The best family-friendly campgrounds near Box Elder, South Dakota

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource! If you're looking for family-friendly camping options near Box Elder, South Dakota, you're in luck. With over 24 options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're searching for a tent camping experience surrounded by a pine forest, a cozy cabin at Bear Den Cabins & Camp, or the luxurious Opulent Acres campsite with its picturesque views, we've got you covered. Don't just take our word for it - Opulent Acres boasts an impressive 150 reviews, while Tent camping near a pine forest and Bear Den Cabins & Camp have 67 and 56 reviews respectively. From boating and historic sites to paddling, there's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. Plus, popular amenities such as showers, pet-friendly accommodations, and potable water ensure a comfortable stay. And with prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $27 per night, you can enjoy a budget-friendly camping adventure. Happy camping!

96% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Box Elder

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource! If you're looking for family-friendly camping options near Box Elder, South Dakota, you're in luck. With over 24 options available, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're searching for a tent camping experience surrounded by a pine forest, a cozy cabin at Bear Den Cabins & Camp, or the luxurious Opulent Acres campsite with its picturesque views, we've got you covered. Don't just take our word for it - Opulent Acres boasts an impressive 150 reviews, while Tent camping near a pine forest and Bear Den Cabins & Camp have 67 and 56 reviews respectively. From boating and historic sites to paddling, there's no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. Plus, popular amenities such as showers, pet-friendly accommodations, and potable water ensure a comfortable stay. And with prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $27 per night, you can enjoy a budget-friendly camping adventure. Happy camping!

96% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Box Elder

1. HTR Black Hills

92%

(19)

15mi from Box Elder · 102 sites · RVs, Lodging

Explore the beauty of HTR Black Hills (formerly American Buffalo Campground). This unique destination is home to Mount Rushmore as well as numerous national and state parks, local attractions, and iconic events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. So, stay awhile when you tour all the mountains, canyons, caves, and rock formations with the spectacular backdrop of South Dakota. Nestled under tall pine trees, in the heart of the wonderful Black Hills, our on-site recreational facilities include a heated swimming pool & hot tub (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), mini golf, a playground area for children, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and wooded walking trails offer something for everyone!

2. Horse Creek Resort

97%

(166)

22mi from Box Elder · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

3. Cheyenne River Bottom

94%

(49)

34mi from Box Elder · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

This ranch is the home of children's book author Cowgirl Annie. This property is a working Ranch. Some of the campsites are in an abandoned gravel pit so you will be parking on a sandy gravel base. I like to let my guests decide where they want to park. I may have to move guests to a different site than the one they booked depending on what is happening on the ranch or the weather. There are cottonwood stands close by that you can hike through to the river. A wide variety of wildlife live in this area, so no telling what you may see or hear. You will have a big area to yourselves. I have tried to plan areas so you won't be disturbed by other campers. I do not groom hiking trails. You will be at one with nature. You may want to bring bug spray, sometimes the mosquitos and horseflies are bad. Wall Drug and the Badlands National Park are about a twenty-minute drive. Mount Rushmore is about an hour and 15 minutes.

4. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(467)

24mi from Box Elder · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging

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. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! 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!

5. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(229)

22mi from Box Elder · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day prior to your stay. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

6. Tent camping near a pine forest

98%

(361)

38mi from Box Elder · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. 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.

7. Stagecoach Stays

100%

(65)

48mi from Box Elder · 5 sites · RVs

We were fulltime RV'ers for 5 years; we traveled all across the United States before we settled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We decided to build the vacation site that we always wanted, but could never find. We have 50/30/15 amp FHU's (despite what HipCamp says). We have two large, level RV spots with 50 feet between the two sites. We have created an environment for our guests to enjoy peaceful relaxation while staying with us. We offer amazing sunsets, sunrises, wild turkey, song birds, deer and amazing Black Hills landscapes to help you enjoy your stay in this beautiful area. We have 4 beautiful horses that adorn our landscape. We hope you enjoy watching them, but please don't feed them. We also have hiking trails and a community bonfire available for our guests to use. Well-behaved pets are welcome! We offer weekly and monthly rates.

Camper favorites near Box Elder

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(467)

24mi from Box Elder · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging

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. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! 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!

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(229)

22mi from Box Elder · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day prior to your stay. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

Tent camping near a pine forest

98%

(361)

38mi from Box Elder · 17 sites · Tents, RVs

These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. 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.

