Picnic at Wind Cave

The picnic area at Wind Cave features several sites with picnic tables.

NPS Photo / Lauren Reid

Having a picnic is a great way to relax outdoors with friends or family. Although Wind Cave has one designated picnic area near the visitor center, visitors are also welcome to picnic at other areas in the park.

Please make sure to pack out all items you bring with you - including food scraps.

Details

Activity

Picnicking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets in the picnic area, campground, and on the Prairie Vista Trail must be on a leash at all times. Outside the picnic area, campground, and visitor center, leashed pets are only allowed on established roads and in parking areas.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

All picnic spots are first-come, first-serve and cannot be reserved.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

The picnic area is open from sunrise to sunset.

Accessibility Information

The picnic area can be accessed by vehicle and features accessible vault toilets and a limited number of parking spots which are all paved. However, there is no designated accessible parking.

Both US Highway 385 and South Dakota Highway 87 are paved roads with several paved pullouts with marked parking spaces. These pullouts have accessible parking and wheelchair accessible sidewalks.

Recreate Responsibly

• Feeding any wildlife, including prairie dogs, is illegal in all national parks. This can make animals sick or cause them to seek handouts from humans in dangerous areas like roads or parking lots. Animals used to human contact lose their fear of humans and may become aggressive. Wildlife may also carry diseases that can be transferred to humans.

• Do not approach any wild animal. Visitors must stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all wildlife, although it is strongly recommended to stay farther away from bison. Bison may appear tame but are unpredictable and dangerous and may charge without warning. They are more aggressive during the calving and mating season from May through August.

• There are no trash or restroom facilities outside the visitor center, picnic area, and campground. Please practice Leave No Trace principles during your visit. Pack out all items you bring with you - including food scraps. Food scraps and other litter draws animals to heavy traffic areas and spoils the park experience for others.

• Pets are allowed in the picnic area and campground, but must be on a leash at all times. Pet owners must clean up after their pets. Learn more about bringing pets to Wind Cave.

• Car camping is not permitted in the park outside of the Elk Mountain Campground.

Picnic Area Features

• The picnic area has seven picnic sites with parking. All are first come, first served and cannot be reserved.

• Two of the sites at the picnic area have charcoal grills. Visitors may use their own grills or stoves as long as they don't cause damage to picnic tables or trees.

• Drinking water is available in the picnic area in the summer season.

• Accessible vault toilets are available year-round.

• RV and trailer parking for the picnic area is available at the visitor center and large vehicle turnaround on the north side of the parking lot.

• The picnic area is located close to the cave's natural entrance and Prairie Vista Trail.