Dog owners will be thrilled to learn that dogs are welcome in Wind Cave National Park! There are, however, a number of restrictions and limitations you need to be aware of when visiting Wind Cave with your dog.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you should know about pets in Wind Cave National Park, from park rules to hiking trails, safety tips and several fun activities to do with your four-legged friend.
Contents
- FAQ About Visiting Wind Cave National Park With Your Dog
- Can I Bring My Dog to Wind Cave National Park?
- What Are the Rules for Dogs at Wind Cave?
- Where Can I Go With My Dog in Wind Cave National Park?
- Where Are Dogs NOT Allowed in Wind Cave National Park?
- Are There Any Pet-Friendly Trails in Wind Cave National Park?
- Can I Leave My Dog in My Car When Exploring Wind Cave National Park?
- I’m Taking a Cave Tour. What Do I Do With My Dog?
- What Can I Do With My Dog in Wind Cave National Park?
- Safety Tips to Visit Wind Cave With Dogs
- More About Wind Cave National Park
- Dog Regulations in Other National Parks
FAQ About Visiting Wind Cave National Park With Your Dog
Below, you’ll find all the answers to the most common questions about dog rules at Wind Cave National Park. This section will provide you with the necessary information to properly plan and prepare for your visit to Wind Cave.
Additionally, at the end of these FAQs is a nice list of several fun things you can do in Wind Cave National Park with your dog.
This guide to visiting Wind Cave National Park with your dog contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here.
Can I Bring My Dog to Wind Cave National Park?
The answer to the most important question of all is a resounding ‘YES’. Dogs are allowed in Wind Cave National Park with some restrictions.
What Are the Rules for Dogs at Wind Cave?
The main rule for dogs at Wind Cave is that they must be on a leash that’s no longer than 6 feet in length at all times (except when they’re in a vehicle). Dogs must always be under the direct control of the owner, too.
“Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from potential encounters with wildlife as well as protecting park wildlife and plants,” the National Park Service says.
Another important rule is that dog owners are required to pick up dog waste everywhere, including in campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, and on roads and trails.
Additionally, dogs are only allowed in certain places in Wind Cave National Park, most of which are developed areas. They are not permitted anywhere in the backcountry.
Lastly, the National Park Service emphasizes the dangers of leaving pets in vehicles. Because of the serious threat of overheating in a car, dogs should not be left in vehicles. In fact, dogs may not be left unattended anywhere in the park.
“On a sunny day, even in temperatures as low as 60°F, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. On an 85°F day the temperature inside a car –even with the windows cracked –can reach over 100°F within 10 minutes,” the Park Service reminds dog owners.
Where Can I Go With My Dog in Wind Cave National Park?
There are a handful of places where dogs are permitted at Wind Cave. This includes the developed areas around the Visitor Center, as well as all roads and two hiking trails.
Pets are allowed in the following places in Wind Cave National Park:
- Within the Elk Mountain Campground
- On the Elk Mountain Trail
- On the Prairie Vista Trail
- In the grassy areas around the Visitor Center
- At the picnic area near the Visitor Center
- On the short gravel path between the picnic area and the Natural Entrance
- On established roads, whether paved or gravel. This includes Highways 87 and 385, the roadways near the Visitor Center, and the NPS 5 and 6 backcountry roads.
- In roadside pullouts or parking lots
Where Are Dogs NOT Allowed in Wind Cave National Park?
Besides knowing where you can take dogs in Wind Cave, it’s equally as important to know where they cannot go.
These are the places where pets are not allowed in Wind Cave National Park:
- On ranger-guided programs
- On Wind Cave tours
- In public buildings, including the Visitor Center. (Service animals are allowed in the Visitor Center, though.)
- In the backcountry, including areas near roads
- On trails, except the two trails and pathway mentioned above
Are There Any Pet-Friendly Trails in Wind Cave National Park?
Yes! Wind Cave National Park is one of a small number of national parks where you can take your dog on a trail hike.
That said, though, there are only two hiking trails where dogs are permitted at Wind Cave, plus a third short pathway. All other trails are off limits to all pets, for the simple reason that they’re longer and lead into the park’s undeveloped backcountry.
