RV camping in South Dakota with wildlife watching

Black Hills, Badlands, and presidential icons await intrepid campers.

96% (2219 reviews)

United States
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South Dakota

96% (2219 reviews)

Popular camping styles for South Dakota

Community favorites in South Dakota

Public campgrounds in South Dakota

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(9)

Horsethief Lake Campground

22 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

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(6)

Redbank Spring Campground

4 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

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(7)

Elk Mountain Campground

77 sites · RVs, Tents In Wind Cave National Park

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(49)

Sage Creek Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Badlands National Park

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(10)

Custer Trail Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

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(4)

Stockade North Campground

43 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

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(4)

Oreville Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

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(4)

Palisades Campground

43 sites · RVs, Tents In Palisades State Park

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(3)

Rod And Gun Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

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(3)

Sheridan Lake Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents In Black Hills National Forest

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(2)

Big Sioux Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Big Sioux Recreation Area

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(2)

Blue Bell Campground

58 sites · RVs, Tents In Custer State Park

12 top RV sites in South Dakota with wildlife watching

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(168)

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 prior to your stay. *****NOTE: HWY 385 Road Construction***** South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) began Highway 385 road construction , which is the main highway that runs through the Black Hills, from Deadwood through Custer, in the fall of 2023. They recently just started construction along the section next to Horse Creek (fall of 2024), which will continue through summer of 2025. Please use the following link for any updates: us-385 dot com

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(1060)

Uncle B's Produce Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Monroe, SD

Awarded South Dakota's best Hip Camp to see in 2024, 2023, 2021, and runner up in 2022. Uncle B's farm is a small 11 acre hobby farm with a large vegetable garden, chickens, peafowl, guinea fowl, turkeys, a goat, dogs, and cats. There is an old quarried stone railroad bridge and a few short walking trails around the pond. The pond is at the back of the property where I have 6 dry camp sites listed as Uncle B's farm for tents or self contained RV's. All sites have partial to full shade and most have mature trees that will work for a hammock or tensile tent. All of the campsites have a firepit, some with cooking grates and all sites have a picnic table. The "shower shack" is shared by all guests and has 2 separate 3/4 baths with all modern plumbing. There is also a basic outdoor kitchen with a few portable grills as well as a sink with modern plumbing. Available at Uncle B's RV Camper site I have 3 RV sites with water and 30 Amp electrical hookups. My "Ready Set Camp" listing is a dome tent set up and furnished with 2 cots, table, and lamp as well as a match ready fire. The Barn loft apartment is a studio apartment with a small galley kitchen and private bath. Uncle B's farm has been voted Best Hip Camp to see in South Dakota for the 3rd time.... Come see why...

99%

(101)

The Wilderness

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · West Pennington, SD

Learn more about this land:Tired of the city? Want to get away from people? This 80 acre site is perfect for getting away from civilization and experiencing nature as it was meant to be. Hike in the beautiful Black Hills or make the short trip to Lake Pactola for boating or fishing. If relaxing isn't your speed, take a bike ride on the Michelson Trail or travel one of the many off road trails nearby.

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(7)

Downhome Country Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Lennox, SD

Downhome Country Farm is 10 acres of woods and prairie with a large garden, chickens, guinea fowl, mules, horses, a dog, and bee hives in the pasture. We have two restored vintage campers that sleep 4 people and multiple tent sites. The bathroom and solar shower are shared by all guests. There are 2 sites for self-contained RV's with 20A electric available and water at some sites. 2 tent sites are available until the hay season then the pasture is wide open tent camping. Horse boarding and camping available too. Each site can request individual fire rings. We have an outdoor community area that has a large fire pit, covered shelter and a woodfired pizza oven that will be in use on some weekends and by request. Local and national touring musicians are known to provide pop up private concerts some weekends and impromptu jam sessions. On occasion, we have outdoor movies and morning yoga along with great activities in the surrounding community too. Or just hang out in the hammocks and soak in that downhome country feeling. Come and enjoy the great outdoors on our farm!

