The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Rapid City, South Dakota

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.

97% (506)

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.

97% (506)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins

100%

(15)

5.9mi from Rapid City · 48 sites · RVs, Lodging · Rapid City, SD

Feel free to contact us directly, we are happy to work with you via text or phone call on the office cell phone: 605-787-0024 Year-round campground offering 110 NEW full hook-up sites and 9 fully furnished cozy cabins. We also offer Long Term options to qualified applicants. Conveniently located a few minutes from both Rapid City and I-90 you will feel like you are out in the country surrounded by all the beautiful views, nature and wildlife. (The office cell phone is 605-787-0024. Text 24/7. After hours calls for onsite and arriving guests) Interstate 90, Black Hills Harley Davidson, RV Supply stores, a horse boarding facility, and quick and convenient access to all of the treasures the Black Hills have to offer is conveniently near. Whether you are kicking your feet up for the weekend or base camping out of Black Hawk Creek RV Park and Cabins to explore the beautiful Black Hills, you will find our tranquil, quiet, and beautiful setting relaxing, convenient, and enjoyable. Additionally, If you are a full time RVer and in the market for professional RV Skirting we also host the #1 RV Skirting company in the nation, Custom Skirting. Unhitch and check out their No Snap, No Gap channel system and Therma-Slide slide out wraps over in the big barn near the entrance.

2. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%

(281)

35mi from Rapid City · 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.

3. Wickiup Village Cabins

36mi from Rapid City · 20 sites · Lodging · Lead, SD

Welcome to Wickiup Cabins where adventure or relaxation can go hand in hand. We have what you are looking for. Our rustic yet modernized cabins were built in 1937 and provided all the comforts of home. Perhaps, a wedding destination, family reunion, small company retreat or a destination for relaxing while enjoying our mountain streams and quiet peaceful settings under our 80 foot spruce trees. It is here you can also come for hunting, ATV riding, rock climbing above and below us, mountain biking, fishing, riding the Mickelson Trail, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse or historic Lead Deadwood to name some of our Black Hills offerings. We are located central to the Northern Black Hills at the top of Spearfish Canyon 10 minutes west of Lead Deadwood on Highway 85. Wickiup has the monopoly on Spearfish Creek. Long gone are the cabin camps that once provided memories for children to older folks never to be forgotten. Warm summer days of tubing, fishing, panning for those gold flakes or just skipping rocks.

4. Castle Creek Horse Cabins

29mi from Rapid City · 1 site · Lodging · Hill City, SD

Dry cabin rentals with access to kitchen and bath in main cabin. Electric for trailers with living quarters. Paddocks and/ small pasture. Ride from the property or trailer to one of many horse trails in the BlackHill, SD. 972-989-0840

Stories from the community

D

Danielle

September 2025

Group trip

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

The cabin on the property is quite lovely! It was a great place to rest for the night from the Mickelson trail. Lovely views!

R

Ruth

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

This was the perfect location for our 3 day Mickelson trail bike ride. Our cabin was clean and cozy, and even though located on the highway, traffic sounds were almost non-existent at night.

Z

Zita

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

Thank you for a peaceful stay Isa! The place was amazing and we had everything we needed. Would recommend to anyone who asks!

E

Erica

July 2025

7 nights at Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins

(We actually stayed in cabin 9 - we didn't realize 7 had bunk beds.) The cabin was cute and quiet - a great, central location for exploring the black hills! The bed was comfy; the AC, blackout curtains, and fan keeps us cool enough, and the coffee maker, fridge, and mugs made morning coffee easy. We enjoyed watching thunderstorms and birds from the porch swing. The porta potties were right next to the cabin and the bathroom with plumbing was an easy walk. The hosts were so kind and accommodating. They were prompt to respond to any requests we had, including switching out towels halfway through our 7-night stay. Would highly recommend again!

Camping log cabin and outdoor shower building

R

Robert

June 2025

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

We had a great stay at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat. Everything was as we expected. The sleeping cabin, shower facility, and restroom were all neat, tidy, and clean. The overall setting was tranquil with beautiful views of the surrounding valley. This was one of our stops on a multi-day bicycling trip along the Mickelson Trail and it worked perfectly for us.

A

Andrew

May 2025

Group trip

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

Great place to overnight while riding the trail since it is right on it. Cabins are awesome... Jack cut the trees on his land one year, hauled them down to the ranch, hand stripped the logs the next year and then built them the following! And most of the furniture as well! Isa and Jack are very personable and welcoming making them great hosts. I will be coming back soon to camp!