The best camping near Rapid City with horseback riding

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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.

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rapid City

1. Naked Acres WY

98%
(28)
44mi from Rapid City · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
Naked Acres WY welcomes you with 20 private acres located in the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills! Despite the name, we are NOT clothing optional...our property was named Naked Acres because when we purchased it many years ago, it was bare "naked" land. :) With a private pond fed by a natural cold water spring, cool off with a swim or paddle board, sit on the dock and watch the wildlife, or enjoy the prettiest sunset this side of Mount Rushmore! The property is bordered by 200 acres of Forest Service land that you get access to, perfect for our biking and hiking friends! We are located close enough to some beautiful tourist attractions, without being too close! 54 miles to Devils Tower for all of your climbing needs. 1 hour 20 minutes to Mount Rushmore. 1 hour to Hill City, SD 36 miles to Deadwood, SD 45 miles to Spearfish Canyon, SD Naked Acres WY also boasts some amazing wildlife year round including Wild Turkey's, Gosling Hawks, Deer, Elk, Mountain Lions, and tons of different butterfly, bird, and dragonfly species. A nature lovers dream! We can't wait to welcome you with our weekly community fire social around the fire pit!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

2. Buffalo Tipi Glamping

100%
(8)
45mi from Rapid City · 11 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night

6. Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

98%
(261)
46mi from Rapid City · 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
from 
$60
 / night

7. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
35mi from Rapid City · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night

12. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

92%
(6)
72 sites · Chadron, Nebraska
Ahhh, the heartland. Wide open spaces of undeveloped land in which to spread your wings and find some breathing room. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands is one of these places, comprised of two forests of ponderosa pine and three grassland areas. Come here to set up your temporary little house on the prairie and be a pioneer camper for a while! Wandering and exploring is unrestricted for non-motorized travel here, meaning freedom is yours for the taking! If you don’t want to just head into the abyss, try visiting the nation's oldest federal tree nursery (awww, baby trees!), or the largest extinct bison boneland in the world at the Hudson-Meng Bison Research Center. Or, head to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area for a little rewilding and backcountry exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs and wildflowers popping their cute little heads up, rock formations dotting the landscape, and magic around every turn. There’s a lot going on in that grass!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires

15. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%
(55)
36mi from Rapid City · 1 site · RV
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
from 
$45
 / night

19. Wickiup Village Cabins

36mi from Rapid City · 20 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$138
 / night

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.

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rapid City

1. Naked Acres WY

98%
(28)
44mi from Rapid City · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
Naked Acres WY welcomes you with 20 private acres located in the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills! Despite the name, we are NOT clothing optional...our property was named Naked Acres because when we purchased it many years ago, it was bare "naked" land. :) With a private pond fed by a natural cold water spring, cool off with a swim or paddle board, sit on the dock and watch the wildlife, or enjoy the prettiest sunset this side of Mount Rushmore! The property is bordered by 200 acres of Forest Service land that you get access to, perfect for our biking and hiking friends! We are located close enough to some beautiful tourist attractions, without being too close! 54 miles to Devils Tower for all of your climbing needs. 1 hour 20 minutes to Mount Rushmore. 1 hour to Hill City, SD 36 miles to Deadwood, SD 45 miles to Spearfish Canyon, SD Naked Acres WY also boasts some amazing wildlife year round including Wild Turkey's, Gosling Hawks, Deer, Elk, Mountain Lions, and tons of different butterfly, bird, and dragonfly species. A nature lovers dream! We can't wait to welcome you with our weekly community fire social around the fire pit!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night

2. Buffalo Tipi Glamping

100%
(8)
45mi from Rapid City · 11 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$31
 / night

6. Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

98%
(261)
46mi from Rapid City · 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
from 
$60
 / night

7. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
35mi from Rapid City · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night

12. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

92%
(6)
72 sites · Chadron, Nebraska
Ahhh, the heartland. Wide open spaces of undeveloped land in which to spread your wings and find some breathing room. Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands is one of these places, comprised of two forests of ponderosa pine and three grassland areas. Come here to set up your temporary little house on the prairie and be a pioneer camper for a while! Wandering and exploring is unrestricted for non-motorized travel here, meaning freedom is yours for the taking! If you don’t want to just head into the abyss, try visiting the nation's oldest federal tree nursery (awww, baby trees!), or the largest extinct bison boneland in the world at the Hudson-Meng Bison Research Center. Or, head to Soldier Creek Wilderness Area for a little rewilding and backcountry exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for prairie dogs and wildflowers popping their cute little heads up, rock formations dotting the landscape, and magic around every turn. There’s a lot going on in that grass!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires

15. Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

95%
(55)
36mi from Rapid City · 1 site · RV
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
from 
$45
 / night

19. Wickiup Village Cabins

36mi from Rapid City · 20 sites · Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$138
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field