94%

(242)

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

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

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, a solar shower building, 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.

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(115)

Blue Tin Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Burbank, SD

Hello and welcome to the peaceful countryside! Proud to be named HipCamp's 2022 Top 10 Properties! We are a luxury hunting lodge here in South East South Dakota and love offering people the chance to camp, park, and explore our property! We are fifth generation farmers and are so proud of our farm and of South Dakota. Ask us about guides for the way out west to the Black Hills. We have 10 acres to share and are excited to host you! On property you can find, corn crib swings, a winding enchanted path to a gazebo perfect for sunsets, a gravity wagon basketball game, a romantic lit pavillion, a balcony overlooking both Iowa and Nebraska, and fields of corn and beans! Bathrooms can be found centrally on the property, we have 2 womens, 2 mens and one family/ handicap accessible. Now with Shower AND WIFI!

93%

(213)

Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

32 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Custer, SD

Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground Is about us and our dream come true. We spent 3 years putting a plan together so we could make the move to South Dakota. Finding the right piece of land wasn't easy and came with a few setbacks. We were lucky to find land in Custer with the French Creek running through the property. 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. 2024 we added Full hookups to some of our sites, we still offer a few dry camping spots as well. Without you this dream wouldn't be possible. We hope you enjoy your stay!

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(22)

B gravel pit.

1 site · RV, Tent1500 acres · Wall, SD

This ranch is the home of children's book author Cowgirl Annie. This site is in an abandoned gravel pit so you will be parking on a sandy gravel base. 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. Wall Drug and the Badlands National Park are about a twenty-minute drive.

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.

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(231)

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!!

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(35)

The Specialty Crop

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Hudson, SD

The Specialty Crop sits on 5 rural acres in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. We are a farmstead committed to sowing a meaningful life for special people, of all abilities. We cultivate community through farm experiences and special food. Our small-scale, working farm is surrounded by rolling hills and farm fields. Enjoy the farmstead strolling paths, gardens, and our friendly chickens, cats and dog. Experience the curated natural surroundings including bird watching, bugs and prairie habitat. Watch the sun rise from your camp site and stargaze our dark skies. Keep coming back to watch the evolution of our farm dreams as we build the mission of The Specialty Crop~ ask us more!

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(42)

redblue RV SITE

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Custer, SD

Gravel pad with sweeping mountain views. Large communal fire pit. Outhouse. The property is bordered by the Black Hills National Forest and the Michelson Trail. Just minutes away from Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park. Bring your rv / camper / horse trailer / tent and experience western South Dakota. Full water, sewer, & amp hookups - 20, 30, 50 amps. Porta potty available- outhouse chic! No showers. Steps away from the Black Hills National Forest. Minutes from Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Custer State Park. Located in Custer, South Dakota, United States. 9 miles to Wind Cave National Park 28 miles to Mount Rushmore National Memorial 23 miles to Custer State Park 23 miles to Jewel Cave National Monument Local maps available. Additional dump sites available in nearby Custer and Hot Springs. No lodging. Bring your own! The redblue CABIN and RIDGE units are nearby -Making this a great family reunion option! Contact us for more information.

Available this weekend

75%

(4)

