Jewel Cave National Monument
Custer, SD
One of the longest caves in the world, lined with calcite crystals. Tours sell out in summer, so reserve online; the Scenic Tour has hundreds of stairs, and the visitor center is off US-16 west of Custer.
- Nearest town
- Custer, SD
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 43.7298, -103.8290
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Big Pine CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Jewel Cave National Monument
- Fort Welikit Family CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Jewel Cave National Monument
- Bearded Buffalo ResortCampsite13 mi from Jewel Cave National MonumentCaravansWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Custer's Gulch RV Park and CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Jewel Cave National MonumentTentsCaravansWaste disposal
- Elk Mountain CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Jewel Cave National Monument · 48 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Game Lodge CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Jewel Cave National Monument · 60 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposal
All campsites in South Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jewel Cave National Monument?
Jewel Cave National Monument is in Custer, SD, at GPS 43.7298, -103.8290. It is about 21 mi from Newcastle.
Can you camp near Jewel Cave National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Comanche Park Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 47 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Jewel Cave National Monument?
Jewel Cave National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Black Hills: Crazy Horse, the Needles and Wind Cave.
What is there to see near Jewel Cave National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Crazy Horse Memorial (13 mi), Sylvan Lake (16 mi), Needles Highway and Needles Eye Tunnel (16 mi) and Mount Rushmore National Memorial (21 mi).
When is the best time to visit Jewel Cave National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)