Farm stays near Rapid City, South Dakota 2025

For a taste of the Old West, look no further than Rapid City—the gateway to the Black Hills. The city is nestled at the crux of world-famous South Dakota attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Deadwood. A weekend here means having six national parks and monuments within a one-hour drive of your campsite.

The Black Hills National Forest is a haven for outdoor fun. Here, granite spires and Ponderosa pines create the perfect backdrop for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding. Whether you're RV camping or tenting it, there are tons of campgrounds to choose from. Some even have horse corrals. (Be sure to BYOH—bring your own horse.)

You can't visit South Dakota without seeing Mt. Rushmore. After viewing the busts carved into the hill, you can even hike around the base of the rocks. Keep an eye out for mountain goats hanging out by the presidents. When you're done, be sure to check out nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. The in-the-works Native American mountain carving is even bigger than old Rushmore.

Bring your binoculars along when you visit Custer State Park—the southern Black Hills area is excellent for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for free-roaming herds of buffalo on the open prairies. You might even run into the famous begging burros. (Keep a close eye on your sandwich!)

Need a break? Head to the historic town of Deadwood to grab a beer at a saloon. If you have an extra day, drive over to Badlands National Park for prehistoric landscapes. Across the Wyoming border, Devil's Tower National Monument is a must-see, featuring a 1,000-foot-tall rocky outcrop.

You have plenty of camping options around Rapid City, including private RV parks and state park campgrounds. For a one-of-a-kind experience, consider staying at a horse ranch, log cabin, tipi or cottage.

Many parks and attractions around Rapid City are open year round. That said, the best time to camp is spring through fall. Avoid camping at the peak of summer when the monuments draw the biggest crowds.

Top-rated campgrounds

For a taste of the Old West, look no further than Rapid City—the gateway to the Black Hills. The city is nestled at the crux of world-famous South Dakota attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Deadwood. A weekend here means having six national parks and monuments within a one-hour drive of your campsite.

The Black Hills National Forest is a haven for outdoor fun. Here, granite spires and Ponderosa pines create the perfect backdrop for hiking, climbing, and horseback riding. Whether you're RV camping or tenting it, there are tons of campgrounds to choose from. Some even have horse corrals. (Be sure to BYOH—bring your own horse.)

You can't visit South Dakota without seeing Mt. Rushmore. After viewing the busts carved into the hill, you can even hike around the base of the rocks. Keep an eye out for mountain goats hanging out by the presidents. When you're done, be sure to check out nearby Crazy Horse Memorial. The in-the-works Native American mountain carving is even bigger than old Rushmore.

Bring your binoculars along when you visit Custer State Park—the southern Black Hills area is excellent for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for free-roaming herds of buffalo on the open prairies. You might even run into the famous begging burros. (Keep a close eye on your sandwich!)

Need a break? Head to the historic town of Deadwood to grab a beer at a saloon. If you have an extra day, drive over to Badlands National Park for prehistoric landscapes. Across the Wyoming border, Devil's Tower National Monument is a must-see, featuring a 1,000-foot-tall rocky outcrop.

You have plenty of camping options around Rapid City, including private RV parks and state park campgrounds. For a one-of-a-kind experience, consider staying at a horse ranch, log cabin, tipi or cottage.

Many parks and attractions around Rapid City are open year round. That said, the best time to camp is spring through fall. Avoid camping at the peak of summer when the monuments draw the biggest crowds.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cheyenne River Bottom

94%

(49)

41mi from Rapid City · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Wall, SD

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.

2. Battle Creek Camping Resort

98%

(23)

16mi from Rapid City · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hermosa, SD

BCCR arrived in the late summer of 2023. We have RV sites and glamping options spread out over 80 acres, in the foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota. We are a family owned and operated glamp ground. We provide a unique experience for families, couples and solo travelers to unplug and unwind. We do not have Wi-Fi nor televisions at our campground. We are known for our stargazing friendly environment which is why we do not have street lights. We love to see kids outside riding their bikes and making lifelong friends with other guests. This has been one of the most rewarding compliments that we continue to receive. Each glamp site has a gas and wood fire pit. Families gather around the campfire at nights, roasting smores and telling stories. The laughter is pure joy and memories that will last a lifetime. The lodges, domes and tents that we have are fully furnished with linens, towels and a fully stocked coffee bar. Our most praised amenity is our bath house. This features private full restrooms with individual sinks, showers and toilets. We strive to provide a family friendly campground. Therefore, our quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. No loud music or disruptions to other guests, of any kind, are allowed. At any time during your stay, you need assistance, please reach out by phone call, text or email. We thank you for choosing to stay with us and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your families memories. Check In: Check in time is 4:00-9:00pm MST. We are self-check in but it is very dark when the sun goes down and the phone service can be spotty. Please reach out asap if you know you may be arriving late so we can be prepared to assist if needed. Calls after 11pm, will go to voicemail and be returned the next day. Check Out: Please do not leave us, but if you must go, please check out by 11:00am MST.

