The Elk Mountain Campground is located just 1/2 mile from the visitor center.
Photo: NPS Photo
About
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.
Campsites
Location
26611 Hwy 385
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Fees
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.
Reservations
All campsites can be reserved through www.recreation.gov. Payment is by credit or debit card only.
Make a Reservation →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.
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.
Accessibility
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.
Wireless internet is available at the information kiosk.
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.
1
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.
40
Maximum combined length is 36 feet and maximum width with slides extended is 10 feet.
40
Campground amphitheater is wheelchair accessible with parking nearby.
1
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Limited Development Campground