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Camping with Wildlife watching

The best camping in South Dakota with wildlife watching

Name: South Dakota
Address: South Dakota
Rating: 4.8635

Looking to experience the great outdoors in South Dakota while indulging in some wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 285 options in South Dakota that cater to wildlife watching, you'll have no shortage of choices. From the serene landscapes of Uncle B's Produce Farm (451 reviews) to the peaceful atmosphere of Solace Farm (321 reviews) and the convenient amenities offered at Custer's Last Chance RV Park (108 reviews), you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Plus, with an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $10, camping in South Dakota has never been more affordable. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in nature, with hiking, wind sports, and whitewater paddling just a few of the popular activities awaiting you!

97% (3.1K) • 5,176 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Uncle B's Produce Farm

1. Uncle B's Produce Farm

100%

(1260)

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

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

Toilets

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

2. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(479)

Hermosa, SD · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging

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. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! 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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

3. 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

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

Wind Cave National Park

5. Wind Cave National Park

100%

(13)

National park in South Dakota · 77 sites

Explore landscapes above–and below–-ground while camping at Wind Cave National Park.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

The Happy Camper's Perfect Spot

6. The Happy Camper's Perfect Spot

St Francis, SD · 1 site

2.5 acres of totally secluded land in the Sioux Reservation. Lots of wildlife including cougars, elk, deer, raccoon, rabbits, prairie dogs, and moose. Awesome fishing spots within 4 miles of camp. Very quiet and rustic back to nature spot perfect for getting out of the hustle and bustle of every day life. Easy hiking trails, moderate mountain biking trails, and good dirt bike trails Hollow Horn Bear Sundance Grounds is less than a mile away for those who want to learn and explore native culture. Sundances occur about once a week through the summer season

Pets

Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

7. 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

Highland Meadows Resort

8. Highland Meadows Resort

100%

(11)

Hot Springs, SD · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Highland Meadows Resort sits on 12.5 acres atop a private mesa in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The resort features four private cabins, two glamping tipis, and an earth home on the upper mesa — and a campground on the lower mesa. Tipis are equipped with a king-size bed, sleeper sofa, and basic kitchenette. There's a shared wood fire pit, laundry facilities, horseshoe pit, and a private bath w/ shower for each tipi. Tipis also come with a pack and play for one extra infant/toddler. Kitchenettes come with a microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and some basic place settings. The campground has several tent and RV sites, each with their own fire pit, picnic table, and power. The campground has a common area for larger gatherings and flush toilets with sinks. There are several water spigots in the campground as well: two near the restrooms and one at each RV site. Highland Meadows Resort is located near The Mammoth Site, Wind Cave, Cold Brook Reservoir, and local hot springs. It's a short drive from Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Get 10% OFF at Evans Plunge when you show them you're staying at Highland Meadows Resort.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

The Wilderness

9. The Wilderness

99%

(126)

West Pennington, SD · 1 site · Tent, RV

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.

Pets

Custer State Park

10. Custer State Park

89%

(28)

State park in South Dakota · 328 sites

Granite peaks, rolling prairie, and herds of wildlife roam free at this massive South Dakota park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Palisades State Park

11. Palisades State Park

100%

(4)

State park in South Dakota · 43 sites

An almost shocking landscape of grandeur and drama awaits you. Kayak, fish, rock-climb, and relax.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Badlands National Park

12. Badlands National Park

98%

(152)

National park in South Dakota · 200 sites

Camp in an otherworldly landscape with unique rock formations.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Big Sioux Recreation Area

13. 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

Downhome Country Farm

14. Downhome Country Farm

100%

(22)

Lennox, SD · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Downhome Country Farm is 10 acres of woods and prairie with a large garden, chickens, wild turkeys, guinea fowl, mules, horses, a dog, and bee hives in the pasture. We have two restored vintage campers that sleep 4 people and multiple tent sites. The bathroom and solar shower are shared by all guests. There are 2 sites for self-contained RV's with 20A electric available and water at some sites. 2 tent sites are available until the hay season (August) then the pasture is wide open tent camping. Horse boarding and camping available too. Each site can request individual fire rings. We have an outdoor community area that has a large fire pit, covered shelter and a woodfired pizza oven that will be in use on some weekends and by request. Local and national touring musicians are known to provide pop up private concerts some weekends and impromptu jam sessions. On occasion, we have outdoor movies and morning yoga along with great activities in the surrounding community too. Or just hang out in the hammocks and soak in that downhome country feeling. Come and enjoy the great outdoors on our farm! https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1MlLzqcaoZe4wv9G8w-LlBzxb1iEGIgP2KdeOgca1yJc/mobilebasic?pli=1 file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ef/15/1845F243-B279-4F10-99B9-ED57938A2EA8/1751730895301blob.JPEG

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

The Specialty Crop

15. The Specialty Crop

100%

(62)

Hudson, SD · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

16. Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

98%

(262)

Spearfish, SD · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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!!