These are the trails where dogs are allowed in Wind Cave National Park:
- Elk Mountain Trail (1-mile loop around the campground, through grassland and forest)
- Prairie Vista Trail (1-mile loop in the Wind Cave prairie, starting at the Visitor Center or picnic area)
- Short gravel path between the picnic area and Natural Entrance (300 yards roundtrip from the picnic area)
Additionally, adjacent Custer State Park offers amazing hiking opportunities with your dog, too. In this South Dakota state park, pets are allowed on almost all trails, provided they’re on a leash.
Can I Leave My Dog in My Car When Exploring Wind Cave National Park?
No! Please never leave your dog alone in the car when exploring a national park—or anywhere else for that matter. Wind Cave National Park pet rules state that dogs may never be left unattended anywhere, which includes vehicles.
I’m Taking a Cave Tour. What Do I Do With My Dog?
Because dogs are not permitted on cave tours, you will need to find another solution for your dog.
One option is to book pet-friendly accommodation near Wind Cave National Park, tire out your dog on one of the pet-friendly trails in the area, and let him take a nap in your room while you tour the cave. This is a valid option only if you trust your dog and if leaving pets alone in your room is allowed.
Your second option is finding a reputable doggy daycare in the area where you can leave your dog for a few hours. Remember, though, that many daycares require an evaluation visit before the actual daycare date, so plan accordingly.
A quick online search shows that there are several doggy daycare options near Wind Cave, almost all of which are near Rapid City.
Although we haven’t taken our own Mini Aussie to daycare near Wind Cave, previous customer reviews indicate that the following are among the best options. These are the ones we’d consider ourselves. (Disclaimer: Always do your own research to ensure that it’s the best fit for your furry friend!)
What Can I Do With My Dog in Wind Cave National Park?
The information about pets in Wind Cave above should allow you to figure out what to do in Wind Cave National Park with your dog. But to simplify your planning process even more, I’ve written down a specific list of essentially all the things you can do in Wind Cave National Park with dogs.
Although going on long hikes on backcountry trails is out of the question, there are still a number of really awesome experiences you can share with your dog in this beautiful national park.
1. Hike the Prairie Vista Trail
It’s not the longest or hardest hike in Wind Cave National Park, but the Prairie Vista Trail is certainly one of the nicest.
Starting at the Visitor Center or picnic area, this 1-mile trail loops through the park’s iconic mixed-grass prairie. It provides sweeping views of the prairie, as well as opportunities to see wildlife.
This is a great little hike to do if you’re short on time when visiting Wind Cave National Park. The loop takes only about 30 minutes and is excellent for both kids and pets.
2. Observe Wildlife (From a Distance) at Bison Flats
The road through Bison Flats is one of the most scenic drives in Wind Cave National Park.
Situated roughly between Gobbler Ridge and the Visitor Center area, this relatively level expanse of mixed-grass prairie is often frequented by Wind Cave National Park’s famous bison herds. You can often also see other Wind Cave wildlife in the area, such as prairie dogs and pronghorn.
Except for the rugged and remote backcountry areas (where pets can’t go), Bison Flats is the easiest place at Wind Cave to see these magnificent animals, the official national mammal of the United States and one of the true symbols of the American West.
Stop at one of the small roadside parking areas and observe the massive bison grazing on the prairie, an experience that will certainly impress your canine companion.
3. Have Lunch at the Picnic Area
After completing the dog-friendly trails in Wind Cave National Park and/or observing large wildlife, enjoying a picnic lunch is another wonderful experience you can share with your dog in the park.
Dogs are welcome at the picnic area, which is just north of the Visitor Center. Conveniently, this is one of the starting points of the Prairie Vista Trail, while you can also walk over to the Natural Entrance from here.
Take a seat at one of the picnic tables, relax, have some food and simply enjoy the scenery. Again, remember to keep your dog on a leash—wildlife is often seen here, including numerous birds and the occasional snake.
4. See Wind Cave’s Natural Entrance
As long as Wind Cave is, it “has very few natural entrances,” the National Park Service says. “The largest and most well-known naturally formed entrance is only about ten inches wide. This is a very spiritual place to many different native people and is considered the birthplace of the Lakota nation.”
A short gravel path leads to the Natural Entrance from the picnic area. Dogs are permitted on that path, provided, of course, they’re on a leash.
