The best lakeside camping in South Dakota

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Looking to pitch a tent by a picturesque lake in South Dakota? Look no further than Solace Farm (321 reviews), Black Elk Resort (39 reviews), and Luxury RV Canyon Retreat (24 reviews) are just a few of the top campsites that have received rave reviews from fellow campers. And with popular amenities such as potable water, cooking equipment, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, including climbing, fishing, and hiking. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $20, camping by the lake in South Dakota has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in nature's beauty!

98% (495)

Top-rated campgrounds

View from our driveway with the Mickelson Trail and Hwy 385 on the right and the ranch/campground on the left

1. 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

3. 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. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Renegades Ranch

8. Renegades Ranch

100%
(6)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

9. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%
(55)
1 site · RV · Lead, SD
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.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
Beaver Lake Campground

15. Beaver Lake Campground

92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
WELCOME TO BEAVER LAKE CAMPGROUND IN CUSTER, SD Come join us in our beautiful 19-acre pine-filled, rolling terrain campground in Custer, South Dakota. Enjoy the sounds of the breeze through the pines, birds singing, and calm surroundings in a safe, small-town atmosphere. Stay in our spacious RV sites, your tent, or simple to deluxe cabins. Have fun in our heated pool. We are conveniently located just 3.5 miles from the town of Custer, South Dakota. We are 30 minutes from Custer State Park, 22 minutes from Mt. Rushmore, 10 minutes from Crazy Horse Monument, and 9 minutes from Jewel Cave National Monument. The beauty of Custer State Park and the infamous Needles Highway can be very busy for campers, which is why many of our guests choose to stay with us at Beaver Lake Campground. Our central location and peaceful setting will put you very close to all of the amazing things to see and do in the Black Hills (Paha Sapa in the Lakota language) of South Dakota. We are open from April 1 to November 1. Pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The water slide closed. Wonderful News! As of 6/4/22, we have a brand new park-wide Wi-Fi system. Guests dependent on WI-Fi for work will need their own system. Our rural infrastructure isn’t equivalent to big-city Wi-Fi. A WARM WELCOME, FROM THE OWNERS As the owners of Beaver Lake Campground for the past several seasons Julian and Kachina Starr are amazed at how fortunate they are to have purchased this very special campground. The Black Hills area is spectacular with so many things to do and see. You could spend a month here and still not see it all. The summer weather is perfect with warm but not hot days and cool summer nights due to the 5,300-foot elevation. Perfect for evening campfires. Living and working in the Black Hills National Forest is incredible. They feel very happy to be in such calm, peaceful surroundings. Julian and Kachina have accomplished many updates, and improvements in the time they have been here. Everything from not-so-exciting infrastructure, well pumps, electrical upgrades, painting, swimming pool pump, etc., and have attempted to give this beautiful campground a more inviting atmosphere, comfortable seating on the office patio, beautiful flowers, unique pinecone art, upgrades to the cabins, mini-fridges in all cabins, new mattresses, electrical improvements and more. The Starr’s 25-year experience in the RV business in Gold Beach, Oregon, and Durango Colorado has given them lots of warm memories and some funny stories too. They look forward to many more great guest experiences greeting and serving old and new friends. AVAILABLE UNITS •RV Sites •Cabins •Tents ENJOY OUR AMENITIES •1 Large Heated Pool •Store •2 Laundry Facilities •RV Sites Small to Huge •Tent Sites •9 Cabins •Dog Park •Basket Ball, Tether Ball, Volley Ball Net & Horseshoes •3 Bathhouses •1 Accessible Family Bath •Log & Timber Rec Room For Groups •Fire Wood, 10 lb Bag Ice, and Propane Sales •Free Wifi •Playground •Dump Station Free to Guests •Honey Wagon $ •RV Tech On Site •Car Rental LOCAL AREA ATTRACTIONS •Mount Rushmore •Custer State Park •Rocky Knolls Golf Course •Crazy Horse Monument •Jewel Cave National Monument •The 1880 Train •Wind Cave National Park •Custer •Rapid City •Deadwood •Lead •Spearfish •Sturgis •Hot Springs
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$43
 / night
Diamond Lake Campground

18. Diamond Lake Campground

33 sites · Porterfield, WI
Diamond Lake Campground stands out for its diverse range of accommodations and convenient amenities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With 71 unique sites, guests can choose from 2 cozy cabins, 1 charming yurt, 3 pull-through sites, 24 weekend sites, 37 seasonal sites, and a spacious group site. For those seeking a more rustic experience, secluded tenting areas are also available. The campground features a well-stocked camp store, providing essential RV supplies and limited grocery items for any forgotten necessities. Located near various services, guests will find gas stations, banks, a bicycle shop, a shopping mall, places of worship, and pharmacies just a short drive away. Cabin amenities enhance the comfort of your stay, including heating, air conditioning, ceiling fans, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, toasters, and limited tableware. The small cabin accommodates up to 5 guests, while the larger cabin can host 7. While pets are welcome in RV sites, they must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times. Please note that pets are not permitted on or near the beaches, in any buildings, or around inflatables. Enjoy a memorable camping experience at Diamond Lake Campground, where adventure and relaxation.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Looking to pitch a tent by a picturesque lake in South Dakota? Look no further than Solace Farm (321 reviews), Black Elk Resort (39 reviews), and Luxury RV Canyon Retreat (24 reviews) are just a few of the top campsites that have received rave reviews from fellow campers. And with popular amenities such as potable water, cooking equipment, and campfires, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, including climbing, fishing, and hiking. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $20, camping by the lake in South Dakota has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in nature's beauty!

