Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe

Explore
/
United States
/
South Dakota
/
Camping
/
Camping with Wildlife watching

The best camping in South Dakota with wildlife watching

Name: South Dakota
Address: South Dakota
Rating: 4.8375

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% (3.2K) • 5,169 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota

Uncle B's Produce Farm

1. Uncle B's Produce Farm

100%

(1322)

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

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

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

3. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(494)

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

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

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 on the Sioux Reservation. Wildlife in the area includes cougars, elk, deer, raccoons, rabbits, prairie dogs, and moose. There are also excellent fishing spots within 4 miles of the campsite. This is a very quiet, rustic, back-to-nature location, perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The area offers easy hiking trails, moderate mountain biking trails, and good dirt bike trails. The Hollow Horn Bear Sundance Grounds is less than a mile away for those who want to learn about and explore Native culture. Sun dances occur about once a week during the summer season.

Pets

The Specialty Crop

7. The Specialty Crop

100%

(76)

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

Highland Meadows Resort

8. Highland Meadows Resort

100%

(24)

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

Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

9. 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

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%

(163)

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%

(27)

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

Blue Tin Ranch

15. Blue Tin Ranch

97%

(155)

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 a luxury hunting lodge 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 are 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 balcony overlooking both Iowa and Nebraska, and fields of corn and beans! Bathrooms can be found centrally on the property, we have 2 womens, 2 mens and one family/ handicap accessible. Now with Shower AND WIFI!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

The Wilderness

16. The Wilderness

99%

(131)

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%

(266)

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

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

Secluded and Serene Tentground

19. Secluded and Serene Tentground

100%

(8)

Garretson, SD · 1 site

Welcome! If you’re looking for a quiet place to tent camp, look no further. We have tent camping available on 2 acres of land equipped with your own fire pit, surrounded by beautiful trees. We are a half mile walk from hiking at Palisades State Park and a two mile drive to 3 other parks. No restrooms onsite.

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

20. 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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Amber

1 day ago

16 ft car

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

Carole and Steve are phenomenal hosts and made us feel at home. Upon arrival, they showed us around the property, which provides many delightful areas to explore. EVERYTHING about this camping experience was positive. We will definitely be back!

Rhenee

2 days ago

45 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

I enjoyed camping at Uncle B’s. The property was very clean and well kept. The directions to the property were precise. It was a great place to enjoy country life for the weekend. Brian was very welcoming, attentive and has a nice property. 😊

Stephen

3 days ago

With kids

2 nights at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Loved this campground. Nestles seemlessly into the environment. Lots of space and options for your camping experience. Brian is as good a host as you are going to find. Will be back when we travel out west again.

Bennett

4 days ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

What was meant to be a casual overnight stay unexpectedly became one of the highlights of our trip. The campgrounds are gorgeous and well maintained including a path around the area full of easter eggs. The bathrooms are super well maintained and decorated. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into the grounds amazing! Uncle B is a delightful person who bent over backwards for us at every interaction. He gave us firewood, S’more stuff, homegrown zucchini and yellow squash. He even helped us light our campfire! At night the sky lit up with stars as well as the gazebo and other structures within the grounds. His farm is located about 10ish minutes from a local small town and grocery store. If you ever want to take things slow for a bit, this campground is the perfect spot to go.

Michelle

4 days ago

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

Beautiful spot to camp . Wish I had an extra day or two to check out the area. The horses were so amazing. Fed them some snacks! Carole and Steve were so nice. They brought us fresh eggs! Yummy. Thank you for such a whimsical retreat!

Amy

5 days ago

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Enjoyed the peaceful setting, the night stars and the cornfield

Lexxi

5 days ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at The Specialty Crop

Just how I like my campsites. Quite, plenty of fireflies, and no neighbors. 10/10 would reccomend. Farm fresh eggs, an outdoor shower and friendly host. Sunset and sunrise were absolutely beautiful!! We will definitely be staying here again im the future!

Rob

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian has found his calling! Great host and very relaxing vibes. Will return!

Aaron

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Camp was nice, the host was very helpful. I strongly recommend.

Kristen

1 week ago

24 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B’s was great! The kids loved all the animals! The camping site was big and the property had key amenities.

sam

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian (Uncle B) has a great campsite! His place was by far the best hip camp spot that I have been to. Not only that but he’s a great guy to talk to. I would definitely recommend going to Uncle B’s!

Stephen

1 week ago

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

This was our second time to Uncle B's and as usual the host and site were 10 of 10. Thank you. I made a mistake in our reservation and uncle B took it in stride and got us situated.

Jennifer

1 week ago

12 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Uncle B's Produce Farm

My family enjoyed our time at Uncle B’s. The host was hospitable and kind. We could tell he was strategic with placing people in sites that would be best for their camping situation, while also considering the others camping. Thanks for helping our kids have a great 1st official camping trip!

Kevin

1 week ago

16 ft travel trailer

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Easy to find. Friendly host. Decent shower. Great sunset

Ariella

1 week ago

16 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B’s was a great, relaxing spot on a very long road trip. Thank you, Brian!

Autumn

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We love tenting and we had the most beautiful spot in a clearing of his trees. It was quiet and Brian was the nicest guy. He even had a goodie bag for us when we got there! Bathrooms were clean. He had peacocks that came and visited us at our site which we loved they were beautiful. We hope to go back soon!!

Cory

1 week ago

26 ft pop-up camper

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

This little piece of heaven was just what we were looking for on our trip. Both Carole and Steve were helpful in selecting a spot for us to set up at and explaining how things worked. Just before sundown Steve brought around some fresh eggs for us and the other guests which made breakfast that much better. This is definitely a place we will return to if we are ever passing through.

Crystal

1 week ago

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We would definitely camp here again! I only wish we had spent more time enjoying Brian's beautiful property. Brian went above and beyond anything we've experienced at other campgrounds. He welcomed our family with thoughtful gifts for the kids and even had a s'mores goodie pack waiting for us. We loved how private our campsite was and how much space we had to relax and enjoy ourselves. There were so many fun, thoughtful touches throughout the property that made our stay extra special. We can't wait to come back!

Amee

1 week ago

16 ft car

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian has a gorgeous homestead with exotic birds, adorable kittens (available for adoption :) ), and playful dogs. I was upgraded to a yurt in the woods and enjoyed a comfortable stay. The bathrooms were clean and shower was warm. Golden yoke farm eggs. Be sure to take the guided tour of the property.