The best forest cabin rentals in South Dakota

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.

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Top-rated campgrounds

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)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. HTR Black Hills

92%

(19)

102 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!

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.

3. Days End Campground

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(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

4. Eagle's Landing Campground

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(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

Public campgrounds in South Dakota

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Richmond Lake Campground

25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Richmond Lake Recreation Area

Hartford Beach Campground

91 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hartford Beach State Park

Ponca Campground

88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ponca State Park

67%

(4)

Newton Hills Campground

139 sites · Tents, RVs · in Newton Hills State Park

Stories from the community

D

Danielle

September 2025

Group trip

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

The cabin on the property is quite lovely! It was a great place to rest for the night from the Mickelson trail. Lovely views!

A

Aaron

September 2025

1 night at HTR Black Hills

After tent camping for a week staying here felt like luxury hotel. Clean accommodations and available washers and dryers. I would stay here again

R

Ruth

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

This was the perfect location for our 3 day Mickelson trail bike ride. Our cabin was clean and cozy, and even though located on the highway, traffic sounds were almost non-existent at night.

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Zita

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

Thank you for a peaceful stay Isa! The place was amazing and we had everything we needed. Would recommend to anyone who asks!

Camping log cabin and outdoor shower building

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Robert

June 2025

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

We had a great stay at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat. Everything was as we expected. The sleeping cabin, shower facility, and restroom were all neat, tidy, and clean. The overall setting was tranquil with beautiful views of the surrounding valley. This was one of our stops on a multi-day bicycling trip along the Mickelson Trail and it worked perfectly for us.

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Andrew

May 2025

Group trip

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

Great place to overnight while riding the trail since it is right on it. Cabins are awesome... Jack cut the trees on his land one year, hauled them down to the ranch, hand stripped the logs the next year and then built them the following! And most of the furniture as well! Isa and Jack are very personable and welcoming making them great hosts. I will be coming back soon to camp!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(2)

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

Aberdeen, South Dakota

Hartford Beach State Park

Newton Hills State Park

Fairview, South Dakota

Other options in South Dakota

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.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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.