The best great views campgrounds 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.

97% (2.4K) • 68 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near South Dakota

Badlands Hotel & Campground

1. Badlands Hotel & Campground

92%

(105)

76 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Interior, SD

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

from

$24

/ night

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

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.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$50

/ night

Uncle B's Produce Farm

3. Uncle B's Produce Farm

100%

(1236)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Monroe, SD

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

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from

$29

/ night

Stagecoach Stays

4. Stagecoach Stays

100%

(65)

5 sites · RVs · Hot Springs, SD

We were fulltime RV'ers for 5 years; we traveled all across the United States before we settled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We decided to build the vacation site that we always wanted, but could never find. We have 50/30/15 amp FHU's (despite what HipCamp says). We have two large, level RV spots with 50 feet between the two sites. We have created an environment for our guests to enjoy peaceful relaxation while staying with us. We offer amazing sunsets, sunrises, wild turkey, song birds, deer and amazing Black Hills landscapes to help you enjoy your stay in this beautiful area. We have 4 beautiful horses that adorn our landscape. We hope you enjoy watching them, but please don't feed them. We also have hiking trails and a community bonfire available for our guests to use. Well-behaved pets are welcome! We offer weekly and monthly rates.

Pets

Full hookups

from

$59

/ night

Blue Tin Ranch

5. Blue Tin Ranch

97%

(151)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Burbank, SD

Hello and welcome to the peaceful countryside! Proud to be named HipCamp's 2022 Top 10 Properties! We are a luxury hunting lodge here in South East South Dakota and love offering people the chance to camp, park, and explore our property! We are fifth generation farmers and are so proud of our farm and of South Dakota. Ask us about guides for the way out west to the Black Hills. We have 10 acres to share and are excited to host you! On property you can find, corn crib swings, a winding enchanted path to a gazebo perfect for sunsets, a gravity wagon basketball game, a romantic lit pavillion, a balcony overlooking both Iowa and Nebraska, and fields of corn and beans! Bathrooms can be found centrally on the property, we have 2 womens, 2 mens and one family/ handicap accessible. Now with Shower AND WIFI!

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Electrical hookup

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from

$23

/ night

The Wilderness

6. The Wilderness

99%

(124)

1 site · Tent, RV · West Pennington, SD

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.

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from

$20

/ night

Tent camping near a pine forest

7. Tent camping near a pine forest

98%

(361)

17 sites · Tents, RVs · Custer, SD

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

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from

$29

/ night

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

8. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(229)

18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 prior to your stay.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$50

/ night

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

9. Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

98%

(261)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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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Potable water

Full hookups

from

$60

/ night

The Specialty Crop

10. The Specialty Crop

100%

(59)

5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hudson, SD

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

from

$25

/ night

Sturgis View Campground

11. Sturgis View Campground

94%

(16)

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

Welcome to the best campground in Sturgis, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Black Hills. Enjoy spacious sites for families and adventurers, with hiking and stargazing just steps away. Create unforgettable memories in nature's beauty! Sturgis View Campground has been dedicated to providing the best experience for bikers attending the Sturgis Rally since 2004. With quick access to all attractions and the best views in Sturgis, there is no better place to stay. Located just 1.5 miles from Main St. in downtown Sturgis, our campground is conveniently located near Sturgis' Main Street, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally events, Deadwood and many other Black Hills destinations.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

from

$20

/ night

Rustic Rendezvous

12. Rustic Rendezvous

99%

(48)

1 site · Tent, RV · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

from

$42

/ night

$59

/ night

Blue Tin Ranch

5. Blue Tin Ranch

97%

(151)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Burbank, SD

Hello and welcome to the peaceful countryside! Proud to be named HipCamp's 2022 Top 10 Properties! We are a luxury hunting lodge here in South East South Dakota and love offering people the chance to camp, park, and explore our property! We are fifth generation farmers and are so proud of our farm and of South Dakota. Ask us about guides for the way out west to the Black Hills. We have 10 acres to share and are excited to host you! On property you can find, corn crib swings, a winding enchanted path to a gazebo perfect for sunsets, a gravity wagon basketball game, a romantic lit pavillion, a balcony overlooking both Iowa and Nebraska, and fields of corn and beans! Bathrooms can be found centrally on the property, we have 2 womens, 2 mens and one family/ handicap accessible. Now with Shower AND WIFI!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$23

/ night

99%

(48)

1 site · Tent, RV · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

from

$42

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Brandon

3 weeks ago

Tent

5 nights at Blue Tin Ranch

I camped for my Outdoors Unsupervised YouTube channel in a tent with a hotstove in the snow. I enjoyed the serenity of this location. It did have electric to run a light and charge up cameras gear. They do also have more sought after lodgin' but I'd rather camp outside. The bonus was it had a shower house with heated bathroom. Def cheapest and best camp I ever used on HipCamp so far. They also provided a small fridge and a coffee maker with coffee in the shower/bathroom housin' area. Had an amazin' time. I did leave a day early cause 35mph winds was expected at 7AM and in a tent that is def not desirable. Cooked some amazin' meals while there. All videos post on YT Start Feb 9th

S

Santos

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Blue Tin Ranch

Very kind host and beautiful views. It was a very peaceful site and one I would definitely recommend visiting.

