elevator is installed however, there are virtual cave tours at the visitor center.
Other places to visit include the Mammoth Site Museum and The Plunge pool in Hot Springs,
Wind and Jewel Caves and Sturgis Rally. Nearby are Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse Monuments.
Historic Train Ride in Hill City. Plenty of twisty roads in Black Hills to ride on.

What to Bring: Elevation is over 4,000 feet with pleasant days but have warm clothing for
evenings. Summer thunderstorms can occur at this time of year so bring your poncho or
umbrella and rainproof tent!