The Mount Rushmore State is home to seven National Park Service sites that range from jewel-encrusted caves to ancient fossil beds. Black Hills National Forest in the western side of the state covers an additional 1.2 million acres that spill over the border into Wyoming and hold the highest peak east of the Rockies. At about 71,000 acres, nearby Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the country and home to an annual buffalo roundup that offers a true taste of the American West. The Black Hills, often referred to as the “island in the prairie,” is a perfect spot to start your South Dakota camping trip!


Travelers looking to lounge lakeside will be pleased with the many camping options available near the region’s 17 lakes. With stunning rock formations reaching out from the water, Sylvan Lake is one of the area’s most iconic places to take a dip and do some South Dakota camping. Nearby, Horsethief Lake is tucked into the surrounding ponderosa pines, yet only two miles away from the ultimate road trip stop, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Those looking to pick up some speed can head north to Pactola Lake for a day of water skiing and a night of s’mores.


Prefer solitude? Strap on your backpack and hike the state’s 111-mile Centennial Trail, which provides a north to south taste of the Black Hills through prairie grasslands, dense forests, and high country terrain. Check with the different land management agencies along the way for specifics on where backcountry camping is allowed or where to find established campgrounds. Rather bike? The 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail runs parallel to the Centennial Trail and is a rails-to-trails, car-free dream.


South Dakota camping is for everyone, and whether you’re exploring by foot or by RV, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to rest your head. Private and public campgrounds near the town of Custer offer RV hookups, and are a quick drive to Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest in-progress mountain carving. Begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Oglala Lakota Chief, Henry Standing Bear, this memorial is more than a work of art. It is a mission to preserve and honor the culture and tradition of Native Americans. 


After camping on the island in the prairie, make sure to head east and watch the landscape roll into waves of grasslands before crashing into Badlands National Park. Head east farther still, and you’ll meet up with the mighty Missouri River. Use The Dyrt to find South Dakota camping options along the way that will open your eyes to the hidden beauties of the heartland.

South Dakota

The Best Camping in South Dakota | 100+ SD Campgrounds

Searching for the best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Find the best campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota

Rural horse property with room to roam. Antelope are frequently here. Cherokee, my horse and Josie the big mule will come up and visit. The Vintage Camper is situated so expansive views of the Big Horn Mountains are at your sitting area. Convenient to historic Buffalo, Wy with good food and drink. This is a very historical area and the Gatchel Museum in Buffalo is a good visit. Also the Occidental Saloon is on main St., offers music and fun. Need a lake for dipping your feet...Lake Desmet is nearby right off I90. Devils Tower is less than 3 hr. away for a good days getaway. The National historical trail center in Casper is really excellent.



Spiritriders Lodging and Retreat

Twin Creeks Campgrounds

Jackalope Campground is now taking reservations! We have 50 full service camp sites, both pull through and back in looking out onto our beautiful Bighorn mountains. Guests have access to three bathrooms and showers along with a laundry room and dog run. Our location is perfect for a quick in and out trip, a nice day touring around Sheridan or for guest who might need service work, all while being in a safe, remote location! Travelers can also stop by Dalton’s RV, where they can find a wide variety of parts, or bring their camper into our service center for some doctoring. Give us a call at (307)673-5553 for parts and service help, or to reserve a spot!

Jackelope Campground

Buffalo KOA

The Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area is a county owned facility located on the south shore of Lake DeSmet 8 miles north of Buffalo, WY off exit 51 of I-90. Each year, Lake DeSmet is visited by locals and travelers from across the country who enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, camping and pristine views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Camping is available on a first come/first serve basis at this site.

Over 60 overnight camping spots ($15 per night)
8 camping sites with electricity ($20 per night)
Available at no charge:

2 boat ramps
Picnic areas for day use at beach area on south side
4 restrooms (1 open year round)

Mikesell Potts Recreation Area

 MANY CAMPERS REGRET ONLY STAYING ONE NIGHT IN BUFFALO AFTER THEY SEE ALL THAT THE AREA & CAMPGROUND HAS TO OFFER.  IF YOU LOVE THE MOUNTAINS AND ENJOY EXPLORING, HIKING, FISHING, WILDLIFE, WATERFALLS  & WILDFLOWERS, ETC., THE BIG HORN MOUNTAINS AND CRAZY WOMAN CANYON ARE A MUST SEE. IN ADDITION, THE AREA IS RICH IN HISTORY: RED CLOUDS WAR, BOZEMAN TRAIL, FETTERMAN & WAGON BOX BATTLES, OUTLAW CAVE, ETC.

We have something for every type of camper. From Big Rigs that are towing to Harley rides with tents. RV owners can choose from our Deluxe Patio Sites, long full hook up pull-through sites, to back in sites.

The Deluxe RV sites include a concrete patio site, gas barbeque grill, patio furniture, fire ring and a relaxing swing.
One Deluxe Patio is surrounded by a fence for privacy and allows your kids & dog to roam freely. This is a very large site and will be enjoyed by the whole family.

Our 1 & 2 Bedroom Camp Cabins all come equipped with air conditioning, heating and wall mounted TV/VHS or DVD, front porch swing, charcoal grill and picnic table..They are conveniently located close to the bathrooms and showers.

For tent campers, we have tent sites available with picnic tables, electricity, water and built in campfire pit. 

Buffalo KOA Amenities

    50 Max Amp
    85' Max Length
    Wi-Fi
    Cable TV
    Pool (6/1 - 9/3)
    Propane
    Kamping Kitchen
    Fishing
    Firewood
    Pavilion
    Dog Park

Unique Amenities

    Convenience Store
    Game Room
    GEM MINING
    Horseshoe pit
    K-9 Kamp
    Modern Playground
    Stream fishing on site.



KOA, Buffalo, WY

The Lake Stop

  Indian Campground & RV Park in Buffalo, Wyoming is located halfway between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, at the junction of  I-90 and I-25.
     We are an ideal stopping off point to visit the beautiful Big Horn Mountains, the Bighorn National Forest, and the Historic Bozeman Trail sites.  We are also at the point where these two interstates meet up with the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway (also known as Highway 16).  Easy off and easy on -- just 1/2 block west of I-25's exit 299.  This is the shortest, safest and most scenic route to Yellowstone Park - with the least grade for those big outfits.

     We have over 200 large, mature shade trees - pruned and ready to accommodate your rig to protect you and your valuable equipment.  We also have grassy tent sites right next to a stream and cabin rentals. Our large swimming pool is heated to a perfect 84 degrees!

Indian Campground

Deer Park Rv Park and Campground

Hunter Trailhead is a campground constructed with the equestrian camper in mind, but available for all users. The campground is located in Johnson Country, Wyoming, just two miles off the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway on Highway 16. The winding drive to the campground travels two miles west of U.S. Highway 16 on Forest Road 19 and is an easily accessible gravel road offering views of wildlife, mountain streams, and abundant wildflowers. Recreation Rising between the Powder River and Big Horn Basins, this scenic country offers year round recreation connecting visitors to a land rich in history and solitude. For centuries, the mountain landscape has provided renewal for Native Americans, homesteaders and modern day explorers creating a human connection with this spectacular place. The Hunter Trailhead provides numerous hiking and horse friendly trails to access front-country, the Cloud Peak Wilderness as well as the Rock Creek Recommended Wilderness Area. The surrounding Bighorn National Forest offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic driving, wildlife and a number of historic sites. Facilities The non-fee portion of the site provides access to the trailhead and includes parking for 15 single vehicles and 18 vehicles with trailers, and a separate area for Outfitter/Guide parking. Of the 11 sites, nine are reservable, one is used by the host during July/August and the remaining two are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each campsite has a 20 by 20 foot hardened use pad with a picnic table, utility table, fire ring and an individual livestock corral. The spur for each campsite is 65 feet long by 20 feet wide. Potable water is available at the facility through a pressurized solar water system. The entire facility is ADA (Americans with Disabilities) accessible including the ramp for horse mounting. Natural Features No region in Wyoming is provided with a more diverse landscape - from lush grasslands to alpine meadows, from crystal-clear lakes to glacially-carved valleys, from rolling hills to sheer mountain walls. The campground is situated high in the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming, at an elevation of 7,800 feet, so be prepared for all types of weather. A dense forest of lodgepole pine is the dominant vegetative cover. Nearby Attractions Tie Hack Reservoir is a 15-minute drive southeast of the campground. The scenic lake offers a great location for canoeing and fishing. Anglers there cast for rainbow, cutthroat, brown and brook trout. ADA Access: N

Hunter Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Sioux Falls. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sioux Falls, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Sioux Falls, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Sioux Falls

The Best Camping Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota

East of the Black Hills, South Dakota has a lot to offer. Near Rapid City, SD, and not too far from Mount Rushmore, you can take in the historic monument before heading off to camp and explore. Nearby Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park have plenty of adventures to offer. Spend the day exploring trails or rock climbing. It’s hard to beat exploring the Black Hills on horseback and there are several campgrounds that accommodate equestrians. Whether you stay in a tent or a spacious, multi-level cabin, Rapid City has some of the best camping spots in the area. There are also RV campsite options with half and full hookups.

Rapid City

The Best Camping Near Rapid City, South Dakota

Aberdeen is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Aberdeen campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Aberdeen, SD. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Aberdeen

The Best Camping Near Aberdeen, South Dakota

Brookings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Brookings is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Brookings camping trip.

Brookings

The Best Camping Near Brookings, South Dakota

Are you in need of a campground near Watertown, SD? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Watertown campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Watertown. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Watertown

The Best Camping Near Watertown, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Mitchell, SD? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Mitchell, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Mitchell

The Best Camping Near Mitchell, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yankton, SD? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Yankton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Dakota camping adventure.

Yankton

The Best Camping Near Yankton, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pierre. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Pierre, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pierre

The Best Pierre, SD Camping | South Dakota Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Huron, SD? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Huron. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Huron

The Best Camping Near Huron, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Vermillion, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Vermillion. Discover great camping spots near Vermillion, reviewed by campers like you.

Vermillion

The Best Camping Near Vermillion, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Custer National Forest, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Custer National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Custer National Forest

The Best Camping Near Custer National Forest, South Dakota

Like all of South Dakota, Badlands National Park enjoys sunny summers and harsh winters. While you can go at any time, this park, like most, is crowded during the summer. While getting campsites in peak season isn’t impossible, it isn’t always easy.

With only one reservable campground, getting a camping spot in Badlands is tricky. That being said, with large amounts of federal land surrounding it, free camping is abundant. However, RV campers will appreciate the availability of sites in the park that can accommodate them. Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers the best camping near Badlands National Park if you can’t snag a camp spot. For campers and roadtrippers alike, a stop (or stay) in Wall, SD, is a must.

Badlands National Park

Are you in need of a campground near Badlands National Park, SD? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Badlands National Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Badlands National Park, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Badlands National Park, South Dakota

With views of the Black Hills, open prairies, and pine forests, some of the best camping spots are in Wind Cave National Park. Near Hot Springs, SD, campers can stock up on camping supplies before pitching their tents. Campgrounds around the South Dakota park accommodate RV drivers, and also offer cabins and yurts as additional sleeping options. Backpack through the park watching birds perch calmly on the backs of bison. Elk and pronghorn antelopes also roam the prairies and forests. Campsites by the cave are a prime opportunity to discover the underground marvels that include the famous Wind Cave, and the subterranean chambers known as the Post Office and Elk’s Room.

Wind Cave National Park

The Best Camping Near Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Black Hills National Forest, SD has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Hills National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Black Hills National Forest

The Best Camping Near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jamestown Reservoir. Jamestown Reservoir is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jamestown Reservoir

The Best Camping Near Jamestown Reservoir, South Dakota

Pipestem Lake, SD is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Pipestem Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Pipestem Lake, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pipestem Lake

The Best Camping Near Pipestem Lake, South Dakota

Conestoga Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conestoga Lake and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Camping in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Top Campgrounds in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (58)

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