- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping in South Dakota
91% (1.2K) • 2,728 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota
Horse Creek Resort
1. Horse Creek Resort
97%
(170)
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%
(232)
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%
(54)
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
Whitetail Creek Resort
6. Whitetail Creek Resort
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
Eagle Lode
7. Eagle Lode
98%
(43)
Lead, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV
🌲 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
Campfires
Camp Custer in Star Valley
8. 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
Picnic table
Custer's Last Chance Rv Park
9. 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
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
Luxury RV Canyon Retreat
14. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat
95%
(55)
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
Black Elk Resort
15. Black Elk Resort
97%
(72)
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
The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge
16. The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge
100%
(45)
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 Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins
17. Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins
100%
(16)
Rapid City, SD · 44 sites · RVs, Lodging
Feel free to contact us directly, we are happy to work with you via text or phone call on the office cell phone: 605-787-0024
Year-round campground offering 110 NEW full hook-up sites and 9 fully furnished cozy cabins. We also offer Long Term options to qualified applicants.
Conveniently located a few minutes from both Rapid City and I-90 you will feel like you are out in the country surrounded by all the beautiful views, nature and wildlife.
(The office cell phone is 605-787-0024. Text 24/7. After hours calls for onsite and arriving guests)
Interstate 90, Black Hills Harley Davidson, RV Supply stores, a horse boarding facility, and quick and convenient access to all of the treasures the Black Hills have to offer is conveniently near.
Whether you are kicking your feet up for the weekend or base camping out of Black Hawk Creek RV Park and Cabins to explore the beautiful Black Hills, you will find our tranquil, quiet, and beautiful setting relaxing, convenient, and enjoyable.
Additionally, If you are a full time RVer and in the market for professional RV Skirting we also host the #1 RV Skirting company in the nation, Custom Skirting. Unhitch and check out their No Snap, No Gap channel system and Therma-Slide slide out wraps over in the big barn near the entrance.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Serenity Fields
18. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lightning Under the Oaks
19. Lightning Under the Oaks
83%
(3)
Whitewood, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV
*Lightning Under the Oaks*
~This is a semi maintained primitive area that has only had minor beautification and landscaping. That said, there are steep cliffs, large rocks and a moving creek that floods on occasion and may not be suitable for all. If you have questions as to what that means, please message before booking.~
Primitive Glamping or dry camping! Relax and unwind in this secluded little slice of heaven equipped with the tranquil sounds of Whitewood creek babbling away, adorable woodland creatures, stunning rocks and more! Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or longer, we are happy to host you!
Highlights
*Located between historic Crook City and Whitewood, with local amenities a mile away.
*Both sheltered and secluded, our camping area is protected by many mighty oak trees; nestled away from wind and local light pollution, this is the perfect spot for stargazing and catching a glimpse of our adorable lightning bug friends.
*Just 2 miles from National Forest Access and trails, you can find yourself getting lost in the beautiful trees and scenery of the Black Hills to include views of Bear Butte, Whitewood Peak and many more!
Amenities
*Tent sites: there are many suitable flat spaces for pitching a tent, although creek side is not recommended due to unpredictable rising water levels, weather dependent. Otherwise, find the perfect spot for your needs! This includes dry camping as well!
*If you want the experience of tent camping but didn’t bring a tent along, we have you covered! We have a 2 person tent equipped with cozy bedding and pillows, ready for a good nights sleep.
*Charging station on site: our charging station is solar powered and can provide power to any device that uses a USB charging port. This is located behind the blue tent in a small box labeled “Charging Station.”
*6 gallon container of potable water available in camp with a fresh well water tap available a short distance away.
*On site waste disposal: We have a garbage bin located near the entrance gate. You pack it in, we’ll pack it out for you.
*CLOSED FOR THE SEASON*Restroom access: Lightning Under the Oaks, is happy to provide a composting toilet for your restroom needs. This is located inside the blue pop up tent
Pets
Potable water
Picnic table
Plenty Star Ranch Retreat
20. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat
93%
(281)
Custer, SD · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
T
Tyler
4 days ago
16 ft car
Great place to stay, you have it all to yourself and the surrounding area is beautiful. Just a short drive from gas, a couple stores, and some restaurants.