Pets

Potable water

Full hookups

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

17. 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

Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

2 days ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a relaxing stay here last night after a long day of driving. Brian was extremely nice and personable. His land is beautiful and our spot was quiet and peaceful. Nice, level grassy campsite was wonderful. Bathroom/showers were clean & convenient to our site. He even gave us milk bone treats for our dog and s'more ingredients. He is a very kind host. Nice farm to walk our dog too.

Dawn

3 days ago

28 ft travel trailer

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

What a lovely place. We had an excellent night with our rv trailer. Hookups all in great shape. Bathroom, shower, and wash station all were excellent. Brian even showed up and gave us a tour of his place, hippy bus, Mount Rushmore, yellow stone, and the bridge troll. what a nice surprise. If we ever come through again we will stay here. And his peacocks are awesome

Calvin

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Excellent stay at Brian’s farm. Really enjoyable setup and site

Rich

1 week ago

19 ft truck camper

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

This is a beautiful setting! chickens and horses and a dog greeted us and the hosts were so friendly-there are a few trails around the property that they maintain, a nice firepit area, a super clean amazing shower/toilet area. Highly recommend and would stay again

Samantha

1 week ago

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian was incredibly welcoming! This was a fantastic stay that I would recommend to others.

Tressa

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

After deciding to book a trip out to the hills incredibly last minute leading up to Memorial Day, I stumbled across Tammy’s land and boy was it the biggest blessing ever!!! This camping experience tops any previous ones I’ve had - the location, the shower house, the amenities, the hospitality… all top tier and then some. We will be back 💛

Jonah

1 week ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We had a great time! Bear Den was incredibly cozy and calm, we had a wonderful experience just relaxing and enjoying nature. Tammy was very nice and welcoming to us and helped us out whenever we needed it. Would definitely recommend!

1 week ago

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

We loved it. The campground host was excellent very friendly. Perfect place to camp out to have some privacy it makes it a very relaxing stay. We definitely will be back and I’ll be telling my friends.

Katie

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian is so friendly and the farm is beautiful with a super chill vibe! 10/10 and will definitely stay again

Jason

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Clean, quiet, spacious sites and Brian is very personable. I’d stay here again without question

Erica

1 week ago

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

We loved every minute while camping at Uncle B’s! Would definitely recommend!

Brian

2 weeks ago

35 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian is the definition of a Host treating hipcampers like guests! Fresh eggs and smore kit when you arrive. Grass is freshly cut. A golf cart tour of the property with unique characteristics. Sharing ideas for exploring the area. Everything he does focuses on a great hipcamp experience. Will definitely stay here again. Almost rate as high as Ten Sleep Brewery Hipcamp….work on adding a brewery Brian!

Bruce

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy the host was fantastic!!!! The grounds were comfortable, the amenities were above what I expected and the time Tammy took to make sure I understood all that I good do while on site and her desire and efforts to make sure to was comfortable during my stay was great.

Trevor

2 weeks ago

25 ft Class C

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

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!

Jessica

2 weeks ago

21 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

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!

Jason

2 weeks ago

8 ft truck camper

Weekend Trip to The Specialty Crop

As always an amazing stay at a fantastic place with a wonderful host family. We LOVE coming here Bonus of our last stay was live music

Adam

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Secluded and Serene Tentground

We had a wonderful time staying at Heidi’s secluded yet very accessible camp site. It had everything we needed for a night in the woods while being just off of a very quiet road.

Mister

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy was so welcoming and accommodating. I can’t say enough good things about our stay, and I wish we could’ve stayed more than one night. Tammy and her husband clearly put a lot of love and passion into hosting, the amenities were incredible and the even potable water tastes great. Quiet and peaceful site and beautiful to explore.

Keith

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Great host, great site, and great land. Loved the hidden Easter eggs around, the birds, and the dogs! It was so quiet and relaxing. Had everything I needed. Thanks for a great stay!