The best luxury RV camping near Rapid City

·

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.

95% (246)

Top-rated campgrounds

Horse Creek Resort

1. Horse Creek Resort

97%
(166)
15mi from Rapid City · 29 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. *****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 
$65
 / night
Buffalo Tipi Glamping

7. Buffalo Tipi Glamping

100%
(8)
45mi from Rapid City · 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
Beaver Lake Campground

10. Beaver Lake Campground

31mi from Rapid City · 92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
WELCOME TO BEAVER LAKE CAMPGROUND IN CUSTER, SD Come join us in our beautiful 19-acre pine-filled, rolling terrain campground in Custer, South Dakota. Enjoy the sounds of the breeze through the pines, birds singing, and calm surroundings in a safe, small-town atmosphere. Stay in our spacious RV sites, your tent, or simple to deluxe cabins. Have fun in our heated pool. We are conveniently located just 3.5 miles from the town of Custer, South Dakota. We are 30 minutes from Custer State Park, 22 minutes from Mt. Rushmore, 10 minutes from Crazy Horse Monument, and 9 minutes from Jewel Cave National Monument. The beauty of Custer State Park and the infamous Needles Highway can be very busy for campers, which is why many of our guests choose to stay with us at Beaver Lake Campground. Our central location and peaceful setting will put you very close to all of the amazing things to see and do in the Black Hills (Paha Sapa in the Lakota language) of South Dakota. We are open from April 1 to November 1. Pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The water slide closed. Wonderful News! As of 6/4/22, we have a brand new park-wide Wi-Fi system. Guests dependent on WI-Fi for work will need their own system. Our rural infrastructure isn’t equivalent to big-city Wi-Fi. A WARM WELCOME, FROM THE OWNERS As the owners of Beaver Lake Campground for the past several seasons Julian and Kachina Starr are amazed at how fortunate they are to have purchased this very special campground. The Black Hills area is spectacular with so many things to do and see. You could spend a month here and still not see it all. The summer weather is perfect with warm but not hot days and cool summer nights due to the 5,300-foot elevation. Perfect for evening campfires. Living and working in the Black Hills National Forest is incredible. They feel very happy to be in such calm, peaceful surroundings. Julian and Kachina have accomplished many updates, and improvements in the time they have been here. Everything from not-so-exciting infrastructure, well pumps, electrical upgrades, painting, swimming pool pump, etc., and have attempted to give this beautiful campground a more inviting atmosphere, comfortable seating on the office patio, beautiful flowers, unique pinecone art, upgrades to the cabins, mini-fridges in all cabins, new mattresses, electrical improvements and more. The Starr’s 25-year experience in the RV business in Gold Beach, Oregon, and Durango Colorado has given them lots of warm memories and some funny stories too. They look forward to many more great guest experiences greeting and serving old and new friends. AVAILABLE UNITS •RV Sites •Cabins •Tents ENJOY OUR AMENITIES •1 Large Heated Pool •Store •2 Laundry Facilities •RV Sites Small to Huge •Tent Sites •9 Cabins •Dog Park •Basket Ball, Tether Ball, Volley Ball Net & Horseshoes •3 Bathhouses •1 Accessible Family Bath •Log & Timber Rec Room For Groups •Fire Wood, 10 lb Bag Ice, and Propane Sales •Free Wifi •Playground •Dump Station Free to Guests •Honey Wagon $ •RV Tech On Site •Car Rental LOCAL AREA ATTRACTIONS •Mount Rushmore •Custer State Park •Rocky Knolls Golf Course •Crazy Horse Monument •Jewel Cave National Monument •The 1880 Train •Wind Cave National Park •Custer •Rapid City •Deadwood •Lead •Spearfish •Sturgis •Hot Springs
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$43
 / 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.

95% (246)

Top-rated campgrounds

Horse Creek Resort

1. Horse Creek Resort

97%
(166)
15mi from Rapid City · 29 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. *****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 
$65
 / night
Buffalo Tipi Glamping

7. Buffalo Tipi Glamping

100%
(8)
45mi from Rapid City · 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
Beaver Lake Campground

10. Beaver Lake Campground

31mi from Rapid City · 92 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Custer, SD
WELCOME TO BEAVER LAKE CAMPGROUND IN CUSTER, SD Come join us in our beautiful 19-acre pine-filled, rolling terrain campground in Custer, South Dakota. Enjoy the sounds of the breeze through the pines, birds singing, and calm surroundings in a safe, small-town atmosphere. Stay in our spacious RV sites, your tent, or simple to deluxe cabins. Have fun in our heated pool. We are conveniently located just 3.5 miles from the town of Custer, South Dakota. We are 30 minutes from Custer State Park, 22 minutes from Mt. Rushmore, 10 minutes from Crazy Horse Monument, and 9 minutes from Jewel Cave National Monument. The beauty of Custer State Park and the infamous Needles Highway can be very busy for campers, which is why many of our guests choose to stay with us at Beaver Lake Campground. Our central location and peaceful setting will put you very close to all of the amazing things to see and do in the Black Hills (Paha Sapa in the Lakota language) of South Dakota. We are open from April 1 to November 1. Pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The water slide closed. Wonderful News! As of 6/4/22, we have a brand new park-wide Wi-Fi system. Guests dependent on WI-Fi for work will need their own system. Our rural infrastructure isn’t equivalent to big-city Wi-Fi. A WARM WELCOME, FROM THE OWNERS As the owners of Beaver Lake Campground for the past several seasons Julian and Kachina Starr are amazed at how fortunate they are to have purchased this very special campground. The Black Hills area is spectacular with so many things to do and see. You could spend a month here and still not see it all. The summer weather is perfect with warm but not hot days and cool summer nights due to the 5,300-foot elevation. Perfect for evening campfires. Living and working in the Black Hills National Forest is incredible. They feel very happy to be in such calm, peaceful surroundings. Julian and Kachina have accomplished many updates, and improvements in the time they have been here. Everything from not-so-exciting infrastructure, well pumps, electrical upgrades, painting, swimming pool pump, etc., and have attempted to give this beautiful campground a more inviting atmosphere, comfortable seating on the office patio, beautiful flowers, unique pinecone art, upgrades to the cabins, mini-fridges in all cabins, new mattresses, electrical improvements and more. The Starr’s 25-year experience in the RV business in Gold Beach, Oregon, and Durango Colorado has given them lots of warm memories and some funny stories too. They look forward to many more great guest experiences greeting and serving old and new friends. AVAILABLE UNITS •RV Sites •Cabins •Tents ENJOY OUR AMENITIES •1 Large Heated Pool •Store •2 Laundry Facilities •RV Sites Small to Huge •Tent Sites •9 Cabins •Dog Park •Basket Ball, Tether Ball, Volley Ball Net & Horseshoes •3 Bathhouses •1 Accessible Family Bath •Log & Timber Rec Room For Groups •Fire Wood, 10 lb Bag Ice, and Propane Sales •Free Wifi •Playground •Dump Station Free to Guests •Honey Wagon $ •RV Tech On Site •Car Rental LOCAL AREA ATTRACTIONS •Mount Rushmore •Custer State Park •Rocky Knolls Golf Course •Crazy Horse Monument •Jewel Cave National Monument •The 1880 Train •Wind Cave National Park •Custer •Rapid City •Deadwood •Lead •Spearfish •Sturgis •Hot Springs
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$43
 / night

Camper favorites near Rapid City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

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