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Camping with Wildlife watching

The best camping in South Dakota with wildlife watching

Name: South Dakota
Address: South Dakota
Rating: 4.835999999999999

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% (3.3K) • 5,169 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Uncle B's Produce Farm

1. Uncle B's Produce Farm

100%

(1369)

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

The Specialty Crop

2. The Specialty Crop

100%

(88)

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

Blue Tin Ranch

3. Blue Tin Ranch

97%

(162)

Burbank, SD · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Hello and welcome to the peaceful countryside! Proud to be named HipCamp's 2022 Top 10 Properties! We are an Agri-Tourism event and guest space venue 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 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 grain bin that serves as a bar during events but has a patio with table and chairs for you to use. Bathrooms can be found centrally on the property, we have 2 womens, 2 mens and one family/ handicap accessible. Now with Shower AND WIFI! Owner lives on site and is available most times for assistance.

Pets

Electrical hookup

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

Wind Cave National Park

5. Wind Cave National Park

100%

(14)

National park in South Dakota · 77 sites

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

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

6. Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

94%

(69)

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

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

7. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(515)

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

8. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%

(252)

Rapid City, SD · 16 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

Highland Meadows Resort

9. Highland Meadows Resort

98%

(33)

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

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

99%

(169)

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%

(35)

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 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 with 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. A nature trail, fresh produce usually. A tetherball!! Plus national touring musicians are known to provide pop up private concerts some weekends and impromptu jam sessions by the campfire or on the front porch. On occasion, we have outdoor movies(when the sun goes down early) and morning yoga along with great activities in the surrounding community too. Or just hang out in the hammocks or swing from the 60 foot swing in the old cottonwood and soak in that downhome country feeling while it “snows” in July. Come and enjoy the great outdoors on our farm! Watch the fireflies and fireworks this Independence Day! 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

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

15. Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

93%

(223)

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

Potable water

The Wilderness

16. The Wilderness

98%

(136)

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

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

17. Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

98%

(272)

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

Star Valley RV Camp Spot

18. Star Valley RV Camp Spot

100%

(39)

Custer, SD · 1 site

Cozy full hook up RV spot centrally located in the southern Black Hills on five acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from the shared fire pit just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles from the town 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

Full hookups

Easton’s Castle/O-TE-LA Camp

19. Easton’s Castle/O-TE-LA Camp

87%

(73)

Aberdeen , SD · 25 sites · Tents, RVs

Camp where L FBaum found the inspiration for The Emerald City of OZ. Campsites with an acre each, magical firepits in the forest circling the castle. Numerous deer owls pheasants and songbirds. Wireless free on the porch, tents for rent, porta potties. $3 bathrooms w showers just 2 miles away. Learn more about this land: Pitch camp in one of 25 sites in the 20 acre forest surrounding magical Easton’s castle, the inspiration for the Wizard of OZ. L Frank Baum loved this place and you will too. A small forest. One acre campsites. You will be alone in Nature. Room for RV to park w limited electrical and wireless around castle. There are no RV electrical or sewer hookups. /p>

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

20. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%

(65)

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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Deveri

1 day ago

Tent

4 nights at Starlight Carroll Creek

We are new to tent camping…great campsite…awesome night sky…wild turkeys everywhere. We had the place to ourselves…secluded…private…the ground was flat and soft (no rocks or timber) and perfect for tent camping…close enough to Custer to head in for a meal or snack, but far enough away that we were really by ourselves. Ted came down to visit on the first night and it was great to meet him…otherwise he allowed us to have the place to ourselves…we felt safe…as a parent of two adult daughters I would have no concerns with my girls staying at this camp sight. We HIGHLY recommend Ted’s camp…Thank you Ted for making our trip to the Black Hills unforgettable.

Karla

1 day ago

24 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

Amazing place. They created so many sweet spots that invite you in. Everything they did was well thought out. Neat antiques, flowers, hammocks, swings. Even the outhouse was super cool. Lots of animals to love on. Super safe. Close to the interstate. Thank you!!

Chris

1 week ago

19 ft campervan

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Love Uncle B’s. Brian is so hospitable and kind and we loved staying here again. A storm came through and it was so peaceful hearing the rain of the roof in this lovely spot.

