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The Mammoth Site – Mammoth Site 2📷 Ajheindel, CC BY 4.0

The Mammoth Site

Hot Springs, SD

History

An active paleontology dig inside a building over an ancient sinkhole, where more than 60 mammoths have been found in place. Guided tours run all year; kids can join a simulated dig in summer.

Nearest town
Hot Springs, SD
Category
History & culture
GPS
43.4246, -103.4835

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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

Southern Black Hills: Crazy Horse, the Needles and Wind Cave – Large specimen of cave bacon at Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota, US© Clyde Charles Brown · CC BY-SA 4.0
385
National park loops

Southern Black Hills: Crazy Horse, the Needles and Wind Cave

108 mi9 stops3 days

Nearby

Mather Plaque in Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, US© Clyde Charles Brown · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nature

Wind Cave National Park

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Custer State Park Wildlife Loop – Bison, Custer State Park - Flickr - Chad Davis.© Chad Davis from Minneapolis, United States · CC BY 2.0
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Views

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Campsites nearby

  • KOA HolidayMotorhome stopover
    5 mi from The Mammoth Site
    TentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Elk Mountain CampgroundCampsite
    10 mi from The Mammoth Site · 48 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Custer's Gulch RV Park and CampgroundCampsite
    24 mi from The Mammoth Site
    TentsCaravansWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Game Lodge CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    24 mi from The Mammoth Site · 60 pitches
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposal
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Big Pine CampgroundCampsite
    24 mi from The Mammoth Site
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Bearded Buffalo ResortCampsite
    24 mi from The Mammoth Site
    CaravansWaste disposalWi-Fi
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

All campsites in South Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is The Mammoth Site?

The Mammoth Site is in Hot Springs, SD, at GPS 43.4246, -103.4835. It is about 24 mi from Custer State Park.

Can you camp near The Mammoth Site?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hidden Lake Campground and Resort, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass The Mammoth Site?

The Mammoth Site is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Black Hills: Crazy Horse, the Needles and Wind Cave.

What is there to see near The Mammoth Site?

Places worth a stop nearby: Wind Cave National Park (9 mi), Custer State Park Wildlife Loop (24 mi), Jewel Cave National Monument (27 mi) and Needles Highway and Needles Eye Tunnel (29 mi).

When is the best time to visit The Mammoth Site?

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)