Explore
/
United States
/
South Dakota
/
Cottonwood Springs Lake

The best camping in Cottonwood Springs Lake, SD

Popular ways to camp

Snag sold-out campsites.

Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.

See the best spots in one place.

Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.

Book with confidence.

Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Top-rated campgrounds near Cottonwood Springs Lake

Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

100%

(14)

4.3mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 29 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

Stagecoach Stays

100%

(65)

6.2mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 5 sites · RVs

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

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%

(281)

14mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 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

$50

/ night

Camp Custer in Star Valley

95%

(20)

19mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 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

100%

(25)

19mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 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

Campfires

Full hookups

from

$45

/ night

Star Valley RV Camp Spot

100%

(29)

19mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 1 site · RV

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

Tent camping near a pine forest

98%

(361)

22mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 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

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

92%

(219)

23mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 32 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

Fort Welikit Campground

100%

(13)

24mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 124 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

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%

(467)

29mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 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

Battle Creek Camping Resort

98%

(23)

31mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

BCCR arrived in the late summer of 2023. We have RV sites and glamping options spread out over 80 acres, in the foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota. We are a family owned and operated glamp ground. We provide a unique experience for families, couples and solo travelers to unplug and unwind. We do not have Wi-Fi nor televisions at our campground. We are known for our stargazing friendly environment which is why we do not have street lights. We love to see kids outside riding their bikes and making lifelong friends with other guests. This has been one of the most rewarding compliments that we continue to receive. Each glamp site has a gas and wood fire pit. Families gather around the campfire at nights, roasting smores and telling stories. The laughter is pure joy and memories that will last a lifetime. The lodges, domes and tents that we have are fully furnished with linens, towels and a fully stocked coffee bar. Our most praised amenity is our bath house. This features private full restrooms with individual sinks, showers and toilets. We strive to provide a family friendly campground. Therefore, our quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. No loud music or disruptions to other guests, of any kind, are allowed. At any time during your stay, you need assistance, please reach out by phone call, text or email. We thank you for choosing to stay with us and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your families memories. Check In: Check in time is 4:00-9:00pm MST. We are self-check in but it is very dark when the sun goes down and the phone service can be spotty. Please reach out asap if you know you may be arriving late so we can be prepared to assist if needed. Calls after 11pm, will go to voicemail and be returned the next day. Check Out: Please do not leave us, but if you must go, please check out by 11:00am MST.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$50

/ night

Rustic Rendezvous

99%

(48)

32mi from Cottonwood Springs Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

from

$42

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Teresa

3 weeks ago

17 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

Very easy to find. Terrific communication from the site owners. Roomy spot. I would definitely recommend to others and would stay there again if ever back in that area.

Corina

November 2025

31 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pine Haven Lodging

We were on site 10 and it’s leveled. We stayed here on their last weekend of the season. Pine Haven is near Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore. It’s on the outside of town but near pretty much everything. If we cross this way again, we definitely would come back here.

Christopher

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Den Cabins & Camp

Tammy's place was everything we wanted - its cozy, remote but in the heart of so much beauty. We got in at sunset and were able to take our dog on a night stroll up her hill for a very peaceful evening. The heat in our cabin was NICE and made it extra cozy. The bathroom / shower set up was top notch - sooo clean! 10/10 recommend this place! + Tammy is such a friendly, kind, good human!

Jenna

October 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Star Valley RV Camp Spot

Kurt's spot was easy to access and had everything we needed. He was a great host and ensured we had what we needed. I'd love to come back and have a bit more time to enjoy this location! A great find!

Shandra

October 2025

1 night at Battle Creek Camping Resort

Hillview Lodge was a cozy dream home away from home. I wish I had time to stay more than one night, but I do plan on returning in the future. I didn’t use the shower, but the bathroom house in general was clean and just a minute walk away from Hillview. I used the firepit at night too, ate some s’mores that were provided + had coffee in the morning before departure from provided Keurig coffee station. Would definitely recommend to any camping fantasy loving nerd!

Gregory

October 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Stagecoach Stays

This was a well equipped site. We were the only ones there and it was very peaceful. Lots of wildlife there.