Stagecoach Stays

100%

(65)

48mi from Box Elder · 5 sites · RVs

We were fulltime RV'ers for 5 years; we traveled all across the United States before we settled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We decided to build the vacation site that we always wanted, but could never find. We have 50/30/15 amp FHU's (despite what HipCamp says). We have two large, level RV spots with 50 feet between the two sites. We have created an environment for our guests to enjoy peaceful relaxation while staying with us. We offer amazing sunsets, sunrises, wild turkey, song birds, deer and amazing Black Hills landscapes to help you enjoy your stay in this beautiful area. We have 4 beautiful horses that adorn our landscape. We hope you enjoy watching them, but please don't feed them. We also have hiking trails and a community bonfire available for our guests to use. Well-behaved pets are welcome! We offer weekly and monthly rates.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Christopher

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy's place was everything we wanted - its cozy, remote but in the heart of so much beauty. We got in at sunset and were able to take our dog on a night stroll up her hill for a very peaceful evening. The heat in our cabin was NICE and made it extra cozy. The bathroom / shower set up was top notch - sooo clean! 10/10 recommend this place! + Tammy is such a friendly, kind, good human!

G

Gregory

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Stagecoach Stays

This was a well equipped site. We were the only ones there and it was very peaceful. Lots of wildlife there.

A

Alisha

October 2025

With kids

4 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We loved staying at Bear Den! Tammy and Tim are the most welcoming hosts — we immediately felt like a part of their family! As our 5-year-old told us when they went back to their house after greeting us… “They’re so nice, I wish they didn’t have to go.” :) The cabin was cozy and perfect for our family of four. We were extra impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities, and amenities we didn’t expect. Our kids loved exploring the property, seeing the stars at night, and waking up to watch the deer right outside the cabin. The location was great, and pretty central for all the things we wanted to do. Our whole family hopes to visit again, and we will tell all our friends to make a trip to the Black Hills to stay with Tammy and Tim!

C

Charles

October 2025

2 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We had the most amazing time at Lil Bear! Tammy and Tim are so kind and made us feel so at home! Our cabin was stocked with little snacks, was so cozy, had heat, coffee machine and it was just the best! Would absolutely recommend for a weekend getaway!

N

Nicholas

October 2025

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We had such a wonderful time. Tammy and Tim were so hospitable and set us up for one of the coolest experiences to date. We can’t wait to come back - 10/10! Thank you so much!

W

William

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Tent camping near a pine forest

Beautiful place with an extremely friendly staff! I would definitely recommend it.

N

Nathan

October 2025

16 ft car

With kids

2 nights at Cheyenne River Bottom

Loved the views of the night sky and the open ability to hike around the camp area. Hospitality was awesome, and was helpful with knowledge of the surrounding areas and wildlife. Would absolutely stay again

D

David

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stagecoach Stays

Fantastic stay! New, modern services and site in a unique setting. Quiet, with a beautiful wildlife and vista. Great hosts and amazing area. We'll be back for a longer stay to explore more of the area!

B

Bobbie

September 2025

Tent

7 nights at Tent camping near a pine forest

Our view was very nice! Great sunsets. Our spot was pretty flat for our tent. Easy to park our motorcycles. Great shower facilities. Definitely recommend this place!

Debra

September 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Stagecoach Stays

We love staying at stagecoach, beautiful spot, gorgeous sunsets horses all around along with deer and other critters centrally located, but we still felt off the beaten track. The host were really awesome and so helpful. It’s a beautiful place.

Anna

September 2025

With pets

3 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We loved staying at the Bear Den cabins! Tammy gave us clear instructions to where/how to find it and was very communicative and friendly! 😊 The location is quiet and secluded, other than the sound of the neighbors clucking chickens (which I loved!), and the passing turkey and deer through the property. We had our two dogs, which I reached out in advance about having multiple dogs and she was very accommodating. We’d love to be back!

D

Dan

September 2025

26 ft Class C

3 nights at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

Loved our stay! Beautiful views, quiet and our site was very private. Everything was well maintained and clean. Highly recommend 👍

T

Thomas

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Tent camping near a pine forest

We've stayed here two years in a row now. We just love this campground. The staff here is super friendly and very helpful. They arranged for us to stay in our favorite spot again this year. We highly recommend this location.

Devon

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy was incredible! She was warm and welcoming and has absolutely everything you may need. Beautiful property. Hope to be back one day very soon!

K

Kari

September 2025

Tent

5 nights at Tent camping near a pine forest

This Campground is fantastic. The tent area was away from the Camper area which provided a quiet, peaceful experience! The bathroom/shower house was very clean and accessible. The front desk employees were extremely friendly and helpful. The delivery of wood and ice is a bonus for everyone! Highly recommend!

c

christina

September 2025

33 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

Awesome trails to walk, creek next to campsites. Well taken care of.

Melissa

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Tent camping near a pine forest

Gorgeous setting, clean bathroom, friendly and very helpful for a late check in

Oliver

September 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Cheyenne River Bottom

Nice private and quiet spot. Close to Wall and Badlands NP.

S

Simon

September 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

Well cared for campground with a cozy feel. Garret, our host, was very accommodating and communicative. There is a neat little rock outcropping hill that stands behind the resort which is a great spot for a hike with a view. Nice facilities. Would recommend and stay again!