98% (495)

Top-rated campgrounds

View from our driveway with the Mickelson Trail and Hwy 385 on the right and the ranch/campground on the left

1. 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

3. 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. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Renegades Ranch

8. Renegades Ranch

100%
(6)
6 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

9. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%
(55)
1 site · RV · Lead, SD
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.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
Beaver Lake Campground

15. Beaver Lake Campground

92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
WELCOME TO BEAVER LAKE CAMPGROUND IN CUSTER, SD Come join us in our beautiful 19-acre pine-filled, rolling terrain campground in Custer, South Dakota. Enjoy the sounds of the breeze through the pines, birds singing, and calm surroundings in a safe, small-town atmosphere. Stay in our spacious RV sites, your tent, or simple to deluxe cabins. Have fun in our heated pool. We are conveniently located just 3.5 miles from the town of Custer, South Dakota. We are 30 minutes from Custer State Park, 22 minutes from Mt. Rushmore, 10 minutes from Crazy Horse Monument, and 9 minutes from Jewel Cave National Monument. The beauty of Custer State Park and the infamous Needles Highway can be very busy for campers, which is why many of our guests choose to stay with us at Beaver Lake Campground. Our central location and peaceful setting will put you very close to all of the amazing things to see and do in the Black Hills (Paha Sapa in the Lakota language) of South Dakota. We are open from April 1 to November 1. Pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The water slide closed. Wonderful News! As of 6/4/22, we have a brand new park-wide Wi-Fi system. Guests dependent on WI-Fi for work will need their own system. Our rural infrastructure isn’t equivalent to big-city Wi-Fi. A WARM WELCOME, FROM THE OWNERS As the owners of Beaver Lake Campground for the past several seasons Julian and Kachina Starr are amazed at how fortunate they are to have purchased this very special campground. The Black Hills area is spectacular with so many things to do and see. You could spend a month here and still not see it all. The summer weather is perfect with warm but not hot days and cool summer nights due to the 5,300-foot elevation. Perfect for evening campfires. Living and working in the Black Hills National Forest is incredible. They feel very happy to be in such calm, peaceful surroundings. Julian and Kachina have accomplished many updates, and improvements in the time they have been here. Everything from not-so-exciting infrastructure, well pumps, electrical upgrades, painting, swimming pool pump, etc., and have attempted to give this beautiful campground a more inviting atmosphere, comfortable seating on the office patio, beautiful flowers, unique pinecone art, upgrades to the cabins, mini-fridges in all cabins, new mattresses, electrical improvements and more. The Starr’s 25-year experience in the RV business in Gold Beach, Oregon, and Durango Colorado has given them lots of warm memories and some funny stories too. They look forward to many more great guest experiences greeting and serving old and new friends. AVAILABLE UNITS •RV Sites •Cabins •Tents ENJOY OUR AMENITIES •1 Large Heated Pool •Store •2 Laundry Facilities •RV Sites Small to Huge •Tent Sites •9 Cabins •Dog Park •Basket Ball, Tether Ball, Volley Ball Net & Horseshoes •3 Bathhouses •1 Accessible Family Bath •Log & Timber Rec Room For Groups •Fire Wood, 10 lb Bag Ice, and Propane Sales •Free Wifi •Playground •Dump Station Free to Guests •Honey Wagon $ •RV Tech On Site •Car Rental LOCAL AREA ATTRACTIONS •Mount Rushmore •Custer State Park •Rocky Knolls Golf Course •Crazy Horse Monument •Jewel Cave National Monument •The 1880 Train •Wind Cave National Park •Custer •Rapid City •Deadwood •Lead •Spearfish •Sturgis •Hot Springs
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$43
 / night
Diamond Lake Campground

18. Diamond Lake Campground

33 sites · Porterfield, WI
Diamond Lake Campground stands out for its diverse range of accommodations and convenient amenities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With 71 unique sites, guests can choose from 2 cozy cabins, 1 charming yurt, 3 pull-through sites, 24 weekend sites, 37 seasonal sites, and a spacious group site. For those seeking a more rustic experience, secluded tenting areas are also available. The campground features a well-stocked camp store, providing essential RV supplies and limited grocery items for any forgotten necessities. Located near various services, guests will find gas stations, banks, a bicycle shop, a shopping mall, places of worship, and pharmacies just a short drive away. Cabin amenities enhance the comfort of your stay, including heating, air conditioning, ceiling fans, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, toasters, and limited tableware. The small cabin accommodates up to 5 guests, while the larger cabin can host 7. While pets are welcome in RV sites, they must be leashed and cleaned up after at all times. Please note that pets are not permitted on or near the beaches, in any buildings, or around inflatables. Enjoy a memorable camping experience at Diamond Lake Campground, where adventure and relaxation.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

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