The best forest cabins in South Dakota

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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.

95% (888) 33 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near South Dakota

HTR Black Hills

1. HTR Black Hills

92%
(19)
100 sites · RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$26
 / night
Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

2. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
Property description Our property is nestled between Hwy 385, the Mickelson Trail, and the National Forest. We are located between Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park along Hwy 385 and the Mickelson Trail; about 30 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain. The nearest towns with restaurants are Pringle, (2 miles S); Hot Springs, (24 miles S), Custer, (9.5 miles N).; Hill City, (24 miles N), and Rapid City, (50 miles N). The blacktop driveway grants easy access for every type of vehicle. A couple of ponds, creeks, and dispersed willow, pine, and aspen trees enhance the diversity and beauty of the landscape. It is peaceful here and we enjoy sharing it with our guests during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat has our home, a big pole barn (RV storage), a garage/wood workshop with an attached restroom for all guests, a regular hot water shower cabin, 2 small home-built camping log cabins, 7 RV sites, 9 clearly marked tent and car-camping sites, and several water hydrants fed by our well, providing great quality drinking water. 2 pets maximum per campsite, no pets allowed when booking a cabin. Check-In is 2 pm to 9 pm; Check-Out is 10 am for the cabins and 11 am for all other sites.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Eagle's Landing Campground

3. Eagle's Landing Campground

100%
(1)
75 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sturgis, SD
Eagle's Landing Campground has been providing a wonderful experience for bikers attending the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 1989. Family owned and operated we strive to make you feel at home with us. Located 1.5 miles from Sturgis Main street and 20 minutes from Deadwood
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Richmond Lake Recreation Area

4. Richmond Lake Recreation Area

100%
(2)
25 sites · Aberdeen, South Dakota
Richmond Lake Recreation Area: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hartford Beach State Park

5. Hartford Beach State Park

91 sites · Corona, South Dakota
Discover Hartford Beach State Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Days End Campground

6. Days End Campground

98%
(26)
132 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sturgis, SD
The Best Camping in Sturgis, SD Days End Campground and RV Park – Your Ideal Sturgis Camping Destination Located just off Interstate I-90 at exit 30, Days End Campground and RV Park is the perfect base for your adventures in Sturgis, South Dakota. Experience the beauty and excitement of the Black Hills while enjoying comfortable and affordable accommodations. Fulfill your "Bucket List" by booking your inexpensive vacation getaway with us today! Explore Nearby Attractions in the Black Hills
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$18
 / night
Iron Creek Lake Campground & Store, Llc

7. Iron Creek Lake Campground & Store, Llc

22 sites · Spearfish, SD
Iron Creek Lake Campground stands out as a premier destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, this campground offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal retreat for families and adventurers. The campground features a variety of cozy cabins, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them. With numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, visitors can explore hiking trails, enjoy fishing in the nearby lake, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. In addition to its natural attractions, Iron Creek Lake Campground is conveniently located near local restaurants and shops, providing easy access to dining and supplies. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an action-packed adventure, this campground is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Black Hills.
Ponca State Park

8. Ponca State Park

88 sites · Ponca, Nebraska
Discover Ponca State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Newton Hills State Park

9. Newton Hills State Park

67%
(4)
139 sites · Fairview, South Dakota
Discover the serene beauty of Newton Hills State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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.

95% (888) 33 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near South Dakota

HTR Black Hills

1. HTR Black Hills

92%
(19)
100 sites · RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$26
 / night
Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

2. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
Property description Our property is nestled between Hwy 385, the Mickelson Trail, and the National Forest. We are located between Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park along Hwy 385 and the Mickelson Trail; about 30 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain. The nearest towns with restaurants are Pringle, (2 miles S); Hot Springs, (24 miles S), Custer, (9.5 miles N).; Hill City, (24 miles N), and Rapid City, (50 miles N). The blacktop driveway grants easy access for every type of vehicle. A couple of ponds, creeks, and dispersed willow, pine, and aspen trees enhance the diversity and beauty of the landscape. It is peaceful here and we enjoy sharing it with our guests during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat has our home, a big pole barn (RV storage), a garage/wood workshop with an attached restroom for all guests, a regular hot water shower cabin, 2 small home-built camping log cabins, 7 RV sites, 9 clearly marked tent and car-camping sites, and several water hydrants fed by our well, providing great quality drinking water. 2 pets maximum per campsite, no pets allowed when booking a cabin. Check-In is 2 pm to 9 pm; Check-Out is 10 am for the cabins and 11 am for all other sites.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Eagle's Landing Campground

3. Eagle's Landing Campground

100%
(1)
75 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sturgis, SD
Eagle's Landing Campground has been providing a wonderful experience for bikers attending the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 1989. Family owned and operated we strive to make you feel at home with us. Located 1.5 miles from Sturgis Main street and 20 minutes from Deadwood
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Richmond Lake Recreation Area

4. Richmond Lake Recreation Area

100%
(2)
25 sites · Aberdeen, South Dakota
Richmond Lake Recreation Area: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hartford Beach State Park

5. Hartford Beach State Park

91 sites · Corona, South Dakota
Discover Hartford Beach State Park's natural splendor.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Days End Campground

6. Days End Campground

98%
(26)
132 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Sturgis, SD
The Best Camping in Sturgis, SD Days End Campground and RV Park – Your Ideal Sturgis Camping Destination Located just off Interstate I-90 at exit 30, Days End Campground and RV Park is the perfect base for your adventures in Sturgis, South Dakota. Experience the beauty and excitement of the Black Hills while enjoying comfortable and affordable accommodations. Fulfill your "Bucket List" by booking your inexpensive vacation getaway with us today! Explore Nearby Attractions in the Black Hills
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$18
 / night
Iron Creek Lake Campground & Store, Llc

7. Iron Creek Lake Campground & Store, Llc

22 sites · Spearfish, SD
Iron Creek Lake Campground stands out as a premier destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, this campground offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal retreat for families and adventurers. The campground features a variety of cozy cabins, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them. With numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, visitors can explore hiking trails, enjoy fishing in the nearby lake, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. In addition to its natural attractions, Iron Creek Lake Campground is conveniently located near local restaurants and shops, providing easy access to dining and supplies. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or an action-packed adventure, this campground is the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Black Hills.
Ponca State Park

8. Ponca State Park

88 sites · Ponca, Nebraska
Discover Ponca State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Newton Hills State Park

9. Newton Hills State Park

67%
(4)
139 sites · Fairview, South Dakota
Discover the serene beauty of Newton Hills State Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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The best forest cabins in South Dakota 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.