Camping in South Dakota
Black Hills, Badlands, and presidential icons await intrepid campers.
94% (2074 reviews)
- South Dakota
94% (2074 reviews)
Popular camping styles for South Dakota
Available this weekend
Under $50
12 top campgrounds in South Dakota
98%
(162)
Tent camping near a pine forest
14 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Custer, SD
Learn more about this land:These tent sites are located in a campground. While staying here you have access to free hot showers, flush toilets, a dish washing station, a charging stations for electronics, a game room and a laundry room.
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$27
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Uncle B's Produce Farm
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Monroe, SD
Awarded South Dakota's best Hip Camp to see in 2023, 2021, and runner up in 2022.
Uncle B's farm is a small 11 acre hobby farm with a large vegetable garden, chickens, peafowl, guinea fowl, turkeys, dogs, and cats. There is an old quarried stone railroad bridge and a few short walking trails around the pond. The pond is at the back of the property where I have 6 dry camp sites listed as Uncle B's farm for tents or self contained RV's. All sites have partial to full shade and most have mature trees that will work for a hammock or tensile tent. All of the campsites have a firepit, some with cooking grates and all sites have a picnic table. The "shower shack" is shared by all guests and has 2 separate 3/4 baths with all modern plumbing. New for 2023 is a basic outdoor kitchen with a few portable grills as well as a sink with modern plumbing.
Available at Uncle B's RV Camper site I have 3 RV sites with water and 30 Amp electrical hookups.
My "Ready Set Camp" listing is a dome tent set up and furnished with 2 cots, table, and lamp as well as a match ready fire.
The Barn loft apartment is a studio apartment with a small galley kitchen and private bath.
Uncle B's farm has been voted Best Hip Camp to see in South Dakota. Come see why...
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$29
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(259)
Bear Den Cabins & Camp
8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD
Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills.
Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. All sites including bring your own tent sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas.
Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!
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$20
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97%
(45)
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD
theHCresort.com
Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure.
The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument.
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$40
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83%
(3)
Black Hills Station
87 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Piedmont, SD
Located in Piedmont, South Dakota, our campground is surrounded by the Black Hills! Whether you’re in South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, visiting Mount Rushmore, or looking to reconnect with nature, we’re the perfect place to stay!
We are home to the 46 Bar & Casino, and offer tent camping, RV camping, and have cabins all throughout our campground. Our RV spaces feature amenities such as full hookups (30- and 50-AMP), plus water, electricity, and sewer. Some of our on-site amenities are game machines and Wi-Fi.
Located right off Interstate 90, there are many outdoor activities and nearby attractions for the whole family to enjoy – bicycling, hiking, and fishing to name a few! Or you can enjoy Rapid City and other nearby towns where there are many delicious restaurants, art galleries, national parks, and museums. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
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$29
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97%
(35)
Horse Creek Resort
24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD
theHCresort.com
Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure.
The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument.
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96%
(59)
Black Elk Resort
1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD
Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience.
Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.
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The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge
1 site · Tent21 acres · Baltic, SD
The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge is located on 21 acres along the Big Sioux River, a place of quiet and natural beauty intended to foster social interaction and creative pursuits between artists and community in SE South Dakota,
10 miles north of Sioux Falls.
Property updates at The Retreat happen constantly; we get better and better!
The 100′ x 40′ main hall is perfect for larger workshops, concerts, poetry readings, small theatrical productions, classes, and other social gatherings and rentals in April through November.
The A-Frame is a unique space for recitals, presentations, meetings, or a sleeping space for up to 6 people.
There is a Woodworking Shop; Artist Studio; screened-in outdoor patio;
playground; huge bonfire pit; and room to camp or explore.
The Retreat is a space to work in quiet solitude or to collaborate on creative projects with others.
The setting is inspiring; possibilities for your stay are endless.
Learn more about this land:
This site is a sandy spot along the Big Sioux River on a ridge well above the water line. View out over the river to a farm on the opposite bank. Spend your time with wild turkeys, geese, and an occasional deer. Site is on the far edge of an artist retreat, but still private. Spend time hiking the river bank or gravel country roads, fish in the river, take part in any Retreat activities if available, photography opportunities, enjoy an evening campfire under the stars.
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98%
(204)
Crow Peak’s Last Best Place
3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD
We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!
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$55
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(5)
Bunkhouse Campground
1 site · RV1 acre · Kadoka, SD
This is just a little triangle of land on the edge of a small town with three full camper hookups. It is a convenient semiprivate location on your way to your destination. We are located “where the Badlands Begin” 20 minutes from the Badlands National Park. We are a tiny spot, 3 campers max, most likely just two, with a few trees, a couple pf picnic tables and a firepit.
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Bearded Buffalo Resort
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Custer, SD
Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort at Bearded Buffalo Resort. Nestled just 2 miles from the entrance to Custer State Park, our resort offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills.
Choose from four cozy short-term rental cabins, each thoughtfully designed to provide you with a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation, our cabins offer the perfect home base for your adventures.
