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Camping with Campfires allowed

The best camping in South Dakota with campfires

Name: South Dakota
Address: South Dakota
Rating: 4.6345

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.

93% (3.4K) • 6,083 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Badlands Hotel & Campground

1. Badlands Hotel & Campground

92%

(111)

Interior, SD · 71 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, outdoor pool, 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

100%

(22)

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

Toilets

Full hookups

Big Pine Campground

3. Big Pine Campground

98%

(368)

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

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

Potable water

Wind Cave National Park

5. Wind Cave National Park

100%

(13)

National park in South Dakota · 77 sites

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

Pets

Toilets

Potable water

Fall River RV Park

6. Fall River RV Park

Hot Springs, SD · 8 sites

Fall River RV Park is located in one of the southern Black Hills’ most desirable recreation areas, just minutes from Angostura Reservoir, the amenities of Hot Springs, South Dakota, and within easy driving distance of the Black Hills’ most popular destinations, including Mount Rushmore. This quiet, well-maintained RV park offers a clean, convenient, and easy-access stay for both overnight travellers and longer-term guests. The property features 8 established RV sites designed for easy pull-in access and efficient use of space. Each site is fully equipped with 30-amp, 50-amp, and 20-amp electrical service, individual water hydrants, and on-site black tank dump hook-ups, making it well-suited for short stays, seasonal visitors, or extended RV living. Sites are level and thoughtfully spaced to allow comfortable manoeuvring for a variety of RV sizes. The layout prioritizes simplicity, accessibility, and a stress-free arrival experience. Guests are just minutes from Angostura Lake, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and outdoor recreation. Nearby Hot Springs provides dining, groceries, and local services, along with the natural attractions of the southern Black Hills. This combination makes the campground an ideal base for both recreation and travel convenience. Iconic Black Hills destinations including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park are all within easy driving distance, making this a great home base for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the region. This is a self-serve RV campground with easy highway access and a quiet rural setting. Guests should expect a peaceful stay with essential utilities provided and minimal on-site staffing. Directions: From Maverick Junction, go west on US-18/US-385 for 2.8 miles. Turn west onto Co HWY 2A for 0.2 miles, then turn south onto Twin Rock Bnd Rd. The campground is located on the west side.

Pets

Full hookups

Uncle B's Produce Farm

7. Uncle B's Produce Farm

100%

(1264)

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

Horse Creek Resort

8. Horse Creek Resort

97%

(172)

Rapid City, SD · 26 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

9. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(233)

Rapid City, SD · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

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

Showers

Badlands National Park

12. Badlands National Park

98%

(153)

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

Showers

HTR Black Hills

14. HTR Black Hills

93%

(20)

Rapid City, SD · 80 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!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

15. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(479)

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

Showers

Downhome Country Farm

16. Downhome Country Farm

100%

(22)

Lennox, SD · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Downhome Country Farm is 10 acres of woods and prairie with a large garden, chickens, wild turkeys, guinea fowl, mules, horses, a dog, and bee hives in the pasture. We have two restored vintage campers that sleep 4 people and multiple tent sites. The bathroom and solar shower are shared by all guests. There are 2 sites for self-contained RV's with 20A electric available and water at some sites. 2 tent sites are available until the hay season (August) then the pasture is wide open tent camping. Horse boarding and camping available too. Each site can request individual fire rings. We have an outdoor community area that has a large fire pit, covered shelter and a woodfired pizza oven that will be in use on some weekends and by request. Local and national touring musicians are known to provide pop up private concerts some weekends and impromptu jam sessions. On occasion, we have outdoor movies and morning yoga along with great activities in the surrounding community too. Or just hang out in the hammocks and soak in that downhome country feeling. Come and enjoy the great outdoors on our farm! https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1MlLzqcaoZe4wv9G8w-LlBzxb1iEGIgP2KdeOgca1yJc/mobilebasic?pli=1 file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ef/15/1845F243-B279-4F10-99B9-ED57938A2EA8/1751730895301blob.JPEG

