National Park

The best camping in Buffalo Gap National Grassland, SD

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Top-rated campgrounds in Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Buffalo Gap Dispersed Campground

1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Campground

Campground in Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 1 site · Tent, RV
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
At Hot Springs Campground in South Dakota you will experience the West as it has always been

Top-rated campsites near Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Black Hills & Badlands Sunrise&Set

1. Black Hills & Badlands Sunrise&Set

100%
(38)
5.3mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to our quiet slice of paradise at Dancing Phoenix Farm! We’re so glad you’re coming. ________________________________________ 🚨 Before You Arrive (Important!) • Please review the rules from your booking. • Arrive NO LATER THAN 7PM. We close all campsites at 7PM. • Screenshot the written directions. You will lose service on the way. • Do not rely on GPS — you will get lost. Please trust our directions. • Text us 1 hour before arrival (service out here is spotty). • If you’re unsure about directions, contact us before heading out, and well before 7PM. ________________________________________ 📍 Location We’re in the Southwestern Grasslands of South Dakota: • ~20 minutes off SD44 • ~55 minutes from Rapid City • ~40 minutes from Hermosa (gas + small groceries) Expect dirt/gravel roads. 4WD is recommended, due to uneven terrain. Great for overnighters while exploring nearby parks and sights. ________________________________________ 🏕 The Campsite Pitch a tent or park your RV, camper, bus or other ride on our pasture with big views of the rolling hills of Hermosa, the Black Hills and the Badlands. Sunrise and sunset are wide open and stunning. • Kids + leashed pets welcome (no extra fee) • Picnic table at site • Nearby water spigot • Incredible stargazing This is rustic, wild, sometimes windy South Dakota. Weather can be extreme in any season. ________________________________________ 🐾 Wildlife + Farm Life This is a working farm — you may see us out and about. Feel free to wave us down if you need anything (or happily ghost us). Possible wildlife: badgers, coyotes, deer, pronghorn, turkeys, frogs/toads, turtles, voles, bull snakes, rattlesnakes, owls, insects, plus summer mosquitos and flies. Our friendly barn cat, Hero, may visit. Please do not feed or approach wildlife. ________________________________________ ☕ Extras • Free instant coffee or herbal tea delivered 5–7AM (tell us the night before) • $5 brown-bag breakfast/snack: o Hard-boiled farm eggs + Meusli o Yogurt + Meusli o English muffin + butter + mixed nuts • Homemade kombucha (“booch”) — just ask! We’re building a small country store with handcrafted goods (shower steamers, tinctures, balms, herbal oils, jewelry from kombucha scobies, beeswax candles and farm-made items). Also available for pu
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Battle Creek Camping Resort

2. Battle Creek Camping Resort

98%
(23)
25mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
BCCR: Your Perfect Glamping Escape in the Foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota Nestled in the breathtaking foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota, BCCR offers a one-of-a-kind getaway in the late summer of 2023. Spread across 80 acres, our family-owned and operated campground is the perfect place for families, couples, and solo travelers to unplug and unwind in nature. Unplug and Reconnect with Nature At BCCR, we intentionally offer a Wi-Fi-free and TV-free environment, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility of the outdoors. Whether you’re soaking in the stunning star-filled skies, biking around the campground, or making new friends, you’ll feel the joy of disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with those around you. Stargazing and Memories Under the Stars Our campgrounds are designed with stargazing in mind. Without the distractions of street lights, you’ll experience some of the clearest, most breathtaking night skies imaginable. Gather around your gas or wood fire pit, roast marshmallows, share stories, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Comfort and Convenience Our fully furnished lodges and domes are equipped with linens, towels, and a fully stocked coffee bar. Every detail is designed with your comfort in mind, ensuring that you have a cozy and relaxing stay. Our Most Praised Amenity: The Bath House Our bathhouse is a guest favorite, featuring private restrooms with individual sinks, showers, and toilets. Family-Friendly and Quiet Hours We are committed to maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere, so we ask that guests observe our quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful stay. We kindly request no loud music or disruptions during these hours. Important Check-In Information: Please note that our self-check-in process may be challenging after dark, as the area can get quite dark, and phone service may be spotty. If you anticipate arriving late, please reach out as soon as possible so we can be prepared to assist you if needed. Check In: Check in time is 4:00-10:00pm MST. Check Out: Please check out by 11:00am MST. Please be aware that calls made after 11 PM will go to voicemail, and we will return your call the following day.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
Bear Den Cabins & Camp

3. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%
(467)
26mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
HTR Black Hills

4. HTR Black Hills

92%
(19)
31mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 97 sites · RVs, Lodging
Explore the beauty of HTR Black Hills (formerly American Buffalo Campground). This unique destination is home to Mount Rushmore as well as numerous national and state parks, local attractions, and iconic events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. So, stay awhile when you tour all the mountains, canyons, caves, and rock formations with the spectacular backdrop of South Dakota. Nestled under tall pine trees, in the heart of the wonderful Black Hills, our on-site recreational facilities include a heated swimming pool & hot tub (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), mini golf, a playground area for children, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and wooded walking trails offer something for everyone!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$26
 / night
Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

5. Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

94%
(50)
32mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$38
 / night
Pine Haven Lodging

6. Pine Haven Lodging

95%
(21)
33mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 31 sites · RVs, Lodging
Pine Haven Lodging is situated right in the center of the Black Hills of South Dakota. We're located on 19 acres of Black Hills National Forest at the base of Storm Mountain, 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore and 10 minutes from food and shopping hub Rapid City. We offer full hook-up RV sites and single-family cabins.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$59
 / night
Stagecoach Stays

