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The best river, stream, or creek camping in South Dakota

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near the rivers of South Dakota, we've got you covered. With over 160 available options in South Dakota with river access, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. Take a look at our top campsites, like Solace Farm (321 reviews), Custer's Last Chance Rv Park (108 reviews), and Black Elk Resort (39 reviews), to see what other campers have loved. And with popular amenities like showers, toilets, and cooking equipment, you'll have all the comforts of home. Plus, you can enjoy activities like whitewater paddling, biking, and wildlife watching. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in South Dakota!

92% (1.2K) 2,727 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Horse Creek Resort

1. Horse Creek Resort

97%
(186)
Rapid City, SD · 26 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

2. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%
(238)
Rapid City, SD · 15 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
Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

3. Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

94%
(64)
Wall, SD · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This ranch is the home of children's book author Cowgirl Annie. This property is a working Ranch. Some of the campsites are in an abandoned gravel pit so you will be parking on a sandy gravel base. I like to let my guests decide where they want to park. I may have to move guests to a different site than the one they booked depending on what is happening on the ranch or the weather. There are cottonwood stands close by that you can hike through to the river. A wide variety of wildlife live in this area, so no telling what you may see or hear. You will have a big area to yourselves. I have tried to plan areas so you won't be disturbed by other campers. I do not groom hiking trails. You will be at one with nature. You may want to bring bug spray, sometimes the mosquitos and horseflies are bad. Wall Drug and the Badlands National Park are about a twenty-minute drive. Mount Rushmore is about an hour and 15 minutes.
Pets
Toilets
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
Big Sioux Recreation Area

5. Big Sioux Recreation Area

100%
(2)
State park in South Dakota · 52 sites
Discover the natural charm of Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Camp Marrowbone

6. Camp Marrowbone

La Plant, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV
Our rustic camp property allows you to explore the Cheyenne River Reservation while staying in our humble property. Enjoy the most beautiful sunsets over Stove Creek Bay, part of the Missouri River. Nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Oahe on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation, Camp Marrowbone offers an immersive outdoor experience like no other. This remote and scenic retreat is perfect for tent campers seeking adventure, solitude, and a deep connection to nature.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Eagle Lode

7. Eagle Lode

97%
(50)
Lead, SD · 1 site
🌲 Escape to Nature's Haven! 🌲 Discover the serenity of our primitive campsite nestled in a breathtaking 15-acre forest oasis. Perfect for adventurers seeking solace and tranquility, our campsite boasts a crystal-clear creek babbling through old growth black hills forest. Whether you're a seasoned outdoors enthusiast or a family seeking a digital detox, our campsite offers the ideal retreat. Embrace the simplicity of nature and create lasting memories at our hidden gem in the woods!
Pets
Serenity Fields

8. Serenity Fields

87%
(53)
Kimball, SD · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Toilets
Campfires
Whitetail Creek Resort

9. Whitetail Creek Resort

100%
(2)
Lead, SD · 15 sites · RVs, Lodging
If you’re coming to “the Hills” for part or all of your vacation, you want to be a part of the Black Hills. Walk out your door and take in the sites of mountains, pines, and mule deer. Take in the soothing sound of the creek, and the whisper of the wind through the pines. Relax and smell the hint of smoke from our nightly fire in the big pit. That’s a Black Hills Vacation. We have accommodations for everyone from comfy motel rooms and cabins to camping accommodations (RV sites, camping cabins, & yurts). Whitetail Creek runs the length of the property! Centrally located for all kinds of entertainment: Whether you are here to ride off-road, cruise the canyon, gamble or take in dinner and music in Deadwood, or tour the “Southern Hills”, WCR is the place to stay for easy access to all. “Come Stay at the Creek!” We are Lead’s best vacation resort. Our property sits right alongside the peaceful Whitetail creek surrounded by woods and hills. Come relax in our family-run resort that’s far enough from town to be quiet and close enough for everything to be accessible.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Angostura Recreation Area

10. Angostura Recreation Area

100%
(2)
State park in South Dakota · 203 sites
Angostura Recreation Area: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Louise Recreation Area

11. Lake Louise Recreation Area

100%
(1)
State park in South Dakota · 42 sites
Discover Lake Louise Recreation Area's natural splendor and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

12. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

100%
(1)
State park in South Dakota · 114 sites
Discover Lake Poinsett's serene waters and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
North Wheeler Recreation Area

13. North Wheeler Recreation Area

100%
(1)
State park in South Dakota · 25 sites
North Wheeler Recreation Area: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
River's Bend Campground

14. River's Bend Campground

100%
(5)
Hot Springs, SD · 6 sites
Welcome to River’s Bend Campground No Crowds. No Loud Neighbors. Just Room to Breathe. Quiet RV Camping Beneath Red Rock Cliffs River’s Bend Campground is a small, peaceful RV campground designed for travelers who value space, privacy, and a calm atmosphere. Nestled beneath a red rock cliff and wrapped by the spring-fed Fall River as it curves in a natural horseshoe around the land, River’s Bend offers a rare blend of natural beauty and easy convenience. With just six RV sites—including three oversized 35’ x 100’ pull-through sites, two spacious 25’ x 100’ sites, and one 35’ x 60’ pull-in/back-out site—we intentionally keep things uncrowded and low-key. All sites feature full hookups, making River’s Bend ideal for self-contained RV travelers who appreciate comfort without the bustle of large parks. Located just outside Hot Springs with direct highway access, arrivals and departures are simple and stress-free. Because of this convenient location, some road noise may be present, particularly during the day. Once you’re parked, however, sites are oriented toward the river and walking path, where the surrounding landscape and natural sounds create a relaxed setting that feels far removed from busy travel corridors. If complete silence is a priority, a more remote setting may be a better fit. River’s Bend is best suited for couples and solo travelers seeking a restful stop. This is not a party campground. We prioritize a respectful, low-key environment and observe quiet hours to help ensure a peaceful stay for all guests. The maximum capacity per site is four people. There is no shared shower house; all sites are intended for fully self-contained RVs. We have rural water/potable hookups along with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electrical hookups. Septic hookups are coming soon. Our rates reflect the small size of the campground, oversized full-hookup sites, and the quiet, uncrowded experience we aim to provide. If you enjoy wide-open sites, calm evenings, and spending time along the river, you’ll feel right at home at River’s Bend Campground.
Pets
Full hookups
Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

15. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%
(60)
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
Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

16. Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

93%
(221)
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
Pleasant Valley

17. Pleasant Valley

100%
(2)
Gary, SD · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Pleasant Valley is located Eastern Dakotas and is a beautiful oak savannah nestled in a valley with Cobb Creek running through the property. Guests have commented on it being one of the most scenic places in this prairie region. Nature trails abound along with wildlife and many different types of plants and birds. Tent site and RV site with electrical, water and sewer. Also have cabins just a few few from the babbling creek. Full bathroom with shower located on site.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Camp Custer in Star Valley

18. Camp Custer in Star Valley

95%
(20)
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
Campfires
Picnic table
The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

19. The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

100%
(47)
Baltic, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV
The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge is a sandy spot located on 21 acres overlooking the Big Sioux River just 12 miles north of Sioux Falls. Open April through November, The Retreat is a place of quiet and natural beauty intended to foster social interaction and creative pursuits between artists and community in SE South Dakota. The site is on the far edge of an artist retreat, but hipcampers can enjoy their own private area. Look out over the river to a farm on the opposite bank. Spend your time watching for wild turkeys, geese, eagles, and an occasional deer. Or hike the river bank or gravel country roads, fish in the river, take part in any Retreat activities if available, photography opportunities, enjoy an evening campfire under the stars. You might find any type of creative activity in our Main Hall -- a workshop, concert, poetry reading, small theatrical production, or other social gathering. Or just enjoy a quiet evening on the long Main Hall porch. We have a couple grills and an outdoor pizza oven for your special cooking needs. In addition, enjoy the Hall's complete indoor kitchen; you'll also find the bathrooms and showers here. Other buildings on the campus include: the A-Frame which is a unique sleeping space for up to 6 people; a Woodworking Shop; Artist Studio and Rustic Cabin for stayovers; screened-in outdoor patio; playground; huge bonfire pit; and room to camp or explore.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Black Elk Resort

20. Black Elk Resort

95%
(73)
Rapid City, SD · 1 site
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.
Pets
Full hookups

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top state and regional parks in South Dakota