Most wildfires are preventable. Be fire safe

The best camping in South Dakota

Name: South Dakota
Address: South Dakota
Rating: 4.7085

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.

94% (4.5K) • 7,569 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Badlands Hotel & Campground

1. Badlands Hotel & Campground

90%

(152)

Interior, SD · 69 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

A Better Badlands Base Camp Just a mile from the iconic Badlands National Park, our hotel and full-service campground offers a great base camp to explore South Dakota’s Badlands, Black Hills, and the historic small town of Interior. With a variety of rooms, RV sites, and tent sites, we are ideal for couples getaways, family vacations, or traveling groups. We also offer an on-site restaurant, fire pits, and complimentary WiFi. Your Badlands getaway awaits. What are you waiting for?244000

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Fort Welikit Campground

2. Fort Welikit Campground

96%

(54)

Custer, SD · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Discover the unique charm of our campground, nestled along the picturesque Norbeck Scenic Byway in the heart of the Black Hills. This prime location offers unparalleled access to some of the region's most breathtaking natural wonders, making it an ideal base for your outdoor adventures. Just minutes from our gates, you'll find the serene beauty of Sylvan Lake, the iconic Needles Highway, and the expansive Custer State Park. Our campground serves as a gateway to exhilarating scenic drives that lead you to stunning vistas, including the majestic Mt. Rushmore and the historic town of Deadwood. Explore the awe-inspiring Iron Mountain Road, where every turn reveals new landscapes, or venture to the countless lakes and caves that invite exploration. With a variety of outdoor activities, nearby restaurants, and charming shops, our campground is the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the captivating Black Hills.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Uncle B's Produce Farm

3. Uncle B's Produce Farm

100%

(1348)

Monroe, SD · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Awarded South Dakota's best Hip Camp 4 times. 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. There is also 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 4 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. The Hippie Bus is new for the 2025 season and offers a trip back in time. Uncle B's farm has been voted Best Hip Camp to see in South Dakota for the 4th time and placed 2nd in the nation in 2022. Come see why...

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Black Hills National Forest

4. Black Hills National Forest

98%

(51)

National forest in South Dakota · 337 sites

Beyond Mount Rushmore, explore 1.2 million acres of forested mountains.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Wind Cave National Park

5. Wind Cave National Park

100%

(14)

National park in South Dakota · 77 sites

Explore landscapes above–and below–-ground while camping at Wind Cave National Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Big Pine Campground

6. Big Pine Campground

98%

(409)

Custer, SD · 19 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.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Horse Creek Resort

7. Horse Creek Resort

97%

(190)

Rapid City, SD · 27 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. We have our new Roadhouse Restaurant onsite. Walk up for breakfast, lunch, or a great steak dinner, or even a mixed adult beverage. We have it all! 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.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

8. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(244)

Rapid City, SD · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

The Specialty Crop

9. The Specialty Crop

100%

(80)

Hudson, SD · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The Specialty Crop sits on 5 rural acres in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. We are a farmstead committed to sowing a meaningful life for special people, of all abilities. We cultivate community through farm experiences and special food. Our small-scale, working farm is surrounded by rolling hills and farm fields. Enjoy the farmstead strolling paths, gardens, and our friendly chickens, cats and dog. Experience the curated natural surroundings including bird watching, bugs and prairie habitat. Watch the sun rise from your camp site and stargaze our dark skies. Keep coming back to watch the evolution of our farm dreams as we build the mission of The Specialty Crop~ ask us more!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Custer State Park

10. Custer State Park

89%

(28)

State park in South Dakota · 328 sites

Granite peaks, rolling prairie, and herds of wildlife roam free at this massive South Dakota park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Palisades State Park

11. Palisades State Park

100%

(4)

State park in South Dakota · 43 sites

An almost shocking landscape of grandeur and drama awaits you. Kayak, fish, rock-climb, and relax.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Badlands National Park

12. Badlands National Park

98%

(165)

National park in South Dakota · 200 sites

Camp in an otherworldly landscape with unique rock formations.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Big Sioux Recreation Area

13. Big Sioux Recreation Area

100%

(2)

