Forest camping in South Dakota
Black Hills, Badlands, and presidential icons await intrepid campers.
96% (852 reviews)
- South Dakota
96% (852 reviews)
Popular camping styles for South Dakota
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top wheelchair-accessible forest campgrounds in South Dakota
100%
(264)
Bear Den Cabins & Camp
8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD
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. 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!
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$20
/ night
97%
(47)
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites
11 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.
There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day proir to your stay.
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$40
/ night
98%
(162)
Tent camping near a pine forest
14 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Custer, SD
Learn more about this land:These tent sites are located in a campground. 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.
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$27
/ night
93%
(201)
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
/ 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
/ night
96%
(61)
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
/ night
93%
(203)
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
98%
(205)
Crow Peak’s Last Best Place
3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD
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!!
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$55
/ night
89%
(49)
Easton’s Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
25 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Aberdeen , SD
Camp where L FBaum found the inspiration for The Emerald City of OZ. Campsites with an acre each, magical firepits in the forest circling the castle. Numerous deer owls pheasants and songbirds. Wireless free on the porch, tents for rent, indoor bathroom w shower just $3/day. Monthly rate half price.Learn more about this land:Pitch camp in one of 25 sites in the 20 acre forest surrounding magical Easton’s castle, the inspiration for the Wizard of OZ. L Frank Baum loved this place and you will too. A small forest. One acre campsites. You will be alone in Nature. Room for RV to park w limited electrical and wireless around castle. There are no RV electrical or sewer hookups. /p>
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$16
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Luxury RV Canyon Retreat
1 site · RV3 acres · Lead, SD
The property is one of the few rentals allowed in Spearfish Canyon.
Brand NEW this year--a Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics!
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. Brand New Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics.
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$40
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(6)
Renegades Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Corona, SD
This is a beautiful older farm site, with the original home and outbuildings. On the property is a horse pasture, a walking trail, a pond and several friendly animals. There are several acres of trees with a walking trail and campsites within. The farm historically was the top farm in the area. Rooms are spacious. Some remodeling has been done with windows and doors all upgraded. Learn more about this land:12 acre hobby farm with chickens, a dog, a cat, and a horse. We have grapes, raspberries, mulberry fruit trees and make our own wine. There is a trail going through the trees where there are several campsites and fire pits to choose from. As well as open areas to camp or park your camper. There is a small stage and central fire pit with many chairs, electricity and tables available. One 30 amp camper plugin. We are only 2 miles from Big Stone Lake, or within 4 miles you can kayak whetstone creek (weather/water level permitting). We have kayaks available for rent. Also this location is only 2 miles from gourmet bar and restaurants on the lake, and additional walking trails. We can also provide farm fresh eggs for your meal, or for additional fee cook breakfast or grill gourmet meals by request.
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$50
/ night
Starlight Carroll Creek
1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Custer, SD
Level, grassy field, good for tent camping, motor home parking, hiking, bird watching. Shooting range and gun shop 5 miles away. Hot Springs, Mammoth Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park within 30 minute drive. Crazy Horse Memorial within 15 minutes (Native items and tour of Crazy Horse sculpture - largest sculpture in the world). Sylvan Lake (actually several nice lakes, less than 30 minute drive. Mount Rushmore 30 minutes away. Custer State Park (miles of Bison and Pronghorn to see) less than 30 minutes away. Downtown Custer shops (gifts, Native items, vape shop).
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$60
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Under $50
Star Hosts in South Dakota
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Forest camping in South Dakota 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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