Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in South Dakota

United States
—
South Dakota

91% (547 reviews)

Popular camping styles for South Dakota

Available this weekend

7 top wheelchair-accessible mountainous campgrounds in South Dakota

96%

(156)

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

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 proir to your stay.

94%

(242)

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents, car tents, and hammocks or stay in one of our 2 one-room camping log cabins. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat is a peaceful 10-acre private property, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota, and conveniently located along Hwy 385 and directly on the Mickelson Trail at mile markers 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. From May through December we are hosting a limited number of camping guests at our home place. Your children and pets (max 2 on a leash) are welcome. You will have access to spacious camping and parking options on pasture grass and gravel parking lots, as well as under the barn roof if needed to avoid hail damage. Long term storage for RVs, ATVs, or boats in our 80' x 100' pole barn. There is a restroom, and shower cabin, several picnic tables, and campfire pits. Our strong WiFi reaches every corner of the property, All hydrants are connected to our well with very good drinking water. Black top driveway and parking available under the pole barn roof to escape bad weather. We keep our property clean and smoke free. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.

86%

(18)

Day's End Campground

279 sites · Lodging, RVs27 acres · Sturgis, SD

Days End Campground & RV Park is a Sturgis, South Dakota camping destination conveniently located just off Interstate I-90’s exit 30. Fulfill that "Bucket List" today by booking your inexpensive vacation getaway right here in Sturgis, South Dakota. The Black Hills area attractions are close by such as Mount Rushmore Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Spearfish Canyon, Terry Peak, Deadwood, Devils Tower, and The Badlands. You can experience some of the Best Motorcycle riding in the country, or just relax next to a beautiful Mountain stream and take in all the wonderful scenery of the Blackhills. Planning a family vacation? Bear Country, Custer State Park, Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island and Reptile Garden are all just a short drive away. The Blackhills of South Dakota offer lots of local events and festivals like "Kool Deadwood Nites", The Days of 76, The Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally, the Sturgis Camaro Rally, the Off-Road Rally races, indoor Bull-Riding at the Knuckle and Sturgis downtown Moto-Cross. For those of you that enjoy an endurance sport come and partake in the Tatanka Mountain Bike Race or the Black Hills 100. Spend your evening visiting downtown Sturgis with Music on Main. Every Year the City of Sturgis and Days End Campground gear up for the Legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. Come and experience a Motorcycle Rally like none other. People from all over the world come here to ride Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon, Boulder Canyon, Vanoker Canyon and so much more. Stop in at Aladdin, Stonehouse, and Bear Butte, or enjoy a short walk to Downtown Sturgis to see Main Street lined up with the most amazing motorcycles. Book now to experience the Ride of a Lifetime! Days End Campground is ready to accommodate your needs with Big Rig RV sites, Cabins, Glamping, or Tent Camping! Book your Next Blackhills Visit Today.

Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

1 site · RV3 acres · Lead, SD

The property is one of the few rentals allowed in Spearfish Canyon. Brand NEW this year--a Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics! Also NEW--horseshoe pits in meadow for your enjoyment. It sits besides an historic 95-year old log cabin. A guest house, Couples Canyon Retreat, sleeps 3, is also available for rent. Contact owner. Learn more about this land: All paved road to your private luxury concrete RV pad sitting at the entrance of beautiful Spearfish Canyon. Convenient location to all sites in SD Black Hills including Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish and one hour drive to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Walking distance to a trout pond for fishing and Cheyenne Crossing for a delicious meal. Hiking and off-roading trails galore. Go to sleep hearing Upper Spearfish Creek across the road, with mountain views, deer and smell of fresh pine trees. Lead Country Club Golf course close by. Brand New Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics.

98%

(229)

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

96%

(65)

Black Elk Resort

1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD

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.

Home Ranch LLC

1 site · RV, Tent1500 acres · Wasta, SD

This ranch is the home of Cowgirl Annie. It has had two movies about the Battle of the Little Bighorn filmed on it. The Lytle's raise Red Angus cows and Alfalfa hay. The ranch has Juniper trees in the river breaks and cottonwoods in the river valley. A wide variety of wildlife and birds can be found on the ranch. Visitors will likely get to see deer and hear the coyotes howling and observe other critters. This ranch is over 1500 acres. Campsite is about a mile off of Interstate 90. Wall Drug and the Badlands National park are about 20 minutes away. Visitors are encouraged to hike and play in the river. There are plenty of good areas to play hide and seek along with logs to climb on. There isn't much light pollution so you can enjoy stargazing on a clear night. Attractions in the Black Hills are about 60 miles away.

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(242)

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents, car tents, and hammocks or stay in one of our 2 one-room camping log cabins. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat is a peaceful 10-acre private property, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota, and conveniently located along Hwy 385 and directly on the Mickelson Trail at mile markers 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. From May through December we are hosting a limited number of camping guests at our home place. Your children and pets (max 2 on a leash) are welcome. You will have access to spacious camping and parking options on pasture grass and gravel parking lots, as well as under the barn roof if needed to avoid hail damage. Long term storage for RVs, ATVs, or boats in our 80' x 100' pole barn. There is a restroom, and shower cabin, several picnic tables, and campfire pits. Our strong WiFi reaches every corner of the property, All hydrants are connected to our well with very good drinking water. Black top driveway and parking available under the pole barn roof to escape bad weather. We keep our property clean and smoke free. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.

