Elk Mountain Campground at Wind Cave: what applies in 2026?

Direct answer

Elk Mountain Campground - reservable on Recreation.gov, open year-round

Exact conditions

Status: Not required; the stated access rule still applies
Applies to: overnight guests
Place or corridor: Elk Mountain Campground, 64 sites
Effective dates: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Release model: rolling window

Release detail: Sites are booked at Recreation.gov. The park does not publish a booking-window length or a release clock time.

Fee detail: The park's campground page does not state a dollar amount; it states only that fees are half price when water is not available.

Exceptions and limits

Drinking water and flush toilets are available late May through September only; fees are half price when water is not available.
Payment is by credit or debit card only.
Park staff cannot issue refunds for the campground.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

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.

NPS campground dataset for Wind Cave (Elk Mountain Campground), the data rendered on nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm