Trees provide shade across the sites at this KOA in Hot Springs, South Dakota, a detail that matters during the warm stretch of the Black Hills summer when exposed gravel pads can turn uncomfortable by midday. The campground runs from April 15 through October 31, with full hookups available for RVs up to 60 feet. It sits close enough to town that supply runs are easy, and campers using it as a base for camping near Hot Springs have access to Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the surrounding Black Hills within a reasonable drive.
The atmosphere here is what reviewers consistently return to. Jennie R. puts it plainly: "What did I love about this KOA? It was quiet." Most nights hold to that pattern, though at least one reviewer noted neighbors who ignored quiet hours. Sites sit close together, and privacy is limited. Becky M. notes that "sites are close together, but there are trees so it's not super sunny and hot," which tracks with the general experience here.
Facilities are a consistent draw. The bathrooms and showers receive high marks across multiple reviews, and the laundry room and dishwashing sink are practical additions for anyone on a longer road trip. A pool, camp store, and mini golf round out the on-site options, though the pool temperature drew complaints in at least one review. WiFi is available but has been reported as weak from some sites. Cell coverage is mixed.
RV campers should know that some pull-through sites run short and unlevel, and at least one reviewer dealt with an electrical fault at the power pedestal. A surge protector is worth bringing. Water access at hookup sites has also drawn complaints about low pressure and, in one case, a water main outage that left campers without service mid-morning. Nearby alternatives include River's Bend Campground and Allen Ranch Campground to the west, and Sandy Bottom Campground to the south.
Reservations are accepted and worth making in summer, when Black Hills traffic is at its peak. Tent campers and cabin renters both find the setup workable, particularly as a one- or two-night stop on a longer route. Arriving mid-week reduces crowding and improves site selection.
Description
Camp under shady ponderosa pines in a quiet mountain setting. Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA is located at the southern end of the Black Hills, near Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Mammoth Site, Evans Plunge, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Windcross Conservancy and the shops in historic downtown Hot Springs. Daily breakfasts are available to start your days off right (seasonal). All sites have picnic tables. Cabins have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, heaters, grills and porch swings. You'll also find free Wi-Fi and cable TV at all RV Sites. Enjoy the large heated pool, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, playground, community fire pit and recreation room.
Fee Info
Adults 18+, Kids 7-17, Free 0-6
Map & DirectionsHot Springs / Black Hills KOA is located in South Dakota near Hot Springs
Private CampgroundDirections
From Wyoming - US 18 Truck Bypass to US 385. Turn right ,go 5 miles east, then 1/2 mile north on Hwy 79. From Nebraska - US 385: go 1/2 mile north of Junction Hwy 79. From I-90 - US 16 (Elk Vale Road) to Hwy 79 for 48 miles. Located at mile marker 27. From US 385 - go through town, then go 5 miles east past Taco Johns to Hwy 79. 1/2 mile north on Hwy 79
Address
27585 SD Hwy 79
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Coordinates
43.40793779 N
103.39573575 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/19/26- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 8/19/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/19/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 8/19/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 8/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/19/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 42 min from Rapid City, SD
- 2 hrs 54 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 37 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 13 min from Fort Collins, CO
