Operating Hours
Open year-round.

Visitation
Highest in summer, lowest during the harsh winters.

Permits
Backcountry campers must obtain a free Backcountry Use Permit at the visitor center, or at Centennial Trail access points.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: The visitor center includes exhibit rooms featuring cave exploration, cave formations, early cave history, the Civilian Conservation Corps, park wildlife, and resource management.

Programs: There are regularly scheduled cave tours year-round, and seasonal guided prairie hikes, evening campfire programs, and visitor center lawn programs. A Junior Ranger program is available for ages 12 and under.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/supplies: A vending area offers limited snacks and beverages from May 1 through October. There are restaurants and grocery stores in nearby Hot Springs and Custer, South Dakota. Custer State Park offers restaurants and mini-markets for camper supplies, seasonally.

Visitor Impact

Additional Information