K

Katie

October 2025

30 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B was awesome. He was so accommodating and definitely went the extra mile helping us get our RV hooked up in the rain after a long day on the road. He even put together a small gift for our newborn son which was so sweet. We came to stay en route home after our wedding and he made our stay so memorable. 100/10 would recommend staying here. We will be back!

H

Heather

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blue Tin Ranch

The location was right off the highway but once you get to your spot the road noise was very minimal. Host was very accommodating for a very last minute booking (less than 2 hours warning with a 9pm arrival). Host was out of town but very responsive to messages and helped how she could, we are pretty low maintenance though. It was very windy in this area but I think if you only had a tent you could find some way to break the wind easily. There were other guests on the property but no problems arose and everyone kept to themselves. Bathroom/shower access was a huge plus. Also super friendly kitty cats on property. The parking was ample, the fire pit was awesome and this met all of our needs for backpacker car camping 👍🏽 Affordable ✅ Safe ✅ Accommodating ✅

l

liz

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

I went by myself to Uncle B’s farm and he made me feel right at home! He gave me a tour of his farm and helped me start my fire each time. He is very welcoming and genuine. His facilities are clean and he has a fun trail to venture into to find little easter egg type monuments.

G

Gregory

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Stagecoach Stays

This was a well equipped site. We were the only ones there and it was very peaceful. Lots of wildlife there.

E

Elizabeth

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian was a fantastic host; friendly and helpful, although his co-hosts Frankie, Johnny, and Dibs really stole the show. (Frankie, Johnny, and Dibs are dogs.) The camp is well-maintained, far enough off main roads to feel quiet, and, for fellow solo travelers, I felt very safe there. I just used an RV site, but if you are looking for a fun “glamping” experience, the converted skoolie on property is absolutely adorable.

G

Gregory

October 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

We were looking for a nice isolated, dark sky location to ourselves and got just what we wanted. We would definitely stay here again!

Dan

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

The horse went above and beyond I stay there I would hardly recommend staying there and getting the bus and we are planning on making this and annual trip out there

A

ANDREW

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

Beautiful location that is excellently maintained. The host was very accommodating.

W

William

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Tent camping near a pine forest

Beautiful place with an extremely friendly staff! I would definitely recommend it.

J

Jamie

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Had a wonderful overnight stay on the hippie bus. We were welcomed to the campground in the warmest way, equipped with hippie gear (peace necklaces & rose colored lenses) s'mores kit and campfire wood. The campground had very nice bathroom/shower and kitchen areas. Highly recommend Uncle B's for a relaxing camping experience.

J

Jill

October 2025

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We pulled up just as the harvest moon was rising and felt right at home! What a bonus to see Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Red Rocks right there (IYKYK) :) Brian was welcoming, and had such neat touches to the experience. Flush toilets and warm showers to top it all off :)

D

David

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stagecoach Stays

Fantastic stay! New, modern services and site in a unique setting. Quiet, with a beautiful wildlife and vista. Great hosts and amazing area. We'll be back for a longer stay to explore more of the area!

M

Mark

October 2025

38 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Great hospitality! Greeted us as we pulled in. Clean shower and bathrooms. Lots of extras all around the property! Very cool setup! Will stay again if we pass back thru! Thanks again Brian

c

christina

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian has spent a lot of time making his property cool for everyone who comes there. His showers were clean and he’s a very personable person and it was easy to find.

R

Ronald

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

I loved the place, friendly owner and excellent amenities. I honestly should have gotten one of the more premium spots but I'll make sure to do that when I come back. Peaceful area and not too far off the highway.

K

Katie

October 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We loved staying at Uncle B’s Hipcamp! We ended up being the only campers that night so we got VIP service, although I bet he treats everyone like a VIP - he’s that kind of guy. When we arrived we got a dozen farm fresh eggs and he made my daughter a bracelet making kit with her name on it! Our dog had a blast running off leash with his dogs, our daughter had so much fun exploring and getting to meet the baby kitties! My husband and I also had a great time getting to know Uncle B and getting a tour of the camp. We built a great bonfire (wood provided by Uncle B!) All around great experience, I wish we would’ve had time to stay longer!

Dani

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Badlands Hotel & Campground

We had a nice and calm night at the Badlands campground.

a

anders

October 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a great stay at Uncle B’s spot. The host Brian and his pack of pups and other critters gave us a very warm welcome complete with s’more fixins and a bag of treats for our dog. He’s great. A real fun and kind character that is so welcoming and committed to you enjoying your time at the farm. There’s lots of fun stuff to look at on the property and the facilities are well stocked and clean. He even invited us into his garden to pick some veggies for the road. If you’re in the area and need a peaceful and unique spot to stay, this is it.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views camping 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.