State park in South Dakota · 52 sites

Discover the natural charm of Big Sioux Recreation Area.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Diamond A Cattle Ranch

14. Diamond A Cattle Ranch

98%

(132)

Pukwana, SD · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

On our ranch is the original 1906 Ashley Homestead Shanty. We have a 1905 rural schoolhouse that is fully furnished for our guests to explore. A 1940s tourist cabin with two bedrooms (full-sized bed and twin-sized bed) is available for rent. We also have for rent, a new tiny house with a queen bed and a pull-out sofa. A new two-bathroom shower house is now available for our guests' use. There are seven electric only pedestals for your RV or camper. A camp store has Bad River Jerky and Pemmican that our daughter produces. There is also local honey and homemade jellies (chokecherry, mulberry, strawberry, wild grape). Our cowgirl and cowboy grandkids have their homemade beaded necklaces for sale.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Black Hills & Badlands Sunrise &Set

15. Black Hills & Badlands Sunrise &Set

100%

(49)

Hermosa , SD · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

🌾 Dancing Phoenix Farm | Peaceful Prairie Camping Near the Black Hills and Badlands Only 2 accommodations on 40 peaceful acres of South Dakota prairie. Welcome to Dancing Phoenix Farm—a small prairie retreat offering a quieter, more personal alternative to busy campgrounds and RV parks. Located near Badlands National Park, the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, our working farm is a peaceful home base for exploring western South Dakota. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises, unforgettable sunsets, abundant wildlife, and some of the area's darkest skies for incredible stargazing. 🌾 Choose your stay: ARTAX Campsite — Tent, camper, and RV-friendly camping with wide-open prairie views and unforgettable night skies. BADLANDS BUNKHOUSE — Comfortable lodging with modern conveniences, surrounded by the beauty and peacefulness of the South Dakota prairie. 🌾 Traveling together? The BUNKHOUSE and ARTAX are located near one another, making them ideal for families or friends who want different lodging styles, while staying close. Reserve both for your own prairie getaway. When booked separately, guests may occasionally see or hear one another, but we intentionally limit our stays to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. 🌅 Perfect for guests who enjoy: Peaceful prairie views and open spaces. Sunrises, sunsets and dark skies. Stargazing, wildlife and nature photography. A quiet retreat near the Black Hills and Badlands. As a working farm, wildlife is part of the experience. Please respect the land, wildlife, fences and neighboring properties. For everyone's safety, each adult guest must provide a valid government-issued ID and vehicle information when requesting a reservation. If you're seeking a peaceful South Dakota prairie retreat near the Black Hills and Badlands, we'd love to welcome you. 🌾 Two accommodations. Forty acres…Where the prairie meets the sky.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Mountain Shadow Campground

16. Mountain Shadow Campground

86%

(21)

Piedmont, SD · 26 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Learn more about this land: Quiet campground located a few miles from Interstate 90 between exits 44 and 46. 15 minutes from Sturgis, SD. A great location for summer travelers who are looking for a simple spot to crash for a night. We are a historic and favorite location for Christian Motorcyclist Association members to stay during Sturgis bike week. Quiet hours 10pm-6am. Address: 10716 Mountain Shadow Road, Piedmont SD, 57769; Cell service varies, Verizon works well.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Showers

Black Hills Meadow

17. Black Hills Meadow

97%

(15)

Piedmont, SD · 194 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to Black Hills Meadow Black Hills Meadow is centrally and conveniently located to surrounding towns (including Sturgis), recreational activities, historical landmarks and beautiful scenery. Locally owned and operated, we offer affordable, clean, quiet, cozy, rustic cabins, RV hookups and tenting in a peaceful setting for your retreat or simple stay. Park within inches of your selected space. Picnic tables and bbq pits can be found thoughout the campground. Free, spacious clean bathrooms with hot showers and laundry are just a few steps away. You will find 360 degree views, sunrises, sunsets and stars! Guest have access to our outdoor covered patio/pavilion area for sitting, picnics or gatherings. Horseshoe pits and addtional bbq stands are located nearby. Note- Our indoor area can be rented for an addtional fee.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

18. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(511)

Hermosa, SD · 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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

19. Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

94%

(67)

Wall, SD · 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.