Home Ranch

1 site · RV1500 acres · Wasta, SD

Home Ranch LLC rents property from ranchers to provide nature experiences to campers that want to getaway from the crowds. This property provides access to juniper canyons that are home to a wide variety of wildlife on over 1000 acres. You can almost always see some deer, a variety of birds: including ducks, geese, great blue herons, and eagles. Meadowlarks and coyotes can usually be heard daily. The campers can also enjoy wading or fishing in the Cheyenne River that borders the property on the west side. The river is just a short hike through the cottonwood covered bottoms that show signs of raccoon and beaver activity. Children can enjoy climbing on logs, playing hide and go seek in the trees or throwing rocks in the river. The sunrises and sunsets can be quite spectacular. The ranch also allows for some star gazing at night. Feel free to bring your telescopes. If Campers arrive in April or May they can go on a calving tour to see the newborn calves. If coming in June through August campers could catch a tour to put out mineral and salt for the cattle in summer pasture or maybe ride along in the haying process.( These tours would not happen on a daily basis.) Every day is different on a ranch. Home Ranch tries to spreadout the campsites so campers don't feel like others are intruding on their space and interrupting their quite time to enjoy nature. Sometimes depending on the weather (rain) you may be asked to move your camper to a different site on the ranch to avoid being stuck in the mud. The town of Wall (home of Wall Drug) is about a 15 minute drive. the Badlands National Park is about 25 minutes from the campsites. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and other tourist spots are about one and a half hours driving time.

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(3)

Starlight Carroll Creek

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Custer, SD

Level, grassy field, good for tent camping, motor home parking, hiking, bird watching. Custer - Jewel Cave National Park within a 30 minute drive. Crazy Horse Memorial within 15 minutes (Native items and tour of Crazy Horse sculpture - largest sculpture in the world). Helicopter rides, too. Sylvan Lake (actually several nice lakes, less than 30 minute drive. Mount Rushmore 30 minutes away. Custer State Park (miles of Bison and Pronghorn to see) less than 30 minutes away. Downtown Custer shops (gifts, Native items, vape shop). Shooting range and gun shop 5 miles away. Hot Springs - Mammoth Park, Wind Cave National Park, Evans Plunge.

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(11)

Grass limited trees

12 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Herreid, SD

Learn more about this land:We are definitely out of the way 98 miles to the closest Walmart birds deer sunsets and sunrises best in the country great fishing 15 miles west lake Oahe sitting Bull’s grave site 33 miles west

94%

(32)

Steinke Ranch Buffalo

7 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Colome, SD

Learn more about this land: Welcome Steinke Ranch! We offer rolling hills covered with beautiful trees. We have 8 different sites available alongside 3 fishing lakes within 10 miles. Find a shooting range near by and a plenty of deer, turkey, buffalo, and pheasant, only 2 1/2 miles off of highway! Come here and enjoy ultimate peace and quiet!.........have a Camp Fire...Play Horseshoes....Cowboy putting green.....Skeet shooting....Buffalo meat ...Buffalo snacks....Wisconsin Cheese......100% Pure Maple Syrup from Vermont.....Buffalo toys......Decals.....

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(26)

Harris Hideout

1 site · RV1 acre · Chamberlain, SD

Learn more about this land: Campers will park on a secondary garage concrete pad on our property. It is secluded and walking distance to the Missouri River, where you can take in nature anyway you would like! Fish, swim, paddleboard, kayak, it’s all here! We have 50 and 30 amp, along with 110 available. In addition, we have house accommodations of our walkout basement which includes a full sized bed and queen bed, full bathroom, full kitchen - all furnished, washer and dryer. This option is not always available and is of an extra charge. Contact Neoma or Gary for details.

Under $50

Booked 1 time

Miller's Acreage

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Volga, SD

We live on 5 acres, surrounded by farmland. 1 mile from nearest highway. 3 acres of pasture on the east end. Camping area is on the west end, with many trees for shade on the west and south corner. 4 miles from Brookings that has shopping, antique mall, active night life bars, children's museum and more. 3 miles from Volga, small town living. 5 miles from interstate I-29. Great sunsets, and stars & moon viewing at night.