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M
Matt
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
What a little slice of heaven! We could not have been happier with this location! A quainte and quiet creek-side spot tucked away, while still close to civilization and just a short drive to Lake Cochrane. Steve was so friendly and takes excellent care of this spot and even provided free fire wood/water/clean bathroom with a shower which we greatly appreciated! We will definitely be back!
We experienced a couple of wood ticks but special care and tick collars for the dogs all but solved that issue.
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B
Brian
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
Tried finding some public land to camp on in the national grassland and couldn’t find any. This was a great option. Nice property with plenty of tree cover to protect from the wind! Maybe a little expensive just to throw down a tent but still grateful it was an option! It’s a big property and super nice they limit it to 3 spots because they definitely have the space to do more.
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T
Trevor
2 weeks ago
25 ft Class C
Group trip
This was a great getaway. The creekside RV sites were beautiful, and everyone was super friendly. Bonus: whenever you want a break from cooking at camp, the restaurant on the property has some of the best breakfast you'll ever have!
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Jessica
2 weeks ago
21 ft Class A
Great central location for all the sites in Custer- the hosts were super welcoming, and came out to make sure all was good upon arrival. Site was clean and convenient- also right off of the bike path, which we took advantage of!
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Elliot
2 weeks ago
18 ft campervan
Great spot outside of town but not too far
Beautiful stars and nice easy dry set up on the platform.
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S
Steve
3 weeks ago
20 ft Class B
The best staff. Friend, helpful, concerned. Scott and Donnie and Jody and of course Jace. Great people.They are our new old friends.
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K
Ken
3 weeks ago
18 ft truck camper
What a great site! We prefer to boondock and this site fit the bill. It had the added bonus of a low wood deck which worked well with our truck tarp. The road in was just as advertised by the hosts, a little rough, but no worse than a lot of the National Forest roads we camped on as we made our way through the Black Hills. Very convenient for sightseeing in and around Deadwood and Lead.
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A
Avery
3 weeks ago
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
Camping here was great. It was quite with great views. Will definitely be coming back.
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B
Bailey
May 2026
16 ft car
I would definitely stay at Megan's land again. She was extremely kind and checked on on me when the weather got dicey. She also gave recommendations on the area. Thank you for a lovely stay Megan!
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N
Nicole
May 2026
Tent
Angela was absolutely delightful, very helpful and accommodating.
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Tony
April 2026
18 ft truck camper
Very close to Deadwood, but feels remote. The site is great, views, remote, turkeys gobbling. I loved the final mile of driving after a day of interstate.
See moreJ
JoAnn M.
April 2026
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is a very clean, beautiful sight to camp in and feel secure.
The host is absolutely welcoming, and helpful.
I will be recommending this to location to all my friends and family. Thank you
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R
Rachel
April 2026
16 ft car
Deb and her husband were so welcoming and helpful! they fixed up the motor home for me since it was going to be below freezing, it was much appreciated!
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Hunter
April 2026
18 ft truck camper
With pets
This is the best Hipcamp place I've stayed! The host met me and gave me a choice of locations; I picked a spot near the river with beautiful views of the breaks to the north. It was quiet and peaceful and I got the best sleep of my my entire trip! My dog loved it too. Geese and ducks and rabbits and deer and coyotes yipping at night and birds singing in the nearby trees, and the stars were gorgeous. I definitely recommend this place! Thank you Angela!
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W
William
April 2026
Tent
Very friendly hosts, nice quiet spot, clean facilities. Recommend!
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Sunny
March 2026
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
This is THE SPOT when wanting to see the sites in the area! It’s close to Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more plus we even drove to Devils Tower! The best part is Black Hills is just past the fence line for some morning or evening hikes. Totally recommend.
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J
Jack
December 2025
16 ft car
All around fantastic experience. Great communication, great spot to camp. It wasnt even that far off the road but it felt extremely isolated at night.
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T
Teresa
December 2025
17 ft Class C
Very easy to find. Terrific communication from the site owners. Roomy spot. I would definitely recommend to others and would stay there again if ever back in that area.
See moreC
Corina
November 2025
31 ft Class C
With pets
We reached out to the camp host to see if they’d let us check in earlier and so thankful that they did. It allowed us to have enough time to drive down and explore the Badlands since we only had one day of fun. It’s about an hour away from here. We also got to see a famous roadside attraction Wall Drugs.
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