7. Stagecoach Stays

100%
(65)
37mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 2 sites
We were fulltime RV'ers for 5 years; we traveled all across the United States before we settled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We decided to build the vacation site that we always wanted, but could never find. We have 50/30/15 amp FHU's (despite what HipCamp says). We have two large, level RV spots with 50 feet between the two sites. We have created an environment for our guests to enjoy peaceful relaxation while staying with us. We offer amazing sunsets, sunrises, wild turkey, song birds, deer and amazing Black Hills landscapes to help you enjoy your stay in this beautiful area. We have 4 beautiful horses that adorn our landscape. We hope you enjoy watching them, but please don't feed them. We also have hiking trails and a community bonfire available for our guests to use. Well-behaved pets are welcome! We offer weekly and monthly rates.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$59
 / night
Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins

8. Black Hawk Creek RV Park & Cabins

100%
(15)
38mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 44 sites · RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$59
 / night
Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

9. Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

100%
(14)
39mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 27 sites · RVs, Lodging
This is the only campground resort in the Southern Black Hills with a private lake offering a unique opportunity to relax, disconnect, and enjoy life in a natural setting and guests have been enjoying it for over 100 years. We have a variety of cabins with different floor plans ranging from studio to four bedrooms. All cabins have full bathrooms and all have full kitchens except for our studio cabins. All of our sites are full hook-up with sewer, water, and electric with 20, 30, and 50 amp services at each site. Our pull-through sites are big rig-friendly and are between 60-75 feet long. Our biggest feature is our private spring-fed lake! You can enjoy soaking in the sun, floating in the water, taking a spin around the lake in a canoe, and of course fishing!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Black Elk Resort

10. Black Elk Resort

96%
(69)
39mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 1 site
Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience. Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$59
 / night
Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

11. Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

92%
(219)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Custer's Last Chance RV Park Conveniently located on the East side of Custer with easy access to the Custer Spur bike trail. The French Creek runs through the property, lots of wildlife frequents the area. 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. Full hookup sites are available with 50, 30 or 20 amps. We still have dry camping sites as well. We hope you enjoy your stay!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
Horse Creek Resort

12. Horse Creek Resort

97%
(166)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

13. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%
(229)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Fort Welikit Campground

14. Fort Welikit Campground

100%
(13)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover the unique charm of our campground, nestled along the picturesque Norbeck Scenic Byway in the heart of the Black Hills. This prime location offers unparalleled access to some of the region's most breathtaking natural wonders, making it an ideal base for your outdoor adventures. Just minutes from our gates, you'll find the serene beauty of Sylvan Lake, the iconic Needles Highway, and the expansive Custer State Park. Our campground serves as a gateway to exhilarating scenic drives that lead you to stunning vistas, including the majestic Mt. Rushmore and the historic town of Deadwood. Explore the awe-inspiring Iron Mountain Road, where every turn reveals new landscapes, or venture to the countless lakes and caves that invite exploration. With a variety of outdoor activities, nearby restaurants, and charming shops, our campground is the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the captivating Black Hills.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$28
 / night
Camp Custer in Star Valley

15. Camp Custer in Star Valley

95%
(20)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 1 site · Tent, RV
Dry camping RV spot located in the southern Black Hills on 3 acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, visiting wildlife and occasional hot air ballons from the fire pit & picnic table just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles South 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!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$20
 / night
Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

16. Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

100%
(25)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 1 site · Tent, RV
Convenient full hook up RV spot with WiFi, fire pit and picnic table. Centrally located in the southern Black Hills on two acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, occasional hot air balloons and wildlife from your RV. Located 4 miles from the town of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, Jewell Cave or Cosmos. 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!
Pets
Potable water
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Star Valley RV Camp Spot

17. Star Valley RV Camp Spot

100%
(29)
40mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 1 site
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!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

18. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
41mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 18 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 
$50
 / night
Badlands Hotel & Campground

19. Badlands Hotel & Campground

92%
(105)
41mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 72 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A Better Badlands Base Camp Just a mile from the iconic Badlands National Park, our hotel and full-service campground offers a great base camp to explore South Dakota’s Badlands, Black Hills, and the historic small town of Interior. With a variety of rooms, RV sites, and tent sites, we are ideal for couples getaways, family vacations, or traveling groups. We also offer an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, fire pits, and complimentary WiFi. Your Badlands getaway awaits. What are you waiting for?244000
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$24
 / night
Big Pine Campground

20. Big Pine Campground

98%
(361)
42mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. While staying here you have access to free hot showers, flush toilets, a dish washing station, a charging stations for electronics, a game room and a laundry room.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Buffalo Gap National Grassland adventure.

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Buffalo Gap National Grassland camping guide

Overview

About

Looking for a wide-open expanse of land to pitch your tent and watch the world go by? The Buffalo Gap National Grassland is the second largest of its kind in the country. With very little development or amenities, it’s a truly wild destination with a surprising diversity of plants, animals, and awesome back-country vibes. So what can you do on these 600,000 acres of wild prairie land? You can scope the land for wildlife, including the rare black-footed ferret, hunt for rocks in a rich geological landscape, hike, ride your trusty horse, zip around on your ATV, camp under a blanket of stars, photograph the incredible scenery, and fall in love with the great outdoors. You won’t have to avoid the crowds here, unless of course it’s a herd of buffalo. Get away from it all at Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

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