Pets

Toilets

The Wilderness

20. The Wilderness

99%

(133)

West Pennington, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV

Learn more about this land:Tired of the city? Want to get away from people? This 80 acre site is perfect for getting away from civilization and experiencing nature as it was meant to be. Hike in the beautiful Black Hills or make the short trip to Lake Pactola for boating or fishing. If relaxing isn't your speed, take a bike ride on the Michelson Trail or travel one of the many off road trails nearby.

Pets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Denny

2 days ago

Tent

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Amazing value for the price: clean showers, laundry access, and more, all while lodging rates everywhere else have skyrocketed from Sturgis. Tammy was a wonderful and responsive host. Location is perfect for Black Hills activities. I'd 100% stay here again if I ever come back.

Alex

2 days ago

Group trip

3 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

This place is amazing! We actually extended our stay here the rest of the week! It’s close to all the amazing riding this area has to offer. And Tammy is sooo sweet! She always checks on us if we need anything and bends over backwards for you! First night we got there she actually brought us dinner because she knew we had been on the road for 2 days straight. I will be coming back and feel like I made a new friend!

Sarah

3 days ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We enjoyed our spacious campsite on Brian’s land. So peaceful. Only the sounds of nature. Brian is very friendly and responsive. A terrific host. Definitely recommend this stay.

Victoria

6 days ago

18 ft rooftop tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

I had a wonderful stay at Uncle B's spot! He had lovely camping sites to choose from and excellent facilities. Super friendly, generous, and helpful all around, even set up the campfire kindling for me as I finished arranging my tent. My dog and I felt right at home :)

Andrea

6 days ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Awesome experience! The bus worked out perfectly for our family! Our dog loved to be able to run. Would go back in a heartbeat!

Kate

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

Lovely place to stay, good accommodations, good restroom, nice hosting!

Tina

1 week ago

16 ft car

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

What an awesome spot! Brian is such a gracious, welcoming, and fun host. He went out of his way to make sure my dog and I were set up and comfortable and it’s clear he put a lot of thought into the property to make it memorable. I wish I could’ve stayed for more than one night!

Trevor

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

This is the best campsite I have ever been to. We got free firewood, smores, and lots of good places to take pictures. There was a mini mount Rushmore and yellow stone to take pictures at.

Austin

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

B’s farm is Awesome! He has thought of everything all the attractions anyone would want to see with his own spin on it! Super easy to talk to and very helpful for a newbie using Hipcamp and first time being in SD. He even has a working pay phone probably the only one in the whole state. Overall great experience would recommend to anyone and will definitely book another stay if I’m ever in the area again.

Esteban

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B is the most down to Earth and kind host we’ve had the pleasure of meeting on any lodging service I’ve ever used period. When we got to the farm Uncle B greeted us and personally showed us to our site, we were the only campers that night so it felt extra private. The land is beautifully maintained with many fireflies (if you’re here in the right season) dancing around in the evening. The bathrooms/showers have hot water and are easy to access from the site. Uncle B even provided some s’mores fixins for us, which was a nice touch since we weren’t expecting anything, but are very grateful for it! There is almost no road noise here, just the critters of the night yapping till you fall asleep. Keep in mind that are many little insects that will be flying around here, especially in the summer since it’s humid; but this was totally fine and expected. We would’ve loved to stay longer to experience more fireflies and Uncle B’s hospitality, but we were only passing by. We hope to one day go back to Badlands and to visit Custer Park, and of course stop by Uncle B’s for a guaranteed great night’s sleep.

Teresa

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy and Tim offer a home away from home. Personalized greeting a tour of their property. And immediate access to them for emergencies. The site is clean with plenty of amenities. Clean, private showers. Linens supplied. Drought friendly cooking options. Serene and comfortable cabins and tents.

Gracer

1 week ago

Group trip

3 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

This was such a unique experience, mostly thanks to Tammy and Tim's hospitality. They made us feel like we were old friends. Everything was clean and organized. We'll have to use the grill next time.