Yana

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Beautiful property! Brian was very kind and accommodating

Scott

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

What a great find! I never know what to expect when I arrive at my campsites, but I knew this one was special from the moment I arrived. The facilities were very clean and the attention to detail is top notch. The host was very helpful throughout my stay and I can’t say enough about her, the location and my experience.

onewildlifer

1 week ago

33 ft travel trailer

9 nights at Star Valley RV Camp Spot

The site was wonderfully quiet, clean and the host is super friendly. ❤️

Julia

1 week ago

45 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Highly recommend! Brian is a phenomenal host. It’s like showing up at a friend’s home. The space was excellent, and having power for AC (it was HOT!) was great - the water was really good, bathrooms with shower were clean and close - just like all the reviewers, if you are near and need a place to stop, this is the place even if you have to drive a little further to get there. I left with delicious cherry tomatoes from the garden, and Brian brought us some larger tomatoes too. Thank you Brian, we appreciate you.

rosemary

1 week ago

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at The Specialty Crop

We really enjoyed our stay here. The property was very nice and the hosts were great. We enjoyed the chickens and cats wandering around. Loved the open air shower and appreciated the toiletries provided. We ordered a delicious pizza that Katie delivered got from the oven to our site. We really enjoyed getting to know the hosts a little. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to others.

Patti

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

If you’re looking for a fun place with lots of super fun little touches, an awesome host and plenty of nearby attractions, then I highly recommend you to come to Brian’s hip camp! He’s one of the nicest hosts you will ever have the pleasure of meeting and your dog will love it! Guaranteed!

DELETED

2 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

Host is very accommodating, considerate and helpful. She chatted with us about the local town and even gave us a map of the area. The porter potties were very clean and view was gorgeous.

Jeff

2 weeks ago

36 ft fifth wheel

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

This is our second time staying at Uncle B’s and will stay again if in the area! Brian is very responsive, helpful and engaging. His garden definitely produces some nice produce which he freely shares. Water and power work great and the grass site area is pretty level.

andrea

2 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Great and welcoming host! Definitely worth the stay!!!

randy & audrey

2 weeks ago

45 ft travel trailer

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Thanks Brian for a restful stop over. Electric and water hook ups perfect us. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Loved the chickens, peacocks and the dogs. The cherry tomatoes were the best we have ever had. Thanks for the fresh yellow squash and zucchini. All your efforts to be a top rated Hipcamp should not go unnoticed! The seemores package puts you over the top as one of the best hosts! Thanks again. Audrey & Randy E

Christophe

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a wonderful stay at Brian's. We received a very warm welcome with thoughtful touches, including for our dog. The place is incredibly peaceful and relaxing. Thank you for your very warm hospitality.

Jemma

2 weeks ago

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B was the BEST! We loved it! Lots of space, nice bathrooms, a playground, animals to see...and the best host! We will be back:)

Lindsey

3 weeks ago

12 ft rooftop tent

1 night at Blue Tin Ranch

Beautiful place, clean bathrooms and shower a short walk away. I have a rooftop tent and we parked in the flat gravel lot behind the event barn. There were no events so we had the place to ourselves. The property is encircled by cornfields so feels private.

Brijet

3 weeks ago

30 ft Class C

1 night at Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

Angela was a very sweet host! The stay was perfect for what we needed. I would recommend others looking for a quiet and peaceful stay.

Felicia

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B’s Camping was absolutely amazing! I tent camped at Site #6, which Brian recommended, and he couldn’t have been more spot-on—it was perfect. The sunsets from the train-track bridge were incredible, and the sunrises were some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Brian was such a kind and welcoming host. Between the s’mores, fresh vegetables, chickens, dogs, peacocks, and kittens, my heart was completely full. I was traveling and camping alone, and I felt comfortable and safe the entire time. I’m so happy I found this special little place in South Dakota. I would absolutely stay here again!

Luke

3 weeks ago

28 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian was incredible. We had a dog that had been sitting in a van for a really long day. He gave us a private area to let him run around with dibs is very sweet dog that our dog loved to play with. He made her son feel rated home with all of his creative avenues around his property. I couldn’t find a better place to stay.Thank you, Brian and your family. Birds, dogs, cats, etc. I noticed you didn’t have an Oregon license plate and if you send me your address again, I will send you one for your outhouse. I hope you guys have a wonderful evening.

Ryan

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

I really enjoyed camping at Uncle B’s farm! Brian was a great host who even helped me pitch my tent while we had a friendly conversation. He also supplied s’mores supplies and some lgokegrown cherry tomatoes, The camping spot was perfect for my needs and let me get a good night’s rest before continuing on my way. Uncle B’s is the place to stay if you’re in the Sioux Falls area and are looking for a great place to relax!