Looking for a place to camp near Custer with your horse? Finding a place to camp in South Dakota with your horse is easier than ever. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.
Welcome to Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, a bustling campground near Hill City, SD. This place is packed with amenities and activities, making it a hit for families and groups. You’ll find two pools, a splash pad, and a jumping pillow to keep the kids entertained. There’s also a variety of dining options, including a restaurant, coffee shop, and even a spot for tacos and margaritas.
For those who love outdoor adventures, you can rent side-by-sides or take a chuck wagon ride. Horseback riding is also available, offering a unique way to explore the beautiful surroundings. The campground is just a short drive from Mount Rushmore, making it a convenient base for exploring the iconic monument and other nearby attractions.
The campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Some sites are a bit tight, especially for larger RVs, but there are patio pull-through options that provide a bit more space. The property is generally clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
One thing to note is that cell reception can be spotty, so be prepared to disconnect a bit. Wi-Fi is available but can be unreliable, so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
Overall, Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch is a lively and family-friendly campground with plenty to do. Whether you’re here for the amenities or the proximity to Mount Rushmore, you’re sure to have a memorable stay.
Anyone who has camped at Sylvan Lake campground in South Dakota’s Custer State Park knows that Black Hills camping doesn’t get much better than this. Sylvan Lake Campground is one of eight designated campgrounds in Custer State Park, and one of the best public land destinations for camping in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. The region’s expanse of dense forests, rolling prairies and granite mountain peaks (the very same peaks that were used to form Mount Rushmore) offer photo-snapping tourists and laced-up explorers alike a chance to dive into the ecology of the American West.
For campers looking for a comfortable and convenient basecamp for diving into the region’s scenery and activities, Sylvan Lake campground is the place to be for many reasons. First, the 40-site campground offers access to the popular swimming spot of Sylvan Lake, where campers might feel inclined to spend their entire stay on the rocky beach of this scenic body of water. There’s also access to multiple hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels, including a trail that takes you to the curious and beautiful Black Elk Peak, the highest summit-able point east of the Rocky Mountains. Both a family-friendly spot and a hardcore adventurer’s playground, Sylvan Lake is Black Hills camping for everyone.
Welcome to Blue Bell Campground in Custer State Park, South Dakota. Nestled among tall pines, this campground offers a serene escape with a touch of rustic charm. The sites here are spacious and reasonably level, making it a breeze to set up camp whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.
One of the standout features is the clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities. You’ll also find a central outdoor movie area with benches, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring. The campground hosts are known for their friendliness and knowledge, always ready to lend a hand or share a tip about the best spots to visit.
For those who need it, there are electric hookups available, though some campers have noted that the electrical boxes can be a bit far from the tent pads. If you’re planning to use electricity, it might be wise to bring an extra-long extension cord just in case.
The nearby Blue Bell Lodge adds to the convenience with its restaurant and small gas station. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, take a hike to the river past the cabins and horse trails. The scenery is absolutely magical, especially after a storm when the air is fresh and the landscape glistens.
Firewood is available for purchase at the general store near the entrance, and if you’re in the mood for a meal out, the lodge’s cafe offers good food and a friendly atmosphere.
Overall, Blue Bell Campground is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Custer State Park with the added comfort of modern amenities. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, you’ll find plenty to love about this charming campground.
Located on the scenic Norbeck Byway away from the areas busy highways yet just one mile North of the historic city of Custer as you enter the heart of the Black Hills. Your adventure begins the minute you leave our gates.
Just minutes from Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, The Needles, Jewel Cave, and Custer State Park. Easy access to Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Sturgis, and all the Black Hills Area attractions.
100 unique sites situated in the tall, cool pines that make camping in the Black Hills an experience not soon forgotten. Sites range from full service to rustic and from private to group and family friendly, so that everyone can have the camping or RV experience they desire. All the amenities with the cozy feeling of camping in a National Forest campground.