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(6)

Renegades Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Corona, SD

This is a beautiful older farm site, with the original home and outbuildings. On the property is a horse pasture, a walking trail, a pond and several friendly animals. There are several acres of trees with a walking trail and campsites within. The farm historically was the top farm in the area. Rooms are spacious. Some remodeling has been done with windows and doors all upgraded. Learn more about this land:12 acre hobby farm with chickens, a dog, a cat, and a horse. We have grapes, raspberries, mulberry fruit trees and make our own wine. There is a trail going through the trees where there are several campsites and fire pits to choose from. As well as open areas to camp or park your camper. There is a small stage and central fire pit with many chairs, electricity and tables available. One 30 amp camper plugin. We are only 2 miles from Big Stone Lake, or within 4 miles you can kayak whetstone creek (weather/water level permitting). We have kayaks available for rent. Also this location is only 2 miles from gourmet bar and restaurants on the lake, and additional walking trails. We can also provide farm fresh eggs for your meal, or for additional fee cook breakfast or grill gourmet meals by request.

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(4)

Working Homestead Farm & Dairy

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Serendipity Farmstead is a fully operational homestead farm/ranch, cultivating more variety than you could ever imagine. Our high tunnel extends the outdoor growing season from April to October, while the tropical greenhouse boasts oranges, bananas, guava, and much more. We employ organic and regenerative farming methods across all areas of the farm, where animals grow the plants and vice versa, creating a perfectly balanced operation. A stay at Serendipity Farmstead offers an immersive experience into the workings of a homestead farm. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the symbiotic systems between yaks, cows, and chickens, how pigs enrich the soil, our milking process, and how we utilize beneficial insects to manage pests without chemicals. Animal enthusiasts will delight in interacting with our yaks, cows, llamas, and donkey.

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(8)

Green's Acres

1 site · RV5 acres · Black Hawk, SD

5 private undeveloped acres in the black hills. Water, 50 amp breaker, and sewer hook up for an RV available. Drive out of Black Hawk SD a few miles up into the hills, into a share private drive, drive across two cattle guards, and arrive next to national forest land. Hook up your RV. Relax and enjoy deer, turkeys, and other wildlife in a beautiful quiet spot.

100%

(2)

Miner Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents960 acres · Gregory, SD

Originally homesteaded in 1904, Miner Ranch is now home to a large number of animals. Situated in the middle of beautiful vast prairie, Miner Ranch offers many different arts and crafts activities, horse back riding, video game projectors, and opportunities to feed different animals. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery that Miner Ranch has to offer! Full RV hook ups and a dump site near by, plus many areas for tent camping.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

98%

(49)

Black Hills National Forest

South Dakota

99%

(89)

Badlands National Park

Interior, South Dakota

100%

(7)

Wind Cave National Park

Pringle, South Dakota

Garretson, South Dakota

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(2)

Big Sioux Recreation Area

Brandon, South Dakota

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(2)

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

Aberdeen, South Dakota

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(2)

Angostura Recreation Area

Hot Springs, South Dakota

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(1)

Indian Creek Recreation Area

Mobridge, South Dakota

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(1)

Lake Herman State Park

Madison, South Dakota

Other options in South Dakota

Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park

101 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Wall, SD

Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park stands out for its prime location just one block north of the iconic Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. This unique setting places you at the gateway to the breathtaking Badlands National Park and the expansive Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, renowned attractions like Mount Rushmore and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are only a short drive away, offering a wealth of experiences for visitors. Our campground features 59 convenient pull-thru RV sites, ensuring easy access for all our guests. We also provide complimentary internet access throughout the campground, allowing you to stay connected during your stay. At Sleepy Hollow, we welcome pets and encourage you to take advantage of our on-site dog park, where your furry friends can enjoy some playtime. With a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park is the ideal destination for your next adventure in South Dakota.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

RV camping in South Dakota with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp! If you're looking to park your RV and watch wildlife in South Dakota, you're in luck. With over 430 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Some of the top campsites, such as BK Produce Farm (451 reviews), Solace Farm (321 reviews), and Custer's Last Chance RV Park (108 reviews), offer popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, campfires, and potable water. You'll also find plenty of opportunities for historic site visits and wind sports. The average price per night is $30, but options are available for as low as $10. Let's get started on planning your perfect wildlife-watching RV adventure!