The best camping near Hot Springs with wildlife watching

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! Whether you're an avid wildlife watcher or simply love being surrounded by nature, we've got you covered near Hot Springs, South Dakota. With over 180 available options that cater to wildlife watching, you'll find the perfect campsite to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. From the highly rated Custer's Last Chance Rv Park (108 reviews) to the serene Redwater Revival Campground (79 reviews) and the picturesque Crow Peak's Last Best Place (70 reviews), you can trust that our top campsites have been enjoyed by many. With amenities like potable water, toilets, and cooking equipment, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can indulge in activities like horseback riding, exploring historic sites, and biking. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Buffalo Tipi Glamping

3. Buffalo Tipi Glamping

100%
(8)
0.8mi from Hot Springs · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hot Springs, SD
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night
View from our driveway with the Mickelson Trail and Hwy 385 on the right and the ranch/campground on the left

6. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
16mi from Hot Springs · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

7. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%
(229)
38mi from Hot Springs · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD
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. 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. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Auto Inn Motel & RV Park

20. Auto Inn Motel & RV Park

47mi from Hot Springs · 11 sites · Newcastle, WY
The Auto Inn stands out as a unique motel in Newcastle, offering a serene campground experience nestled on the outskirts of the Black Hills National Forest. This prime location provides easy access to some of the most iconic attractions in the area, including Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, and the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Custer State Park. Conveniently situated just 45 minutes from Devils Tower, an hour from the historic town of Deadwood, and an hour from the breathtaking views of Mount Rushmore and Keystone, The Auto Inn is the perfect base for exploring the region. Our motel features a 30-unit campground equipped with full hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Enjoy our on-site laundry facilities and take advantage of the grassy and wooded areas throughout the property, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including year-round jackrabbits, fall wild turkeys, and the occasional white-tailed deer and antelope. With modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, The Auto Inn is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in Newcastle. Book your room today and experience the beauty and adventure that awaits you in this remarkable area.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! Whether you're an avid wildlife watcher or simply love being surrounded by nature, we've got you covered near Hot Springs, South Dakota. With over 180 available options that cater to wildlife watching, you'll find the perfect campsite to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. From the highly rated Custer's Last Chance Rv Park (108 reviews) to the serene Redwater Revival Campground (79 reviews) and the picturesque Crow Peak's Last Best Place (70 reviews), you can trust that our top campsites have been enjoyed by many. With amenities like potable water, toilets, and cooking equipment, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can indulge in activities like horseback riding, exploring historic sites, and biking. So pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Buffalo Tipi Glamping

3. Buffalo Tipi Glamping

100%
(8)
0.8mi from Hot Springs · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hot Springs, SD
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night
View from our driveway with the Mickelson Trail and Hwy 385 on the right and the ranch/campground on the left

6. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
16mi from Hot Springs · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

7. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%
(229)
38mi from Hot Springs · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD
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. 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. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Auto Inn Motel & RV Park

20. Auto Inn Motel & RV Park

47mi from Hot Springs · 11 sites · Newcastle, WY
The Auto Inn stands out as a unique motel in Newcastle, offering a serene campground experience nestled on the outskirts of the Black Hills National Forest. This prime location provides easy access to some of the most iconic attractions in the area, including Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, and the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Custer State Park. Conveniently situated just 45 minutes from Devils Tower, an hour from the historic town of Deadwood, and an hour from the breathtaking views of Mount Rushmore and Keystone, The Auto Inn is the perfect base for exploring the region. Our motel features a 30-unit campground equipped with full hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Enjoy our on-site laundry facilities and take advantage of the grassy and wooded areas throughout the property, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including year-round jackrabbits, fall wild turkeys, and the occasional white-tailed deer and antelope. With modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, The Auto Inn is the ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable stay in Newcastle. Book your room today and experience the beauty and adventure that awaits you in this remarkable area.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field