Established Camping
Comanche Park
Comanche Park, near Custer, South Dakota, is a cozy campground tucked away in the Black Hills National Forest. It’s a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to attractions like Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park.
This campground offers a laid-back vibe with spacious sites that provide plenty of shade and privacy. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, with many appreciating the well-kept grounds and friendly camp host. As one camper mentioned, “Returning to the campground felt like home,” which speaks volumes about the welcoming environment here.
While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground does have drinking water and vault toilets, keeping things simple and rustic. Campers can enjoy evenings around the fire rings, and firewood is available for purchase on-site. The surrounding forest helps to muffle road noise, making it easier to unwind and soak in the natural beauty.
For those eager to explore, Comanche Park is conveniently located near Custer State Park and Jewel Cave, offering a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, this campground is a great base for your Black Hills adventure.
Description
US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
Overview
Situated in an open Ponderosa pine forest 6.5 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, Comanche Park Campground is a campground for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the southern Black Hills National Forest. The campsites are spacious. Towering pine trees provide shade.This is the closest campground to Jewel Cave National Monument.
Recreation
The forest offers highly accessible recreation for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. For those seeking higher elevations, a trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower at the top, once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.
Natural Features
Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, 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 Jewel Cave 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 thel argest concentrations of passageways in the world. Wildlife in the area abounds. 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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Location
Comanche Park is located in South Dakota
Directions
In Custer, SD, at the intersection of Mt. Rushmore Rd (State Rt.89/US Rt.16 and 5th St (State Rt. 89/US Rt. 385), take Rt.16 west 5.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Coordinates
43.7363889 N
103.7022222 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 54 min from Rapid City
- 2 hrs 53 min from Casper
- 3 hrs 45 min from Cheyenne
- 4 hrs 20 min from Fort Collins
