Camping near Hot Springs with wildlife watching

South Dakota’s hot springs are hidden away in the southern Black Hills.

97% (973 reviews)

United States
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South Dakota
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Hot Springs

97% (973 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Hot Springs

Community favorites near Hot Springs

Public campgrounds near Hot Springs

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Elk Mountain Campground

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Stockade North Campground

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Horsethief Lake Campground

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Blue Bell Campground

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Comanche Park Campground

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Oreville Campground

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Grizzly Creek Primitive Campground

16 sites In Black Hills National Forest

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Stockade South Campground

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Sunset on the beach at cascade campground

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Cascade Campground

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Hat Creek Campground

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Sheridan Lake Campground

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Custer Trail Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

Stories from the community

Cat

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

What an amazing, peaceful place run by such a wonderful woman! I came to stay for 2 nights on my way home and it was the most peaceful, soul restorative experience I could've asked for. In addition to being incredibly quiet with lots of nature sounds, the bed in the tent was so comfortable and Tammy thought of everything one could need or want. Bath towels are provided for the hot showers in the most amazing bath house, with flush toilets, I've ever used at a campground, with soaps provided if needed. The bed has super cozy blankets and sheets, with more if you need. I also had a propane heater which was amazing as it was quite cold the first night. The propane powered fire bowl was INCREDIBLE and so perfect! Lanterns are provided if you don't have your own. I didn't take advantage of the cooking amenities but I would totally do so if staying longer/next time. Tammy herself is so kind and caring, she will definitely ensure you have everything you need and is lovely to have a chat with. The property is perfectly close to Custer State Park and not too far from Wind Cave and Badlands. With no doubts or hesitations, this was the absolute best place I've ever camped, my personal tent or otherwise. I can't exaggerate enough how much I loved this place.

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

This was an amazing place to stay! The property was beautiful and the amenities were clean and extremely nice. Tammy and Tim were extremely welcoming and kind. They allowed us over to meet their horses and pointed us in the direction of a trail on the property. They also gave us great recommendations for our next stops and places to visit. I felt safe and welcome here and would love to spend more time at bear den.

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Awesome place with incredibly friendly hosts Tammy and her husband Tim. Staying near cute horses named Dale and Daryl was a dream come true. Clean and welcoming bathrooms! Helpful laundry room with fresh ice and a dishwashing sink. Truly a delightful visit that will bring us back to Hermosa.

Kimberly

2 weeks ago

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

10 out of 10!! Tammy is a wonderful host who makes you feel welcome. The cabin was great stop and the bathrooms were extremely clean and well maintained. If we ever get back out west we definitely will stay here!

5 nights at Black Elk Resort

Nice area, centrally located. We would stay again.

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Such a beautiful area to explore and the cabin was cozy and comfortable. Tammy is so helpful and accommodating. She offers coffee, laundry facilities, a BBG and dining facility, and bags of ice available in the freezer. Amazing! We were only passing through but we will definitely come back for a longer stay so we can continue to explore the area. Thank you Tammy and Tim!

Maisyn

3 weeks ago

3 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Our stay was great! Tammy is very personable and communicative and the cabins were clean. Me, my sister, and dog felt very safe there. Awesome location between black hills, mt Rushmore, and badlands. Would 100% stay again

1 night at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

What a beautiful space! We enjoyed a quick night here after a long day of travel, and I don’t know who enjoyed it most: us or the dogs. Just behind the campground we walked some of the trails of the Black Hills National land, and when we came back to camp, we appreciated the clean campground. The full hookups were appreciated, and the camp spaces large and spacious.

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

I had an awesome time out at Tammy’s land. The place is beautiful, and she’s super nice too. There were animals everywhere—just a great place all around.

Alice

April 2025

2 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy and Tim are wonderful hosts for a peaceful retreat they’ve built themselves! I will forever recommend this wonderful spot to anyone I know going to the area. They go above and beyond as hosts and have provided everything someone could need during a stay in one of their cabins or glamping tents. It is rustic but with the amenities to make things comfortable and easily reachable. Thank you to both of them for hosting myself and my parents in the larger of the cabins!

1 night at Starlight Carroll Creek

Arrived after dark but directions were spot on. Quiet place to stay for a night, mostly level.

April 2025

Tent

1 night at The Wilderness

I loved this spot, so remote. It is close to a dirt road, but i didnt hear a single car past 9pm. I highly recomend 4 wheel drive or a higher clearance vehicle if you want to go deeper into the sight, a Smart Car can only make it to the first camping spot. Beautiful spot to watch the sunrise over the hills.

Kendall

April 2025

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy and Tim are lovely people. Their land is gorgeous, and the warm welcome and thorough communication made my trip a breeze. The shared spaces, such as cooking areas, laundry and shower rooms were immaculate and the privacy of the lil bear den was perfect for me as a solo female traveler. I highly recommend this spot and these hosts :)

Weekend Trip to Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

One of my favorite spots to camp. It's a great location and the owner runs it well l.

Weekend Trip to Black Elk Resort

The park was well kept, pristine, had beautiful surroundings and close to the attractions I wanted to see.