3. Black Hills & Badlands Sunrise&Set

100%

(38)

31mi from Rapid City · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Hermosa, SD

Greetings! We're thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our peaceful slice of secluded paradise, on the Dancing Phoenix Farm. **Before your arrival, we ask that you familiarize yourself with the rules outlined upon booking. Also, please ensure you arrive NO LATER THAN 7PM to secure your reservation.** **PLEASE TAKE A SCREENSHOT OF THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS, AS YOU WILL LOSE PHONE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY. PLEASE TRUST OUR DIRECTIONS, VS. ENTERING IT INTO YOUR GPS AND CROSSING YOUR FINGERS. YOU WILL GET LOST** To facilitate a smooth check-in process, we ask that you send us a text message an hour before your arrival, as cell phone reception is unreliable in our remote location. If you have any doubts or questions on how to get here, reach out to us BEFORE you head toward the site, and well before 7pm, as we will close all campsites at 7pm. Originally from the city, we now find ourselves fully immersed in life at The Farm, situated amidst gently rolling land in the Southwestern Grasslands of South Dakota. Your campsite is located about 15 minutes in from SD44, and approximately 45 minutes from Rapid City. You will be driving on a dirt/gravel road to get to us. You may want to put your vehicle in 4wd to get to your site, given the uneven terrain on the dirt road that takes you to your campground. The location is perfect for a quick overnighter, if you're visiting South Dakota's nearby nature sights and parks. Our family lives on the property, and we're happy to help answer any questions or concerns. This is a working farm, and you may see us on the pasture, upgrading and maintaining. We're glad to share with you and happy to have you "ghost us" as we work, if that's an interest of yours. Be sure to flag us down if you need anything. ABOUT OUR CAMPGROUND Pitch your tent, park your RV/camper, bus or other ride on our pasture and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the rolling hills of Hermosa, the Black Hills, Badlands and unobstructed sunrise and sunset views. Children and leashed pets are welcome, at no additional cost. To give you a glimpse into the experience that awaits, take a moment to watch a video review of our MORLA site by Precious Kofi, a former guest who visited during the Spring of 2023, when we resided and hosted in Colorado. You can find the video here: {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvyzVA3Tzjk&t=1157s}. Your site is equipped with a table for you to enjoy your meals outdoors, and a nearby water spigot is available for your convenience. Your campsite is located in the wild and rustic, sometimes windy, plains of South Dakota, and may not be for everyone. We can experience extreme weather in all seasons. When you stay with us, you will get the experience of camping in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota - wild, raw, sometimes windy and rugged. It's an amazing experience to be had - with stunning views and a feeling of freedom that's hard to find in more urbanized locations. While here, you may encounter badgers, coyotes, deer, pronghorn, wild turkeys, frogs/toads, turtles, voles, bull snakes, rattlers, owls, creepy-crawlers - and you may experience annoying mosquitos and flies during the hotter summer season. We have a friendly barn cat, HERO, that may visit you as well. Please don't feed the beasts or approach any wildlife! Would you like to sample our homemade booch (kombucha)? Just ask! As stewards of the land, we're delighted to share this natural sanctuary with you to enjoy. Stargazing on the site can't be beat, and you may even catch a UFO or alien... if you're aligned! We've had guests liken their experience here to visiting another planet. We attribute this to the unique ambiance of our home and location. Photo enthusiasts will enjoy some amazing and breathtaking photo-worthy scenery and views. Please come prepared with blankets and sleeping bags, as nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Be prepared for travel and camping in sometimes extreme winter cold. Be sure to check out the local forecast before traveling. Of course, we will be happy to refund any weather-related cancellations. If you'd like to start your day with a complimentary cup of instant coffee or herbal tea delivered to your site between 5-7 am, simply let us know your preference the night before. We offer a brown-bag style breakfast/snack for $5, as well. Your choice of a couple farm-fresh hard-boiled eggs with Meusli, yogurt with Meusli - or an English muffin/butter, with mixed nuts. If you have Food Forest/Permaculture, farming, gardening or Back to Eden experience and are interested in contributing to our farm - we welcome your discussions and ideas, with short or long term arrangements. We're in the process of building a small country store on the property. Reach out If you'd like to purchase handcrafted items for yourself, or as gifts. We make shower steamers, homemade tinctures, balms, herbal oils and jewelry/gift items made from our kombucha scobies - along with organic items we make from items we collect around the farm. We also offer for purchase items such as 16 oz. propane, children's books written by Susi (featuring our adorable Bull Terrier, Makai), half dozen farm-fresh eggs (if the chicks are in the mood), MayaMoon Ceremonial Cacao, extra basic sleeping bag, and a Duraflame firelog. Hipcamp messages, email, and texts are the best way to reach us, as cellular reception is limited. Help us maintain the pristine beauty of our surroundings by tidying your campsite and removing all trash before departure. "Leave no Trace" campers, please. ABOUT THE AREA Local amenities, including mini grocery stores and gas stations, can be found in the town of Hermosa, located about 35 minutes away. For a wider range of options and services, Rapid City is located about 45 minutes from your campsite. Check out the property photos for some 'things to do nearby' suggestions. **In summary, once again: **Before your arrival, we ask that you familiarize yourself with the rules outlined upon booking. Also, please ensure you arrive NO LATER THAN 7PM to secure your reservation.** **PLEASE TAKE A SCREENSHOT OF THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS, AS YOU WILL LOSE PHONE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY. PLEASE TRUST OUR DIRECTIONS, VS. ENTERING IT INTO YOUR GPS AND CROSSING YOUR FINGERS. YOU WILL GET LOST** To facilitate a smooth check-in process, we ask that you send us a text message an hour before your arrival, as cell phone reception is unreliable in our remote location. If you have any doubts or questions on how to get here, reach out to us BEFORE you head toward the site, and well before 7pm, as we will close all campsites at 7pm. We look forward to connecting!