Luxury RV Canyon Retreat

1 site · RV3 acres · Lead, SD

The property is one of the few rentals allowed in Spearfish Canyon. Brand NEW this year--a Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics! Also NEW--horseshoe pits in meadow for your enjoyment. It sits besides an historic 95-year old log cabin. A guest house, Couples Canyon Retreat, sleeps 3, is also available for rent. Contact owner. Learn more about this land: All paved road to your private luxury concrete RV pad sitting at the entrance of beautiful Spearfish Canyon. Convenient location to all sites in SD Black Hills including Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish and one hour drive to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Walking distance to a trout pond for fishing and Cheyenne Crossing for a delicious meal. Hiking and off-roading trails galore. Go to sleep hearing Upper Spearfish Creek across the road, with mountain views, deer and smell of fresh pine trees. Lead Country Club Golf course close by. Brand New Post and Beam Pavilion available for parking and picnics.

Day's End Campground

279 sites · Lodging, RVs27 acres · Sturgis, SD

Days End Campground & RV Park is a Sturgis, South Dakota camping destination conveniently located just off Interstate I-90’s exit 30. Fulfill that "Bucket List" today by booking your inexpensive vacation getaway right here in Sturgis, South Dakota. The Black Hills area attractions are close by such as Mount Rushmore Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Spearfish Canyon, Terry Peak, Deadwood, Devils Tower, and The Badlands. You can experience some of the Best Motorcycle riding in the country, or just relax next to a beautiful Mountain stream and take in all the wonderful scenery of the Blackhills. Planning a family vacation? Bear Country, Custer State Park, Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island and Reptile Garden are all just a short drive away. The Blackhills of South Dakota offer lots of local events and festivals like "Kool Deadwood Nites", The Days of 76, The Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally, the Sturgis Camaro Rally, the Off-Road Rally races, indoor Bull-Riding at the Knuckle and Sturgis downtown Moto-Cross. For those of you that enjoy an endurance sport come and partake in the Tatanka Mountain Bike Race or the Black Hills 100. Spend your evening visiting downtown Sturgis with Music on Main. Every Year the City of Sturgis and Days End Campground gear up for the Legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August. Come and experience a Motorcycle Rally like none other. People from all over the world come here to ride Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon, Boulder Canyon, Vanoker Canyon and so much more. Stop in at Aladdin, Stonehouse, and Bear Butte, or enjoy a short walk to Downtown Sturgis to see Main Street lined up with the most amazing motorcycles. Book now to experience the Ride of a Lifetime! Days End Campground is ready to accommodate your needs with Big Rig RV sites, Cabins, Glamping, or Tent Camping! Book your Next Blackhills Visit Today.

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

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 proir to your stay.

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Star Hosts in South Dakota

96%

(156)

Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

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 proir to your stay.

Black Elk Resort

1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD

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.

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Mountainous camping in South Dakota guide

Overview

South Dakota's headline acts need little introduction. This sparsely populated state is home to the most visited national park in the Midwest—Badlands National Park—and one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States—Mount Rushmore. From the craggy peaks of the Black Hills to the vast backcountry of the Great Plains and the banks of the mighty Missouri River, outdoor adventures are easy to find in South Dakota. The main camping season runs from May through October, with midsummer temperatures peaking in the mid-80s, while winters are snowy, especially in the north.

Where to go

Badlands and the Black Hills

Swathes of forested mountains blanket the southwestern corner of South Dakota, where a road trip to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial is likely top of your to-do list. Just west of the four presidents, the Black Hills National Forest has 450 miles of hiking, biking, OHV, and horseback riding trails, plus 30 campgrounds, some with full hookups. To the east, hike beneath layer-cake cliffs and towering canyons in Badlands National Park, then camp out beneath the stars—backcountry camping is permitted throughout the park.

Great Lakes

The Missouri River flows through the heart of South Dakota, where you'll find the four man-made "great lakes"—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake. Campgrounds and RV parks pepper the shores, and all four lakes are popular spots for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Bring your own boat, paddle the lakes on a kayak, or rent a jet ski.

Glacial Lakes

The sweeping prairies and glacial lakes of northeastern South Dakota are little-explored, but you’re never far from a lakeside campground. With its chain of eight glacial lakes, Oakwood Lakes State Park affords plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddling, and ice fishing, depending on the time of year. Further south, Lake Poinsett has a sandy beach, two camping areas, and lakefront cabins.

Southeast South Dakota

The state's southeast corner is a patchwork of lakes, rivers, and vineyards, interspersed with country towns. Set up camp at Lake Vermillion and hit the water to swim, canoe, or paddleboard; enjoy hiking or rock climbing around the unique pink quartzite cliffs of Palisades State Park; or go wine tasting in South Dakota wine country. A photo stop at Sioux Falls is a must for visitors to the namesake city, but for camping, head to the nearby Big Sioux Recreation Area, a scenic stopover along the Jay Heath Canoe & Kayak Trail.