If you’re lucky enough, you may feel the very gusts of wind that gave the Wind Cave its name at the Natural Entrance. During times of large atmospheric pressure changes, it’s even possible to hear the winds of Wind Cave as they leave or enter the cave.
5. Explore the Quieter NPS 5 and 6 Backcountry Roads
Slicing through the wild backcountry of eastern Wind Cave National Park, the NPS 5 and 6 gravel roads offer drivers and their pets a unique experience away from the crowds.
NPS 5 turns away from paved Highway 87 near the northwestern border of the park, while NPS 6 enters the park from Custer State Park in the northeast. Both roads converge in the scenic Red Valley, the remotest part of Wind Cave National Park accessible by vehicle.
Because this area is so far away from bustling traffic and the busy Visitor Center, it’s a superb place for wildlife watching and a quiet walk with your dog..
Along NPS 6, herds of elk are often seen on the hills, particularly at Boland Ridge. NPS 5, on the other hand, is known for its bison sightings and prairie dog towns.
Both of these unpaved roads are established roads and, as such, you can walk your leashed dog there. We considered them two extra “trails” we could take our dog on when visiting Wind Cave National Park. Stay on the road, though, and watch for bison and other wildlife!
Note: These backcountry roads are narrower than regular paved roads. Gravel pullouts are available to park and enjoy the scenery, or to let other vehicles pass. Usually pretty well-maintained, they’re suitable for most passenger vehicles, but remember that there is no gas and poor cell service. Driving them after storms or in winter is not recommended.
6. Walk the Elk Mountain Trail
Another short but very enjoyable dog-friendly trail at Wind Cave is the Elk Mountain Trail. This fascinating trail loops around the Elk Mountain Campground, at the meeting point of prairie and forest.
The trail is only 1 mile long and doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes, but it’s a wonderful introduction to the diversity of Wind Cave National Park.
Additionally, as its name implies, this is a great area to listen to the bugling of bull elk in fall. Try to hike the Elk Mountain Trail at dawn or dusk for the best opportunities to hear the mating calls of these majestic mammals.
7. Camp at Elk Mountain Campground
There are very few facilities and services within Wind Cave National Park. No gas, no restaurants, no groceries and no lodging. There is, however, a fun dog-friendly campground where you can spend the night.
The Elk Mountain Campground, located just northwest of the Visitor Center, is open year-round.
Its 62 campsites can be reserved in advance on Recreation.gov. Sites that aren’t reserved are assigned on a first-come first-served basis on the day of camping. According to the National Park Service, the Elk Mountain Campground usually doesn’t fill up.
Flush toilets and drinking water is available from late-spring through early-fall. In the down season, there are vault toilets. Campsites have a designated fire ring and picnic table.
Situated at the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and the open prairie, the Elk Mountain Campground is a great place to immerse yourself in the park’s diverse flora. Fauna is also often seen—or heard—here, including the bugling of bull elk in the fall.
Safety Tips to Visit Wind Cave With Dogs
Most of the things to do in Wind Cave National Park with dogs are in developed areas and pose little threat, but it’s still important to be aware of the potential dangers.
Wildlife is abundant in this national park, from minuscule arachnids to venomous snakes and huge mammals. Even plants can be dangerous here—poison ivy is found in certain areas.
Wildlife
Seeing a variety of animals in their natural South Dakota habitats is one of the highlights of Wind Cave National Park. When visiting the park with your dog, however, you should look out for the following wildlife:
- Bison and elk (may charge)
- Prairie dogs (may carry diseases, including the plague—yes, really!)
- Coyotes and mountain lions (may regard your dog as prey)
- Rattlesnakes (may strike when irritated)
- Ticks (may carry diseases)
Bison safety tips
Elk safety tips
Mountain lion safety tips
Rattlesnake safety tips
Poison ivy
When hiking the dog-friendly trails in Wind Cave National Park, or exploring backcountry roads NPS 5 or NPS 6, you should watch out for poison ivy. This native plant is found throughout the national park and along trails.
You can identify poison ivy by its three jagged and shiny leaves—“leaves of three, let it be”. More information about poison ivy can be found here.
More About Wind Cave National Park
- Park Website
- Travel Guide
- Topographic Map
- Top Things To Do in Wind Cave National Park
- Where to See Wildlife in Wind Cave National Park
- Accommodation