SD · Midwest & Great Plains · 2026 exact answer
No entrance fee and no entrance pass at Wind Cave: what applies in 2026?
Direct answer
No entrance fee and no entrance pass to drive into Wind Cave
Exact conditions
- Status
- Not required; the stated access rule still applies
- Applies to
- all visitors
- Place or corridor
- Whole park, including US 385 and SD 87 through the park, trails and visitor center
- Effective dates
- January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- Published fee
- $0
- Release model
- first come
Fee detail: No entrance fee is charged.
Exceptions and limits
- Cave tours are ticketed separately and are not covered by any entrance or interagency pass.
- Elk Mountain Campground charges a nightly fee.
Official source
National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026
An entrance pass is not required to access Wind Cave National Park.
Fees & Passes - Wind Cave National Park