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The Pond in Custer, SD

Hosted by Nora · Custer, South Dakota

2 sites · RV, Tent · 10 acres

100%

·

5 reviews

Near Wind Cave National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Wind Cave Visitor Center.

🌲 Secluded Black Hills Escape: Now Expanding! Immerse yourself in 10+ acres of stunning wilderness bordering the National Forest and Mickelson Trail, just minutes from downtown Custer. The Highlights Ultimate Location: Direct Mickelson trail access for hiking/biking and a short 1-mile trip to Custer’s best restaurants. The Vibe: Secluded, quiet, and primitive. Perfect for tents, hammocks, or small vans. Navigation: Access requires driving up/down a fairly steep unpaved road. SUV, truck, or high-clearance vehicles are recommended, though cars have driven the road and been fine. 🏗️ 2026 Season Updates We are excited to be opening additional campsites this year! We are also in the process of constructing a building on the property. Please note: * Construction: Ongoing building projects may be visible. * Tranquility: We remain committed to your peace and will be highly sensitive to noise and disruption during your stay. Quick Facts * Primitive: No power/water; shared bucket toilet available. Please bring drinking water. * Quiet Policy: No generators, parties, or loud music to protect the natural serenity. Some photos courtesy of Western Skies Realty.

from

$8

/ night

2 sites

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Tent-only sites

1 site

Mickelson Trail Campsite

Tent site · Sleeps 6

🚲 Mickelson Trailside: The Ultimate Cyclist’s Site Overlooking the Mickelson Trail, this campsite offers the most direct access to the Mickelson Trail on the property. If you are looking for a "ride-in, ride-out" experience with views of the trail and a neighboring pond, this is your spot. The Highlights Direct Trail Access: Your site features a private gate that opens directly onto the Mickelson Trail. The Pond: You are a short walk down the hill to the pond, where you can canoe, kayak, or sit on the walk and listen to the birds. The View: Enjoy elevated views of the trail and the water across the way—perfect for morning coffee while watching the mist lift off the pond. Privacy: Tucked "up and over the hill" to the west of our main hub, this site is physically separated from the Aspen Grove and construction area by a natural ridge, offering an extra layer of seclusion. Logistics & Layout Parking & Access: To maintain the quiet of the ridge, parking is located at the base of the hill near the outdoor kitchen. Guests will enjoy a short, scenic walk (approx. 150 feet) with their gear to reach the tent site. Proximity to Amenities: While secluded, you are just a quick walk over the hill to the shared outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and outhouse. Site Type: This is a tent-only site (not suitable for van or car camping due to the walk-up nature). 🏗️ Construction Note While this site is more removed from our hostel project than the Aspen Grove, you may still hear construction activity (interior work/staging) near the parking area between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Short walk to site

4WD recommended

No campfires

Toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

from

$12

/ night

for 4 guests

RV/tent sites

1 site

The Quarry

Booked 1 time

RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft

The Quarry is a "quick and dirty" site designed specifically for self-contained travelers who need a flat, secure place to park overnight. Located at a former building site carved into the mountaintop, this spot offers a rugged, industrial-meets-nature aesthetic with exposed rock and stately ponderosa pines. The Highlights Best For: Vans and truck campers looking for a convenient "crash pad" near Custer. Protected Setting: The site is tucked between rising hills to the east and west, offering natural wind protection and a sense of privacy. Ease of Access: The main property road runs directly through this site, making it the easiest spot to pull in and out of for a quick stay. However, there may be traffic coming through this site as people come in and out of the property. Important Site Details Surface: The ground is hard-packed and rocky. Because of the terrain, tent camping is not permitted in the quarry. It is for vehicle parking only. However, tents could be pitched nearby if needed. Amenities: This is a minimalist site. It currently features a fire pit, and we are working on adding a picnic table soon. Facilities: The shared outhouse and outdoor kitchen are a long walk (1/4 mile+) from this location. We strongly recommend this site for travelers who are self-contained or comfortable with a significant hike to the restrooms. Proximity: You are just minutes from the restaurants and amenities of downtown Custer. 🏗️ Construction Note Like the rest of our property, we are in an exciting phase of growth! You may see or hear construction activity elsewhere on the 10-acre property between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, though this site is physically removed from the main building area.

4WD recommended

No campfires

No toilet

No potable water

Pets allowed

No electrical hookup

from

$8

/ night

for 2 guests

from

$8

/ night

2 sites

Reviews

100% Recommend5 ratings · 5 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

20 ft campervan ·

Aspen Grove Campsite at The Pond

Nora’s site is very secluded and beautiful. We were only there overnight so we couldn’t enjoy the firepit, but it is a great place to be. Close to town for the necessities, but isolated enough to allow you to enjoy the natural beauty. I’d recommend an SUV, truck, or something you’re comfortable with a fairly steep incline in for the trail in, but we had no trouble with our Ford Transit van. Enjoy this site!

T

Tony H.

11 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Aspen Grove Campsite at The Pond

Another great stay. We just find more to love about this property each time we visit: walk to downtown, enjoy wildlife sightings, listen to the aspen leaves. Highly recommend.

S

Sam S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Aspen Grove Campsite at The Pond

Wow! Lots of improvements since the last time we were here! They've got solar lighting on the tent and the outdoor kitchen, a more sophisticated bathroom set up, and lots of tables/pots/pans/cooking supplies available for use. We will be back!

S

Sam S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Aspen Grove Campsite at The Pond

The host was very helpful and communicative in providing information about the site and answering questions. The land was beautiful and we had plenty of space to set up camp and hang out. Host set up a large group tent that we could hang out in, and the chairs and table were a bonus as well. Would absolutely stay again!

R

Rachel O.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Beautiful & Convenient!

20 ft campervan · With pets ·

Aspen Grove Campsite at The Pond

Our stay at The Pond during Pumpfest was fantastic! The beautiful setting offered a perfect blend of remote feel and convenient access to downtown for the 20 or so campers. The aspen grove provided shady, flat spaces for tents and hammocks, plus level parking for cars and camper vans. Climbers loved the nearby granite outcroppings. The large firepit with free firewood was a huge bonus, making our evenings even more enjoyable. They are even putting up an outdoor kitchen, which will be great when it is finished. Highly recommend for a beautiful, convenient, and unique camping experience in the Black Hills!

S

Sam S.

3 reviews

Location

Custer, Custer County, South Dakota, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

The Pond in Custer, SD

Select a site

Tent-only sites

Mickelson Trail Campsite

RV/tent sites

The Quarry

Reviews

Location

Hosted by Nora S.

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