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

The Specialty Crop

17. The Specialty Crop

100%

(62)

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

Hill City/Needles Hwy KOA

18. Hill City/Needles Hwy KOA

100%

(2)

Custer, SD · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Welcome to the Hill City/Needles Highay KOA Holiday! The KOA is nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, conveniently located just minutes from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, the historic town of Hill City and Custer is a short drive away. Whether you're looking to explore the scenic beauty of South Dakota’s rugged landscapes or seeking a comfortable stop along your journey, HCNH KOA offers the perfect base camp. Enjoy family- and pet-friendly camping with easy access to national parks, lakes, and historic attractions. Escape to Hill City, South Dakota, where breathtaking mountain views, historic charm, and outdoor adventure await. Our campground provides the ideal base camp for exploring the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, and the iconic Needles Highway. From hiking and wildlife spotting to visiting local wineries and historic train rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Hill City is also just a short drive from Rapid City, Deadwood, and Keystone. Hill City/Needles Highway KOA Has a Stay for Everyone At HCHN KOA, we offer a variety of RV sites, cabins, and tent camping options to suit every type of camper. Whether you prefer a scenic full-hookup RV site, a cozy cabin retreat, or a traditional tent camping experience under the stars, we have the perfect spot for you. Tent Camping: This location is known for incredible Tent Camping. Best in the Black Hills. Our tent sites provide the perfect place to relax under the starry South Dakota skies with wifi, laundry, store, grill, and bathhouse all on site. All of our sites are pet-friendly, so bring your furry companions along for the adventure! Enjoy breakfast and dinner at Needles Highway Grill. Enjoy your meal and beverage while you take in the view and watch local wildlife from our second-floor deck. HCNH KOA Amenities and Recreation Your stay at HCNH KOA comes with access to a variety of amenities and recreational activities designed to make your visit enjoyable and memorable: • Heated swimming pool • Playground for kids • Campfire rings and picnic areas • Camp store and convenience store • Needles Highway Grill • WiFi access throughout the campground • Hiking and biking trails nearby

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Eagle Lode

19. Eagle Lode

98%

(43)

Lead, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV

🌲 Escape to Nature's Haven! 🌲 Discover the serenity of our primitive campsite nestled in a breathtaking 15-acre forest oasis. Perfect for adventurers seeking solace and tranquility, our campsite boasts a crystal-clear creek babbling through old growth black hills forest. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a family seeking a digital detox, our campsite offers the ideal retreat. Embrace the simplicity of nature and create lasting memories at our hidden gem in the woods!

Pets

Highland Meadows Resort

20. Highland Meadows Resort

100%

(12)

Hot Springs, SD · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Highland Meadows Resort sits on 12.5 acres atop a private mesa in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The resort features four private cabins, two glamping tipis, and an earth home on the upper mesa — and a campground on the lower mesa. Tipis are equipped with a king-size bed, sleeper sofa, and basic kitchenette. There's a shared wood fire pit, laundry facilities, horseshoe pit, and a private bath w/ shower for each tipi. Tipis also come with a pack and play for one extra infant/toddler. Kitchenettes come with a microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and some basic place settings. The campground has several tent and RV sites, each with their own fire pit, picnic table, and power. The campground has a common area for larger gatherings and flush toilets with sinks. There are several water spigots in the campground as well: two near the restrooms and one at each RV site. Highland Meadows Resort is located near The Mammoth Site, Wind Cave, Cold Brook Reservoir, and local hot springs. It's a short drive from Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Get 10% OFF at Evans Plunge when you show them you're staying at Highland Meadows Resort.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Alan

3 days ago

24 ft toy hauler

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a great experience at Uncle B's Hip Camp. Very peaceful and quiet. Had a nice walk on the trail and checked out the property. Bathrooms were clean and in great condition. A storm went by east of us and left a rainbow across the sky. Our dog loves to be able to go off leash. We will definitely visit again if we come thru this way.