Jennifer

1 week ago

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Diamond A Cattle Ranch

Great stay! Close to highway but quiet and peaceful. Bathroom with shower was a bonus. Had a little trouble with hooking up electrical but friendly caretaker came over to hel immediately and issue resolved. Thank you!

Esteban

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Black Hills Meadow

Camping here was a breeze. Beautiful shaded area to setup tent, quick 2-3min walk across grass to bathrooms/showers and laundry facilities. Quiet even though near a “main” road, we were almost the only ones, with only one other camper nearby but we didn’t hear each other. Would stay again if passing by!

Amy

1 week ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Specialty Crop

Me and my husband and my grandson were passing through here on our way home to Missouri. We had been out two weeks and stayed many places, but this was definitely my favorite Katie Chris and the kids were so awesome. They played with my grandson with their own toys even gave him a bike to take home as we were leaving definitely recommend this place to anybody and everybody you will not regret it. I may just have to go up there just to get away for the weekend and stay again.

Justin

1 week ago

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Great place to stay. Brian was a wealth of knowledge about the history and area. Clean facilities, quiet and relaxing. I would definitely stay again.

Chad

2 weeks ago

26 ft travel trailer

1 night at Diamond A Cattle Ranch

This was our first Hipcamp experience and we loved it. Perfect place to stay. Great scenery. Dogs, horse, cats and awesome school house for kids to explore and learn. Thanks!

Corey

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Highland Meadows Resort

Great spot and centralized location, as well as an upfront view of wildlife!!

Evan

2 weeks ago

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian's farm is a very cool and welcoming space. Good vibes, lots of critters running around. The Hippie Bus is a lot of fun. Brian showed me all of the various switches and how to work everything when I arrived, and the AC lasted several hours running full blast.

Patti

2 weeks ago

3 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

This was the BEST place we have stayed in a long time! Bear Den Cabins and Camp was the friendliest, cleanest, comfortable rental. Tammy greats you upon arrival and gives a tour of the grounds, which includes the cleanest bathrooms and showers. A washer and dryer are available, and ice is available for campers to use. The cabins and tents are extremely comfortable. The beds are great! Two pavilions are available to grill in, or sit and talk to other campers if you choose. The only thing that I would change is that they move the camp to New York. But we will drive 1700 miles again to stay there. It’s so convenient to Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Highway, Sylvan Lake. If you’re lucky, you might come up on some kids selling iced tea during your travels. We can’t say enough about Bear Den Cabins and Camp. You definitely would enjoy your stay.

South Dakota camping guide

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 camping destinations around South Dakota

Badlands National Park

35 campgrounds

Black Hills National Forest

26 campgrounds

Custer State Park

23 campgrounds

Wind Cave National Park

23 campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp for free in South Dakota?

Yes, you can camp for free in South Dakota. Dispersed camping is allowed in the national forests and grasslands in the state. The two primary areas for free camping are the Black Hills National Forest and the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. Keep in mind that these campsites are primitive and typically have no facilities, so be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all your trash.

How much does it cost to camp in South Dakota state parks?

Camping fees in South Dakota state parks vary depending on the type of campsite and amenities offered. On average, you can expect to pay the following for campsites:

Primitive or non-electric campsites: $15 to $18 per night
Electric campsites: $21 to $26 per night
Electric and water campsites: $25 to $30 per night
Electric, water, and sewer campsites: $29 to $34 per night
Cabins: $45 to $150 per night, depending on the type of cabin and amenities

Keep in mind that these prices are approximate and may vary by specific park or campsite. Some parks may also charge additional fees, such as entrance fees or vehicle permits. You can explore more about South Dakota state parks and their camping options on Hipcamp.

Can you camp anywhere in South Dakota?

While you cannot camp just anywhere in South Dakota, there are numerous designated campgrounds and camping areas throughout the state where camping is allowed. These include state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds. Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas within national forests, such as the Black Hills National Forest, but you must follow specific rules and regulations. Always check with the managing agency or landowner for the area you plan to camp in to ensure you are following all guidelines and restrictions.