You should see the Hills from here! Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA is your central location for visiting all of the Black Hills. We are in the center of all five major Black Hills attractions: Mt. Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park, within 6 to 23 miles of the campground. You can arrange tours with a local tour company that picks you up at your site. After a day of sightseeing, unwind at our tranquil campground among the ponderosa pines, just 3 miles west of Custer. Eat breakfast or dinner at the Buffalo Cafe, located inside the store.The kids will love our jumping pillow and playground. Seasonal activities (Memorial Day to Labor Day) include a heated pool (weather permitting). We offer 1 and 2-room camping cabins (No Air Conditioning), a Fully equipped deluxe cabin, 30 & 50-amp pull-thru and back-in sites, deluxe patio sites, and several types of tent sites, from primitive to upgraded. Free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, an on-site store, laundry ($), dump station, firewood ($), picnic tables, and propane ($) are available. Rates are higher on June 30-July 7 and August 6-15 (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Custer Cruisin' dates). No television service is provided; some sites can receive satellite reception.
$60 - $100 / night
Broken Arrow Horse Camp is a full service campground that accommodates our guest's horses in safe covered stalls. Our campground is surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and all the activities it has to offer. Visit our website and plan that long awaited getaway. We look forward to seeing you! Happy Trails!
Welcome to Rapid City KOA, a fantastic spot near Rapid City, SD, perfect for a family getaway or a convenient stopover. This campground is open from mid-April to mid-October, offering a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options.
One of the standout features here is the friendly and helpful staff. Visitors often mention how accommodating and welcoming everyone is, making your stay as smooth as possible. The campground is also big-rig friendly, so if you're rolling in with a larger RV, you'll find it easy to navigate and park.
For those traveling with pets, you'll be pleased to know that pets are allowed, and the campground is well-equipped with amenities like drinking water, electric and sewer hookups, showers, and toilets. There's even a market on-site for any last-minute supplies you might need.
Kids will love the playground and the large grassy areas to run around. There's also a pool to cool off in during those hot summer days. If you're into outdoor games, you'll find a basketball court and a large checkerboard to keep everyone entertained.
The location is a major plus, with easy access to local attractions like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Pirates Cove mini-golf is just a short drive away, adding a fun activity to your itinerary. And don't miss out on Bear Country USA, a nearby wildlife park that's a hit with visitors.
Overall, Rapid City KOA offers a clean, convenient, and friendly environment with plenty of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you'll find everything you need for a comfortable and memorable camping experience.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information.
General rules: Camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Motorized vehicles allowed 300 feet off of roads as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (dots) for dispersed camping on the Black Hills National Forest. Around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Can camp for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. No open campfires in South Dakota portions of the national forest. Open campfires are permitted in Wyoming portions of the national forest, unless a special order prohibiting such is in effect. Check with the closest Forest Service office for more specific information about dispersed camping.
Located 13 miles outside Custer, South Dakota, Iron Creek Horse Camp offers a peaceful setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Southeastern South Dakota's Black Hills National Forest. The camp is adjacent to Iron Creek and surrounded by Ponderosa pine forests. Horse enthusiasts will find this setting ideal for exploring wilderness areas and historical sites.
Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. From this campground, visitors can access the Centennial Trail, and parts of the Black Elk Wilderness and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Trails weave through the wilderness offering primitive, non-motorized recreational experiences.
Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. From this campground, visitors can access the Centennial Trail, and parts of the Black Elk Wilderness and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Trails weave through the wilderness offering primitive, non-motorized recreational experiences.
Stretching across northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Nearby Black Elk Wilderness lies in the center of the Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota. The wilderness encompasses the Harney Range, an area long held sacred by American Indians. The wilderness is named after Black Elk, a Oglala Lakota holy man, and is the only wilderness in the Black Hills. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers. Mountain lions, although rarely seen, also call this area home.
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world. Nearby riding trails treat users to beautiful views throughout their many miles.
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
$29 / night
Spacious log vacation homes and camping cabins await your arrival in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills. Ranch activities include trail rides, biking and hiking on the Mickelson Trail, family-friendly entertainment, general store, fire pits and hot tubs in select cabins. Close to Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse, it’s the perfect place for your Black Hills vacation!
Take a trail ride in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest with our friendly wranglers—a must-do for your Black Hills vacation. Choose from morning & afternoon ride times 6 days a week, Mon-Sat. Riders must be at least 6 years old; maximum weight 240 pounds. We also have 15 stalls for your horse; each corral has water & 50/30/20 amp electric hook-up next to corral;
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Custer, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Custer, SD is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 51 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Custer, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Custer, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
