River, stream, or creek camping in South Dakota with campfires
Black Hills, Badlands, and presidential icons await intrepid campers.
91% (545 reviews)
- South Dakota
91% (545 reviews)
Popular camping styles for South Dakota
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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in South Dakota with campfires
97%
(47)
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD
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.
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$40
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93%
(200)
Custer's Last Chance Rv Park
32 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Custer, SD
Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground is about us and our dream come true. We spent 3 years putting a plan together so we could make the move to South Dakota. Finding the right piece of land wasn't easy and came with a few setbacks. We were lucky to find land in Custer with the French Creek running through the property. The creek features a couple of wide pools. The rest of the creek is fairly narrow with slow moving water. The kids will have a great time exploring the lower acreage. We plan to add new features & amenities to the park every year. Without you this dream wouldn't be possible. We hope you enjoy your stay!
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$25
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93%
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Plenty Star Retreat
26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD
Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents and hammocks or stay in one of our camping log cabins.
From mid May through August we are hosting a limited number of summer camping guests at our private home and property
Plenty Star Retreat is a peaceful 10 acre place, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota.
From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance.
The retreat is also conveniently located directly at the Mickelson Trail at mile marker 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD.
Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.
We keep our property smoke free.
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$39
/ night
Bearded Buffalo Resort
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Custer, SD
Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort at Bearded Buffalo Resort. Nestled just 2 miles from the entrance to Custer State Park, our resort offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills.
Choose from four cozy short-term rental cabins, each thoughtfully designed to provide you with a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation, our cabins offer the perfect home base for your adventures.
For those who prefer camping under the stars, we offer 35 seasonal and overnight full hook-up campsites. Set up your RV or pitch your tent amidst the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, and enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
At Bearded Buffalo Resort, we understand the importance of reconnecting with nature and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're exploring the trails of Custer State Park or simply relaxing by the campfire under the starry sky, our resort provides everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in the heart of South Dakota's wilderness.
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$50
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96%
(59)
Black Elk Resort
1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD
Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience.
Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.
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$59
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83%
(15)
Day's End Campground
279 sites · Lodging, RVs27 acres · Sturgis, SD
Days End Campground & RV Park is a Sturgis, South Dakota camping destination conveniently located just off Interstate I-90’s exit 30. Fulfill that "Bucket List" today by booking your inexpensive vacation getaway right here in Sturgis, South Dakota.
The Black Hills area attractions are close by such as Mount Rushmore Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Spearfish Canyon, Terry Peak, Deadwood, Devils Tower, and The Badlands. You can experience some of the Best Motorcycle riding in the country, or just relax next to a beautiful Mountain stream and take in all the wonderful scenery of the Blackhills.
Planning a family vacation? Bear Country, Custer State Park, Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island and Reptile Garden are all just a short drive away.
The Blackhills of South Dakota offer lots of local events and festivals like "Kool Deadwood Nites", The Days of 76, The Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally, the Sturgis Camaro Rally, the Off-Road Rally races, indoor Bull-Riding at the Knuckle and Sturgis downtown Moto-Cross. For those of you that enjoy an endurance sport come and partake in the Tatanka Mountain Bike Race or the Black Hills 100. Spend your evening visiting downtown Sturgis with Music on Main.
Every Year the City of Sturgis and Days End Campground gear up for the Legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. Come and experience a Motorcycle Rally like none other. People from all over the world come here to ride Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon, Boulder Canyon, Vanoker Canyon and so much more. Stop in at Aladdin, Stonehouse, and Bear Butte, or enjoy a short walk to Downtown Sturgis to see Main Street lined up with the most amazing motorcycles. Book now to experience the Ride of a Lifetime!
Days End Campground is ready to accommodate your needs with Big Rig RV sites, Cabins, Glamping, or Tent Camping! Book your Next Blackhills Visit Today.
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$50.82
/ night
100%
(4)
Woodland Ranch
25 sites · Tents2000 acres · Allen, SD
Warnings:
🛻1) All roads are difficult, you should have 4x4 if you want to visit us.
🌚2) We do not have signage, lighting, toilets or showers. You must be comfortable using the maps provided and it is highly suggested you show up before sunset.
🐺3) Unfortunately, there are neighbor dogs who can enter the property, and while they are not dangerous, they may initiate conflict with your dog if you have a dog.
Enjoy a retreat in one of the most remote regions of the United States. This one thousand-acre ranch is part of a 7th generation legacy. The ranch is surrounded on three sides by a complex network of creeks and canyons full of wildlife.
Learn more about this land:
Woodland Ranch is surrounded by creek stream canyons on 3 sides. This canyon system fills a pond at one of our primary campsites. Our family has managed this ranch since 1970. We are tribal members happy to share the natural beauty and discuss the history and current developments of our area. There are turkey, deer, elk, and bison for those interested in hunting. We have a resident hunting guide available to show you around. We also have an abundance of wild sage, plums, and other herbs.
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$25
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90%
(31)
Serenity Fields
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents240 acres · Kimball, SD
Originally settled by immigrants homesteading westward, Dakota Prairie Lodge now conducts hunting and fishing adventures and dabbles in agriculture. Far from population centers, the peacefulness of this rural retreat is a delight.