Alisha

October 2025

With kids

4 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We loved staying at Bear Den! Tammy and Tim are the most welcoming hosts — we immediately felt like a part of their family! As our 5-year-old told us when they went back to their house after greeting us… “They’re so nice, I wish they didn’t have to go.” :) The cabin was cozy and perfect for our family of four. We were extra impressed by the cleanliness of the facilities, and amenities we didn’t expect. Our kids loved exploring the property, seeing the stars at night, and waking up to watch the deer right outside the cabin. The location was great, and pretty central for all the things we wanted to do. Our whole family hopes to visit again, and we will tell all our friends to make a trip to the Black Hills to stay with Tammy and Tim!

Charles

October 2025

2 nights at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We had the most amazing time at Lil Bear! Tammy and Tim are so kind and made us feel so at home! Our cabin was stocked with little snacks, was so cozy, had heat, coffee machine and it was just the best! Would absolutely recommend for a weekend getaway!

Nicholas

October 2025

1 night at Bear Den Cabins & Camp

We had such a wonderful time. Tammy and Tim were so hospitable and set us up for one of the coolest experiences to date. We can’t wait to come back - 10/10! Thank you so much!

William

October 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Tent camping near a pine forest

Beautiful place with an extremely friendly staff! I would definitely recommend it.

Jordan

October 2025

1 night at Fort Welikit Campground

We stayed in the Covered Wagon. It was super cute! Cheap and the camp hosts were great! The showers were clean and hot, and the Wagon was comfortable with plenty or space for two people. Would defiantly recommended! Make sure you bring sleeping pads or an air mattress, they isn’t one in the wagon.

Deborah

October 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

14 nights at Star Valley RV Camp Spot

Kurt is an amazing host in more ways than one. After I texted him saying we were set to arrive in our RV in the middle of the night, he gave detailed instructions on where to park. Not only that, but he congratulated us via text after he awoke on the good job of parking in the dark, since we had already left for the Buffalo Round up in our car. We reserved the site for two weeks but our son was with us and he was anxious to get home after being away for months hiking the Continental Divide Trail. We left after only five days and Kurt graciously agreed to refund us. He was so understanding and even spoke to my husband in person. The site is amazing because it is in the middle of the countryside with no other RVs. Accommodations were excellent...great wifi. We highly recommend this host/site and hope to return in the future.

David

October 2025

27 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Stagecoach Stays

Fantastic stay! New, modern services and site in a unique setting. Quiet, with a beautiful wildlife and vista. Great hosts and amazing area. We'll be back for a longer stay to explore more of the area!

Joseph

October 2025

3 nights at Fort Welikit Campground

Loved this place, we stayed in Tipi, then in Keg once it got cold. Was a great stay. Cooked over campfires. Shower/bathrooms worked great. Great location to lots of things

Paul

October 2025

26 ft Class B

With pets

2 nights at Black Elk Resort

Really nice spot , convenient to all the things we wanted to see. Level site, good power , water! Clean shower.

Krystl

October 2025

1 night at Fort Welikit Campground

This was a charming campground with lots of amenities nearby. I stayed in a tipi, and I'd definitely stay here again to check out some of the other unique lodgings.

Bobbie

September 2025

Tent

7 nights at Tent camping near a pine forest

Our view was very nice! Great sunsets. Our spot was pretty flat for our tent. Easy to park our motorcycles. Great shower facilities. Definitely recommend this place!

Danielle

September 2025

Group trip

1 night at Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

The cabin on the property is quite lovely! It was a great place to rest for the night from the Mickelson trail. Lovely views!

Chrissy

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

Megan was a great host. We had a great time there.

Chrissy

September 2025

45 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

Megan was incredibly helpful and we had a great visit. Thank you

The best camping in Cottonwood Springs Lake, SD guide

Overview

About

Feel like nestling yourself in the sanctuary of evergreen trees in the rugged black hills for a while? How about throwing in a clean and peaceful lake to float on, and the chirpings of songbirds to listen to? If that sounds like your cup of tea then a visit to Cottonwood Springs Lake is in order. This is a sweet little spot for nature lovers to get away, try a little fishing or hiking, and camp primitive style to get back to the land good and proper. The lake only allows electric motored boats, so you can expect to find some quiet here. Slow down and let Mother Nature work her magic on you for a change, and you’ll be fresh as a spruce tree in no time.

Be the first to review

Share your experience here to help other campers.