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Forest Camping

The best forest camping in South Dakota

Name: South Dakota
Address: South Dakota
Rating: 4.833

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest, South Dakota has over 130 options that will give you just that. From the highly rated Custer's Last Chance RV Park (108 reviews) to the serene Tent camping near a pine forest (67 reviews), you'll be spoiled for choice. With activities like hiking, climbing, and snow sports, and amenities like potable water, campfires, and cooking equipment, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. Plus, with an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $16, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Let's get camping!

97% (2.2K) • 1,227 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Big Pine Campground

1. Big Pine Campground

98%

(420)

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

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

2. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(515)

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

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

3. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(251)

Rapid City, SD · 16 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. There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day prior to your stay.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

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

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

5. Richmond Lake Recreation Area

100%

(2)

State park in South Dakota · 25 sites

Richmond Lake Recreation Area: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Horse Creek Resort

6. Horse Creek Resort

97%

(196)

Rapid City, SD · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

HTR Black Hills

7. HTR Black Hills

95%

(39)

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

The Wilderness

8. The Wilderness

98%

(136)

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

Highland Meadows Resort

9. Highland Meadows Resort

98%

(33)

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

Custer Gallatin National Forest

10. Custer Gallatin National Forest

84%

(60)

National forest in Montana · 936 sites

Find wilderness camping near Yellowstone National Park and beyond.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

11. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

92%

(6)

National forest in Nebraska · 72 sites

Ahhh, the heartland. Wide open spaces of undeveloped land in which to spread your wings and find some breathing room. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands is one of these places, comprised of two forests of ponderosa pine and three grassland areas. Come here to set up your temporary little house on the prairie and be a pioneer camper for a while! Wandering and exploring is unrestricted for non-motorized travel here, meaning freedom is yours for the taking! If you don’t want to just head into the abyss, try visiting the nation's oldest federal tree nursery (awww, baby trees!), or the largest extinct bison boneland in the world at the Hudson-Meng Bison Research Center. Or, head to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area for a little rewilding and backcountry exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs and wildflowers popping their cute little heads up, rock formations dotting the landscape, and magic around every turn. There’s a lot going on in that grass!

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

Hartford Beach State Park

12. Hartford Beach State Park

State park in South Dakota · 91 sites

Discover Hartford Beach State Park's natural splendor.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Cold Brook Lake

13. Cold Brook Lake

Park in South Dakota · 14 sites

A visit to Cold Brook Lake will chill you out and warm your heart. Why? Because it’s a recreation and relaxation haven where you can accomplish all your fishing, swimming, paddling, and chillaxing goals in the company of Mother Nature. It doesn’t get much better than that! Fishing docks and cleaning stations make this a no brainer spot for anglers to cast their lines. There is also a swimming beach where you can beat the summer heat. In the winter, you could visit for some ice fishing, skating, or cross country skiing. Of course, you also have camping options to make this a full vacay. Bring the fam, the canoe, the picnic treats, and make this place your go to spot!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Days End Campground

14. Days End Campground

98%

(28)

Sturgis, SD · 125 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

15. Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

93%

(222)

Custer, SD · 24 sites · Tents, RVs

Custer's Last Chance RV Park Conveniently located on the East side of Custer with easy access to the Custer Spur bike trail. The French Creek runs through the property, lots of wildlife frequents the area. 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. Full hookup sites are available with 50, 30 or 20 amps. We still have dry camping sites as well. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

16. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%

(64)

Lead, SD · 1 site

The property is one of the few rentals allowed in Spearfish Canyon. A NEW Post and Beam Pavilion for parking and picnics! An outdoor table and chairs under pavilion available for usage. Also NEW--horseshoe pits in meadow for your enjoyment. It sits besides an historic 95-year old log cabin. A guest house, Couples Canyon Retreat, sleeps 3, is also available for rent. Contact owner. Learn more about this land: All paved road to your private luxury concrete RV pad sitting at the entrance of beautiful Spearfish Canyon. Convenient location to all sites in SD Black Hills including Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish and one hour drive to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Walking distance to a trout pond for fishing and Cheyenne Crossing for a delicious meal. Hiking and off-roading trails galore. Go to sleep hearing Upper Spearfish Creek across the road, with mountain views, deer and smell of fresh pine trees. Lead Country Club Golf course close by. New Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Pets

Downhome Country Farm

17. Downhome Country Farm

100%

(34)

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 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 with 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. A nature trail, fresh produce usually. A tetherball!! Plus national touring musicians are known to provide pop up private concerts some weekends and impromptu jam sessions by the campfire or on the front porch. On occasion, we have outdoor movies(when the sun goes down early) and morning yoga along with great activities in the surrounding community too. Or just hang out in the hammocks or swing from the 60 foot swing in the old cottonwood and soak in that downhome country feeling while it “snows” in July. Come and enjoy the great outdoors on our farm! Watch the fireflies and fireworks this Independence Day! 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

Camp Custer in Star Valley

18. Camp Custer in Star Valley

95%

(21)

Custer, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV

Dry camping RV spot located in the southern Black Hills on 3 acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, visiting wildlife and occasional hot air ballons from the fire pit & picnic table just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles South of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Jewell Cave. Walk, bike or run on the 109 mi Mickelson trail. We are also 2 hours from Badlands National Park. This area is rich in beauty and history so be sure to get out and explore!