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$50
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Tranquil Park/Creek/Views/Nature
3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Rapid City, SD
Our new campground is opened year round and offers 110 NEW large full hook-up sites and 9 Cabins. We also offer Long Term options to qualified applicants.
Conveniently located a few minutes from both Rapid City and I-90 you will feel like you are out in the country surrounded by all the beautiful views, nature, & wildlife.
Interstate 90, Black Hills Harley Davidson, RV Supply stores, a horse boarding facility, and quick and convenient access to all of the treasures the Black Hills have to offer is conveniently near.
So whether you are kicking your feet up for the weekend or base camping out of Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins to explore the beautiful Black Hills, you will find our tranquil, quite, and beautiful setting relaxing, convenient, and enjoyable.
Additionally, If you are a full time RVer and in the market for professional RV Skirting we also host the #1 RV Skirting company in the nation, Custom Skirting. Unhitch and check out their No Snap, No Gap channel system and Therma-Slide slideout wraps over in the big barn near the entrance.
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$49
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95%
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Requine and Relax, LLC
10 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Winfred, SD
Located in the vermillion hills of South Dakota. This property has plenty of wildlife and places to let your hair down and run. We were a former feedlot that is currently under renovations to becoming an equine center. Currently has horses, chickens, and baby calves. Come experience a bit of farm life without all the work!Learn more about this land:We are in the process starting an equine center so what you see may depend on our progress. Currently we have horses, chickens, and 2 bottle calves. :) The arena and round pen are up and ready for use if you are interested! We are willing to try to accommodate your needs. Please don't hesitate to ask.
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$20
/ night
Booked 4 times
Borderlands Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents135 acres · Hill City, SD
Borderlands Ranch, located on the Pe Sla, the heart of the heart of the sacred Black Hills of South Dakota, 16 miles from Hill City, near the tiny community of Deerfield. Homesteaded at the turn of the century, Borderlands offers a peaceful and nurturing environment amidst 135 acres of high prairie, forest and limestone cliffs.Many First Nations peoples consider the Black Hills to be the spiritual center of the universe. Various spiritual traditions reflect the belief that certain phenomena in the world, such as mist – which is neither air nor rain; dreams – which are not waking or sleeping; and mistletoe -which is neither tree nor plant, have special spiritual meaning. These are the "in between things" that are worthy of special reflection. The name 'Borderlands' comes the Celtic spiritual tradition and refers to the place where the earth meets the sky -where one entity encounters another. Considering reconciliation, we refer to the borderlands as the place where one part of the created order meets another, where different cultures meet -where we can break through the boundaries of our world and communicate with that which is beyond all that we have previously known. In the Black Hills, you will find the place where the prairie finally rises to meet the dark mountains that are the home of ancient spirituality and where together they join the sky.Thousands of acres are available for hiking and a 114-mile long rails-to-trails recreation trail can be reached just nine miles away. There is swimming, fishing and canoeing at Deerfield Lake, raspberry picking in August and horseback riding year around. Snow sports abound in the winter, including sensational cross-country and down hill skiing. Rock-climbing, trail rides and traditional horse-drawn sleigh and wagon rides are available nearby. Badminton, basketball, volleyball, croquet, board games and horseshoes are available at the ranch.Borderlands Ranch, just one hour away from the Rapid City Regional Airport, offers small group space indoors with sleeping space for up to twenty people, or large group space camping outdoors. The facility includes the two bedroom, two bath, guesthouse with a galley kitchen, covered porch and deck. Guests also enjoy parts of the main house including the library, the Great Room with cathedral ceiling and wood-burning stove, a country kitchen, several decks and a hot tub. A turn of the century log cabin and corrals for your horses are also availableLearn more about this land:Tenting 1/2 mile from main,buildings; electrical outlet in nearby barn, cabins also available on 4000 acre prairie in the heart of the forest in Black Hills of SD. 1/2 hour from nearest town. Cafe 5 miles away. Elevation 6000 ft.3 Cabins also available to rent nightly offering bath, shower, and kitchen in one cabin.
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$20
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Booked 2 times
Wickiup Village Cabins
20 sites · Lodging5 acres · Lead, SD
Welcome to Wickiup Cabins where adventure or relaxation can go hand in hand. We have what you are looking for. Our rustic yet modernized cabins were built in 1937 and provided all the comforts of home. Perhaps, a wedding destination, family reunion, small company retreat or a destination for relaxing while enjoying our mountain streams and quiet peaceful settings under our 80 foot spruce trees. It is here you can also come for hunting, ATV riding, rock climbing above and below us, mountain biking, fishing, riding the Mickelson Trail, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse or historic Lead Deadwood to name some of our Black Hills offerings. We are located central to the Northern Black Hills at the top of Spearfish Canyon 10 minutes west of Lead Deadwood on Highway 85. Wickiup has the monopoly on Spearfish Creek. Long gone are the cabin camps that once provided memories for children to older folks never to be forgotten. Warm summer days of tubing, fishing, panning for those gold flakes or just skipping rocks.
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$145
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Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
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Explore the area’s public lands.
River, stream, or creek camping in South Dakota with campfires guide
Overview
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.
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.
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