National Park

The best camping in Buffalo Gap National Grassland, SD

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

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
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%
(40)
16mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Dancing Phoenix Farm 🌾 We’re excited to host you! Our goal is to provide a safe, peaceful place to relax and enjoy the land. For added peace of mind, Hipcamp conducts background checks on hosts, and we're proud to be highly rated and recognized as one of the top campsites in South Dakota. Safety and Check-In • Each adult camper must provide a driver’s license and vehicle details (make, model, color) when requesting a booking • Your information is kept private and used only for guest safety • Please arrive no later than 7PM • Screenshot directions—GPS will not work and service is limited • Text us 1 hour before arrival Location • Remote grasslands of South Dakota • ~25 min from SD44 | ~55 min from Rapid City | ~40 min from Hermosa • Dirt roads—4WD recommended The Campsite • Open pasture with beautiful views, unobstructed sunsets, sunrises and stargazing • Tents, RVs, and campers welcome • Picnic table + water nearby • Kids and leashed pets welcome Farm and Wildlife • Working farm—feel free to say hello or enjoy your privacy • Expect wildlife (deer, coyotes, snakes, birds, insects) • Please do not feed or approach animals Extras • Simple breakfast/snack options ($5) • Homemade goods available upon request Good to Know • Weather can be unpredictable • Pack out all trash—Leave No Trace • Cell service is limited—text is best If you have questions, just reach out—we’re happy to help. Enjoy your stay!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Battle Creek Camping Resort

2. Battle Creek Camping Resort

98%
(23)
31mi 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
Bear Den Cabins & Camp

3. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%
(477)
31mi 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
Stagecoach Stays

4. Stagecoach Stays

100%
(66)
33mi 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
Highland Meadows Resort

5. Highland Meadows Resort

100%
(10)
35mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 12 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. Get 10% OFF at Evans Plunge when you show them you're staying at Highland Meadows Resort.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

6. Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

97%
(15)
35mi 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
HTR Black Hills

7. HTR Black Hills

92%
(19)
39mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 80 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
Pine Haven Lodging

8. Pine Haven Lodging

95%
(21)
40mi 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
Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

9. 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
Camp Custer in Star Valley

10. Camp Custer in Star Valley

95%
(20)
41mi 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
Picnic table
Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

11. Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

100%
(26)
41mi 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
Star Valley RV Camp Spot

12. Star Valley RV Camp Spot

100%
(31)
41mi 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
Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

13. Home Ranch/Cheyenne River Bottom

94%
(53)
42mi 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
Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

14. Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

93%
(220)
42mi 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
Fort Welikit Campground

15. Fort Welikit Campground

100%
(16)
43mi 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
Badlands Hotel & Campground

16. Badlands Hotel & Campground

92%
(107)
43mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 71 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
Big Pine Campground

17. Big Pine Campground

98%
(361)
44mi 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
Black Elk Resort

18. Black Elk Resort

96%
(70)
44mi 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
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

19. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%
(231)
46mi 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
Horse Creek Resort

20. Horse Creek Resort

97%
(168)
46mi from Buffalo Gap National Grassland · 26 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

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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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