Pets

Picnic table

Star Valley RV Camp Spot

19. Star Valley RV Camp Spot

100%

(39)

Custer, SD · 1 site

Cozy full hook up RV spot centrally located in the southern Black Hills on five acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from the shared fire pit just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles from the town of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Jewell Cave. Walk, bike or run on the 109 mi Mickelson trail. We are also 2 hours from Badlands National Park. This area is rich in beauty and history so be sure to get out and explore!

Pets

Full hookups

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

20. Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

98%

(272)

Spearfish, SD · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Pets

Potable water

Full hookups

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Scott

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

What a great find! I never know what to expect when I arrive at my campsites, but I knew this one was special from the moment I arrived. The facilities were very clean and the attention to detail is top notch. The host was very helpful throughout my stay and I can’t say enough about her, the location and my experience.

onewildlifer

1 week ago

33 ft travel trailer

9 nights at Star Valley RV Camp Spot

The site was wonderfully quiet, clean and the host is super friendly. ❤️

Rochelle

2 weeks ago

19 ft travel trailer

5 nights at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

We loved staying at the Horse Creek Resort. It was a beautiful, quiet, and central location for our site seeing needs. Garrett warmly greeted us, showed us the site, and offered an alternative site if we preferred it. We actually liked the site as it was among the trees overlooking the meadow below. The showers and laundry facilities were clean and useful. We stayed for nearly a week and wished we had reserved it for longer. A special touch is the hanging flower baskets Garrett had in different locations around the resort. It made the place feel extra special. We highly recommend staying here.

Natasha

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

8 nights at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

Such a great experience! Would definitely go back!

Blake

2 weeks ago

32 ft travel trailer

5 nights at KPM Rentals in the Black Hills

Great price, good base camp location. Full hookups

Jerrid

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

Tenting was easy to set up. Lots of open space. Close proximity to bathroom and shower. Great wifi!

Dan

3 weeks ago

17 ft truck camper

1 night at Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

Great location for Crazy Horse, Rushmore, and Wind Cave Park! Host was very responsive and friendly Nice to have a bathroom. All in all a great experience!

Glenn

3 weeks ago

30 ft toy hauler

8 nights at Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

This was my first experience with Hipcamp and couldn’t have been happier with it. Thank you, June and Dave, the camp was comfortable. Had great views. It was a good location for our Sturgis bike week. Hannah Road was nice for morning or evening strolls as there is almost no traffic on it, we backed in so we could have the truck available for rain day excursions. We did have to level off, but I believe it could be good that the pad was slanted as the rain would drain off. Nice having electric and water.(a must for my wife.) our black tank was plenty big enough to hold for the week and there is a free dump in deadwood about 15 minutes away.(they ask for a five dollar donation which I gladly gave.) I checked out the dump site the day before because I was concerned with having room to maneuver the trailer as during bike week deadwood was very busy, but there was plenty of room to maneuver at the dump site. very convenient to go to on the way out to the highway. Nice seeing the deer walk down the hill in the morning and the chipmunks running around all day long. having use of the pavilion was also very nice.

lillian

3 weeks ago

42 ft Class C

8 nights at KPM Rentals in the Black Hills

Loving camping here for sturgis :) super nice and accommodating hosts

Mardel

3 weeks ago

32 ft travel trailer

3 nights at HTR Black Hills

Loved the site! Very friendly and accommodating staff!

John

3 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

Denny and Cindy are great hosts. They met us when we got there to show us everything and answer any questions. The site was great. We have a Toyota Tundra with a 28' travel trailer and had no issues. The site felt very private in a nice quiet area. Full hookups was great, good water pressure, 50/30/20 power, and internet access as well was a plus! The site is in a great location. Right in the middle of major attractions(Wind Cave, Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave, and a couple hours from Badlands NP and DevilsTower. It's a pull in site and I had no issues backing out. Demny offered to help if needed when we were ready to go, so they are there if you need help. We would definitely stay there again.

Melanie

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Big Pine Campground

We enjoyed camping here. The view was beautiful at our site We seen some deer right from our site

Bruce

3 weeks ago

24 ft Class B

1 night at Star Valley RV Camp Spot

Clean level spot in a beautiful valley. Kurt is a good host he checked on us a couple of times and communication was good. Will stay here again when we are in the area.

Sara

3 weeks ago

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at HTR Black Hills

Nice spot close to mt Rushmore. Team was welcoming and spots were nice. We enjoyed the amenities for kids and dogs.

Denny

3 weeks 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.

Mimi

August 2026

12 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

The location and scenery was perfect for our trip to the Black Hills.

Celeste

August 2026

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

Nice spot. Enjoyed having full hookups. We left early due to heat and smoke. May try again one day when the weather is cooler and smoke is gone.

Dave

August 2026

14 ft pop-up camper

5 nights at HTR Black Hills

Great RV park, very clean and lots of amenities. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Everything was as advertised. Bathrooms, showers and laundry were very clean. You’re close to the highway, so expect some traffic noise, but our quiets down to almost nothing by 10pm (this was during the Sturgis rally)

Dane

August 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to Highland Meadows Resort

Quiet spot just near town. Clean bathrooms, with a nice view. Not remote, but good for stopping through and spending the night

Gary

August 2026

25 ft Class C

With pets

9 nights at KPM Rentals in the Black Hills

Just minutes from Custer South Dakota sets this very nice small Campground. Deer almost every evening and morning. A little road noise from quite a ways away and a tiny bit of local noise from mechanical shop nearby. A bit of a hill to get into the place but most of the sites are level. Lots of shade! Water is not potable. Electricity and Sewer work fine. I definitely stay there again.