- Black Hills National Forest
The best camping in Black Hills National Forest, SD
98% (55)
Beyond Mount Rushmore, explore 1.2 million acres of forested mountains.
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Corina
2 weeks ago
31 ft Class C
With pets
We reached out to the camp host to see if they’d let us check in earlier and so thankful that they did. It allowed us to have enough time to drive down and explore the Badlands since we only had one day of fun. It’s about an hour away from here. We also got to see a famous roadside attraction Wall Drugs.
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Corina
2 weeks ago
31 ft Class C
With pets
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.
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Christopher
3 weeks ago
With pets
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!
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Jenna
October 2025
25 ft Class C
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!
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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!
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Gregory
October 2025
25 ft Class C
We were looking for a nice isolated, dark sky location to ourselves and got just what we wanted. We would definitely stay here again!
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Alisha
October 2025
With kids
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!
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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!
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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!
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ANDREW
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Beautiful location that is excellently maintained.
The host was very accommodating.
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William
October 2025
12 ft pop-up camper
Beautiful place with an extremely friendly staff! I would definitely recommend it.
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Grace
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Naked Acres WY
Our stay at Melissa’s Hipcamp site was incredible! The cabins were so nice and cozy, and the outdoor kitchen and shower were great. The property is beautiful and we were so happy we got to stay there on our road trip. I only wish we could have been there for longer!! We will definitely be coming back!
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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.
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Deborah
October 2025
32 ft Class C
With pets
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.
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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
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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.
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Bobbie
September 2025
Tent
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!
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Danielle
September 2025
Group trip
The cabin on the property is quite lovely! It was a great place to rest for the night from the Mickelson trail. Lovely views!
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Chrissy
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Megan was a great host. We had a great time there.
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Chrissy
September 2025
45 ft travel trailer
Megan was incredibly helpful and we had a great visit. Thank you
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Black Hills National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Black Hills National Forest, SD guide
Overview
About
Watched over by the four presidents of Mount Rushmore, Black Hills National Forest is South Dakota’s adventure playground. Explore 353 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, leading through pine-clad hills and jagged canyons, or fish along 1,300 miles of mountain streams. Once you’ve visited the Crazy Horse Memorial, seen Jewel Cave, and marveled at the Cathedral Spires, take your pick of 30 primitive campgrounds or venture into the backcountry to pitch your tent beneath the stars. Better yet, join a summer moon walk to experience the forest on a night hike.
98%
55 ratings · 17 reviews
Nice, clean campground for tents on a clear lake, which my daughter enjoyed swimming in! It was also a short drive to Mt Rushmore. Camp host was friendly and welcoming.
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Jaime W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Beautiful!
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Sue S.
9 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
One of the most beautiful places in the country with rich history, always worth the trip.
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Carter S.
6 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Of all the landscapes and people I have seen and met....Black Hills is a favorite for both! Stunning geograpghy, friendly people and historic sites....nothing better.
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Kasie K.
20 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Loved it
Kevin B.
13 reviews
July 2023
Bring a spare set of tires, the road coming in is extremely rough and no cell service once you get there. Next up is the poison ivy, mosquitoes and wasps. The creek is very shallow. Very rocky tent areas. There are much better campgrounds to choose from.
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Nate V.
2 years on Hipcamp
June 2023
Boi if u don’t add more pictures for this campground….
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Jake H.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2021
We tent camped here for one night passing through the area. There is a number of reservable sites and ones that are first come first serve. It is a beautiful little campground a short distance from Keystone. We loved this campground! HOWEVER, it is right on a windy scenic route that attracts a lot of motorcycle traffic. It is very close to Mt Rushmore which is a positive if you plan on visiting the monument (although there are many beautiful sights from the road). Being close to the monument, the helicopter traffic was nonstop during the day from what I assume were aerial tours. SO, if you intend on hanging out at the campsite all day, do not expect peace and quiet. The noise does die down early evening. Good basecamp for day trips!
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Sarah K.
4 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2019
We arrived at the Dutchman Campground to find the gate closed and locked.
Colin R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2019
Beautiful place to stay and ride horses.
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Trudy H.
6 years on Hipcamp
September 2018
Great location and right around the corner from Mt. Rushmore! I enjoyed the tents only aspect of the area, it made it seem the sites where secluded. We reserved two nights at #17 and then we reserved a walk-in site #20 for the next two. The bathrooms were kept clean (vault) and the hosts were very nice and answered any questions we had about the area. There is a creek and some trails that were right off the campground. Try to stay in #19, seems to be the most secluded. My only negative was from the 2 families staying three sites down, they let their kids run around camp unattended until about 10:30pm and bright and early the next morning. They also trashed the bathroom unfortunately. I wish everyone had/was taught some camping etiquette.
Ronee S.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2018
We camp here every year. We love it.
Jason Grace L.
7 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
A great little campground set against a steep mountain in a small valley deep in the Black Hills. Heading here in early August, I was worried the site would be full like many others in the area due to the Sturgis annual motorcycle rally. This campground being about 4 miles down a gravel road may have deterred the crowd - only three other sites were occupied. A heavy rain fell so I wasn't able to fully explore, definitely check your maps and sources - there was confusion even among locals as to how to get here!
Albert G.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
This is a beautiful area and well maintained by the camp host. It's also the best campground for quick access to the rock climbing in Spearfish Canyon, and the super convenient general store in Cheyenne Crossing, in case you need to refill ice in your cooler or just want a delicious meal while you hide from rain.
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Natasha M.
8 years on Hipcamp
May 2017
Expansive campground with multiple sections and large campsites. Plenty of shade amongst the tall, dense pine trees. Number of sites have beautiful views of Sheridan Lake. Jump on the Centennial Trail or hike the Flume trail and check out two train tunnels from the gold mining days.
Amy F.
10 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2017
Gets chilly , bring your own fire wood, if you bring it in you take it out !
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Christi W.
8 years on Hipcamp
January 2016
We showed up on a Thursday night, it was rainy and during a storm so the whole campsite was empty! It was beautiful and near a creek. Great bathrooms, and a super friendly host that had tons of wood.
Brooke N.
3 reviews