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

10 out of 10, would recommend to my sister. So clean, perfect location and fantastic hosts. What more could you ask for?

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We really enjoyed our stay! Tammy and Tim are the kindest hosts. The cabin and bathroom/showers are clean. The location is quiet and conveniently located near Custer State Park. It’s a bonus that we could travel with our dogs. We’ll definitely be back!

1 night at No to New world Order

Very comfortable place close to all the fun. I showed up with the intention of tent camping but the temp dropped 20 degrees lower than I planned on, so they stuck me in a cabin. Will stay again on the way back through

1 night at Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

So easy to access and directions were easy to follow as well. We hope to get back when we can spend more time!

4 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

This land is absolutely beautiful. The whole set up Tammy and her husband have is peaceful and every bit of a relaxing getaway. Within a short drive of Custer State Park and a few other landmarks about in the area, this was perfect to catch all the spots. Tammy is a hospitality queen, made us feel right at home. We will be returning and spreading the word that this is a 12/10 would recommend place to stay in the Black Hills area!!

9 top campgrounds near Hot Springs with wildlife watching

97%

(172)

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · 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

100%

(393)

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

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!

94%

(242)

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · 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, a solar shower building, 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.

99%

(103)

The Wilderness

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · West Pennington, SD

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.

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(5)

Highland Meadows Resort

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · 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.

93%

(213)

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

32 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Custer, SD

Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground Is about us and our dream come true. We spent 3 years putting a plan together so we could make the move to South Dakota. Finding the right piece of land wasn't easy and came with a few setbacks. We were lucky to find land in Custer with the French Creek running through the property. 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. 2024 we added Full hookups to some of our sites, we still offer a few dry camping spots as well. Without you this dream wouldn't be possible. We hope you enjoy your stay!

100%

(27)

Rustic Rendezvous

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

100%

(18)

Custer RV Only Camp Spot

1 site · RV5 acres · Custer, SD

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!

90%

(5)

Working Homestead Farm & Dairy

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Serendipity Farmstead is a fully operational homestead farm/ranch, cultivating more variety than you could ever imagine. Our high tunnel extends the outdoor growing season from April to October, while the tropical greenhouse boasts oranges, bananas, guava, and much more. We employ organic and regenerative farming methods across all areas of the farm, where animals grow the plants and vice versa, creating a perfectly balanced operation. A stay at Serendipity Farmstead offers an immersive experience into the workings of a homestead farm. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the symbiotic systems between yaks, cows, and chickens, how pigs enrich the soil, our milking process, and how we utilize beneficial insects to manage pests without chemicals. Animal enthusiasts will delight in interacting with our yaks, cows, llamas, and donkey.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(7)

Wind Cave National Park

Pringle, South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest

South Dakota

100%

(2)

Angostura Recreation Area

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Fairburn, South Dakota

Cold Brook Lake

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Cottonwood Springs Lake

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

90%

(5)

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Chadron, Nebraska

Other options near Hot Springs

Echo Valley Park

22 sites1 acre · Custer, SD

Experience the unparalleled charm of our unique non-commercial campground, where nature and serenity come together for an unforgettable wilderness camping experience. Nestled just minutes away from the vibrant town of Custer City, this tranquil retreat offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Our property features multiple serene ponds and a picturesque lake, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Explore the scenic hiking trails that wind through the area, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds you. Additionally, our campground is centrally located, making it easy to access all the popular attractions nearby. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, swimming holes, or local dining and shopping options, you'll find everything you need just a short drive away. Come and discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and convenience at our campground!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Heartland RV Park & Cabins

72 sites1 acre · Hermosa, SD

Discover the charm of Heartland RV Park, a unique destination that combines modern amenities with the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Just a short drive from iconic attractions, our park is conveniently situated only 20 minutes from the breathtaking Mount Rushmore, 30 minutes from the impressive Crazy Horse Monument, and a mere 8 minutes from the stunning Custer State Park. Heartland RV Park and Cabins serves as the perfect base camp for your adventures, offering a variety of facilities designed to cater to your needs. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, enjoy local dining options, or shop for unique souvenirs, our location provides easy access to all the best experiences in the area. Embrace the tranquility and beauty of the Black Hills while enjoying the comforts of our modern RV park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Rapid City RV Park & Campground

34 sites1 acre · Rapid City, SD

Discover the charm of Rapid City RV Park & Campground, a unique destination nestled in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and captivating attractions. This campground stands out for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to providing a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all guests. Whether you arrive in a motorhome, pitch a tent, or choose to stay in one of our cozy cabins or rooms, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind. Conveniently located just south of Rapid City, our park is only minutes away from downtown, where you can explore a variety of restaurants, shops, and grocery stores, including a Wal-Mart Supercenter for all your needs. For those eager to explore, a left turn from the park leads you to the iconic Mount Rushmore, just 20 miles away. With easy access to outdoor activities and breathtaking natural features, Rapid City RV Park & Campground is the ideal base for your South Dakota adventure.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Auto Inn Motel & RV Park

11 sites1 acre · 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

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Hot Springs with wildlife watching guide

Overview

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!