Kristin

4 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

As always, the best stay. Uncle B's is an oasis where you can let the troubles of daily life drift away on the breeze. Brian goes out of his way to make sure everyone feels at home and welcome. Brian, thank you for the plant starts! This summer I'll be enjoying tomatoes and looking forward to another stay under the South Dakota stars.

Amber

5 days ago

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

This place was so quaint and relaxing. Uncle Brian was such an amazing host. He was there to greet me when I arrived and show me around the bus. He made our entire stay feel welcoming and warm. If you have the chance or are traveling through the area you should definitely stay here!!!

Mason

6 days ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Super Nice place with great facilities and a great owner

SCOTT

1 week ago

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

I stayed here just one night as I was passing through. I had a chance to see both the Ready, Set, Camp and the Hippie Bus. Both are nice. The host has taken great efforts to make this a comfortable place with central campstove, ultraclean restrooms and a clubhouse with games. Super friendly host who will guide you to your site then make sure everything is just right. Quiet, safe and pleasant camp. I would definitely come back.

1 week ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a relaxing stay here last night after a long day of driving. Brian was extremely nice and personable. His land is beautiful and our spot was quiet and peaceful. Nice, level grassy campsite was wonderful. Bathroom/showers were clean & convenient to our site. He even gave us milk bone treats for our dog and s'more ingredients. He is a very kind host. Nice farm to walk our dog too.

Dawn

1 week ago

28 ft travel trailer

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

What a lovely place. We had an excellent night with our rv trailer. Hookups all in great shape. Bathroom, shower, and wash station all were excellent. Brian even showed up and gave us a tour of his place, hippy bus, Mount Rushmore, yellow stone, and the bridge troll. what a nice surprise. If we ever come through again we will stay here. And his peacocks are awesome

Tyler

1 week ago

16 ft car

1 night at Eagle Lode

Great place to stay, you have it all to yourself and the surrounding area is beautiful. Just a short drive from gas, a couple stores, and some restaurants.

Hannah

1 week ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a fantastic time camping in the Hippie Bus on Uncle B’s Produce Farm!! Our two toddler boys had a ball running around the property and Brian was incredibly kind and helpful from the moment we arrived. The weather was not the best for camping but the bus gave us a perfect getaway from tent camping for a night and gave us all the rest and refuel we needed before continuing on our roadtrip!

Calvin

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Excellent stay at Brian’s farm. Really enjoyable setup and site

Cory

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Black Hills Meadow

Lots of space and the bathrooms were very nice and clean. I would stop in again.

Rich

2 weeks ago

19 ft truck camper

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

This is a beautiful setting! chickens and horses and a dog greeted us and the hosts were so friendly-there are a few trails around the property that they maintain, a nice firepit area, a super clean amazing shower/toilet area. Highly recommend and would stay again

Martha

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Highland Meadows Resort

Lovely place! It's right in the heart of Hot Springs ("several blocks from downtown" kind of close), but because it's elevated it still feels secluded and natural.

Olivia

2 weeks ago

30 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Beaver Lake Campground

Everything was great! We would absolutely stay again!

Mai

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Fort Welikit Campground

This site is close to the bathroom/showers and the area is pretty flat so it's good for tents. The site is pretty spacious too.

Max

2 weeks ago

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Hill City/Needles Hwy KOA

Great experience , fun for kiddos and an adventure would stay here again!

Angelina

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

This was such a great and comfortable camp ground! Had everything we needed and more!

Jeremy

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Horse Creek Resort

What a great place to stay, its located just perfect to adventure out of. We stayed in the primitive area. I would 100% stay again.

Samantha

2 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian was incredibly welcoming! This was a fantastic stay that I would recommend to others.

Tressa

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

After deciding to book a trip out to the hills incredibly last minute leading up to Memorial Day, I stumbled across Tammy’s land and boy was it the biggest blessing ever!!! This camping experience tops any previous ones I’ve had - the location, the shower house, the amenities, the hospitality… all top tier and then some. We will be back 💛

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.