For those who prefer camping under the stars, we offer 35 seasonal and overnight full hook-up campsites. Set up your RV or pitch your tent amidst the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, and enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
At Bearded Buffalo Resort, we understand the importance of reconnecting with nature and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're exploring the trails of Custer State Park or simply relaxing by the campfire under the starry sky, our resort provides everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in the heart of South Dakota's wilderness.
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Booked 4 times
Borderlands Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents135 acres · Hill City, SD
Borderlands Ranch, located on the Pe Sla, the heart of the heart of the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, 16 miles from Hill City, near the tiny community of Deerfield. Homesteaded at the turn of the century, Borderlands offers a peaceful and nurturing environment amidst 135 acres of high prairie, forest and limestone cliffs.Many First Nations peoples consider the Black Hills to be the spiritual center of the universe. Various spiritual traditions reflect the belief that certain phenomena in the world, such as mist – which is neither air nor rain; dreams – which are not waking or sleeping; and mistletoe -which is neither tree nor plant, have special spiritual meaning. These are the "in between things" that are worthy of special reflection. The name 'Borderlands' comes the Celtic spiritual tradition and refers to the place where the earth meets the sky -where one entity encounters another. Considering reconciliation, we refer to the borderlands as the place where one part of the created order meets another, where different cultures meet -where we can break through the boundaries of our world and communicate with that which is beyond all that we have previously known. In the Black Hills, you will find the place where the prairie finally rises to meet the dark mountains that are the home of ancient spirituality and where together they join the sky.Thousands of acres are available for hiking and a 114-mile long rails-to-trails recreation trail can be reached just nine miles away. There is swimming, fishing and canoeing at Deerfield Lake, raspberry picking in August and horseback riding year around. Snow sports abound in the winter, including sensational cross-country and down hill skiing. Rock-climbing, trail rides and traditional horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides are available nearby. Badminton, basketball, volleyball, croquet, board games and horseshoes are available at the ranch.Borderlands Ranch, just one hour away from the Rapid City Regional Airport, offers small group space indoors with sleeping space for up to twenty people, or large group space camping outdoors. The facility includes the two bedroom, two bath, guesthouse with a galley kitchen, covered porch and deck. Guests also enjoy parts of the main house including the library, the Great Room with cathedral ceiling and wood-burning stove, a country kitchen, several decks and a hot tub. A turn of the century log cabin and corrals for your horses are also availableLearn more about this land:Tenting 1/2 mile from main,buildings; electrical outlet in nearby barn, cabins also available on 4000 acre prairie in the heart of the forest in Black Hills of SD. 1/2 hour from nearest town. Cafe 5 miles away. Elevation 6000 ft.3 Cabins also available to rent nightly offering bath, shower, and kitchen in one cabin.
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Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in South Dakota
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in South Dakota guide
Overview
South Dakota's headline acts need little introduction. This sparsely populated state is home to the most visited national park in the Midwest—Badlands National Park—and one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States—Mount Rushmore. From the craggy peaks of the Black Hills to the vast backcountry of the Great Plains and the banks of the mighty Missouri River, outdoor adventures are easy to find in South Dakota. The main camping season runs from May through October, with midsummer temperatures peaking in the mid-80s, while winters are snowy, especially in the north.
Where to go
Badlands and the Black Hills
Swathes of forested mountains blanket the southwestern corner of South Dakota, where a road trip to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial is likely top of your to-do list. Just west of the four presidents, the Black Hills National Forest has 450 miles of hiking, biking, OHV, and horseback riding trails, plus 30 campgrounds, some with full hookups. To the east, hike beneath layer-cake cliffs and towering canyons in Badlands National Park, then camp out beneath the stars—backcountry camping is permitted throughout the park.
Great Lakes
The Missouri River flows through the heart of South Dakota, where you'll find the four man-made "great lakes"—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake. Campgrounds and RV parks pepper the shores, and all four lakes are popular spots for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Bring your own boat, paddle the lakes on a kayak, or rent a jet ski.
Glacial Lakes
The sweeping prairies and glacial lakes of northeastern South Dakota are little-explored, but you’re never far from a lakeside campground. With its chain of eight glacial lakes, Oakwood Lakes State Park affords plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddling, and ice fishing, depending on the time of year. Further south, Lake Poinsett has a sandy beach, two camping areas, and lakefront cabins.
Southeast South Dakota
The state's southeast corner is a patchwork of lakes, rivers, and vineyards, interspersed with country towns. Set up camp at Lake Vermillion and hit the water to swim, canoe, or paddleboard; enjoy hiking or rock climbing around the unique pink quartzite cliffs of Palisades State Park; or go wine tasting in South Dakota wine country. A photo stop at Sioux Falls is a must for visitors to the namesake city, but for camping, head to the nearby Big Sioux Recreation Area, a scenic stopover along the Jay Heath Canoe & Kayak Trail.
Top cities in and near South Dakota
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