4. Green's Acres

100%

(10)

11mi from Rapid City · 1 site · RV · Black Hawk, SD

5 private undeveloped acres in the black hills. Water, 50 amp breaker, and sewer hook up for an RV available. Drive out of Black Hawk SD a few miles up into the hills, into a share private drive, drive across two cattle guards, and arrive next to national forest land. Hook up your RV. Relax and enjoy deer, turkeys, and other wildlife in a beautiful quiet spot.

Stories from the community

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cheyenne River Bottom

I would definitely recommend Cheyenne River bottom it’s easy access plenty of room. Nice views and room to walk around and explore.

Beverely

September 2025

35 ft Class C

With pets

2 nights at Green's Acres

Very pretty and very quiet place to rest and recoup. Love seeing the cows up, close lots of turkeys and listening to the tree frogs at night. I would highly recommend anyone coming up to stop and camp there. We’re driving a class a 40 foot motorhome although it’s tight getting in we did it with no problem.

Jessica

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Cheyenne River Bottom

This is definitely one of the most beautiful campsites! The views were absolutely stunning! This site is very true to its name— cowboy country! It’s more rugged and very secluded (outside of the other campers)— so come prepared. We saw turkeys and deer. The camp toilet was helpful. There is a single hammock available for resting. The host was very responsive and clear on instructions. She offered directions and tips in advance of our stay and even provided a contact number in case we needed something. It was a fun touch to buy her book ahead of time to connect my kids to the land a little bit too! Quick and easy set up once we got to our spot and the ground was surprisingly not too uncomfortable in spite of being on gravel. We feel it’s best for more experienced campers if you are tent camping.

S

Sue

August 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Cheyenne River Bottom

Cowgirl Annie went above and beyond to make my stay memorable. Very friendly and accommodating. Was available if I needed anything. Plenty of space for my 30' travel trailer. Great place to stargaze. Saw a bald eagle on the gravel road coming in. It's primitive, but peaceful. Would gladly stay there again.

K

Kdee

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cheyenne River Bottom

Great location if you’re visiting the Badlands — easy to get to from the interstate and lots of space. I’d recommend bringing bug spray, though, as there were quite a few mosquitoes.

J

Jeremy

July 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

4 nights at Battle Creek Camping Resort

I really enjoyed staying here. The hosts’ were so welcoming and accommodating. The location was great as well. We visited Mount Rushmore the badlands and explored other places in the black hills. 10/10 would recommend.