Camping near Black Hills National Forest, SD

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Black Hills National Forest, SD has a lot to offer. Black Hills National Forest 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 Black Hills National Forest camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Black Hills National Forest (244)

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Recent Reviews near Black Hills National Forest

1385 Reviews of 244 Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Black Hills National Forest

Camping near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, offers a fantastic mix of outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there’s something for everyone in this stunning area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: The trails around the campgrounds are perfect for hiking. One camper mentioned, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite" at Sylvan Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making fishing a popular activity. A visitor at Pactola Reservoir Campground said, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Stockade North Campground shared, "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice, once late morning and saw about 1000 buffalo blocking the road."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Elk Mountain Campground noted, "The bathroom was right next door and clean enough."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A visitor at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were very spread out and decently flat for tent camping."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Horsethief Lake Campground said, "The attendant was very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some areas can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Sylvan Lake Campground noted, "It’s busy and loud here... Lots of folks coming and going."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many campgrounds. A visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch mentioned, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, so booking in advance is wise. A camper at Blue Bell Campground advised, "Sites for Custer start booking a year in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for Meals: Many campgrounds have dining options nearby. A visitor at Elk Mountain Campground mentioned, "There were nightly Ranger Talks at the Amphitheater."
  • Safety First: Always check the weather and prepare for storms. A camper at Horsethief Lake Campground appreciated the camp hosts who warned them about an incoming storm.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Spearfish City Campground noted, "Sites are closer than the worst KOA. Very unlevel."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Pactola Reservoir Campground mentioned, "The prices and inventory at the marina store were great."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to attractions like Mount Rushmore. A camper at Stockade North Campground shared, "The campground is very convenient to all the local attractions."

Camping near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy all the beauty this area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Black Hills National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Black Hills National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Black Hills National Forest and 31 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Black Hills National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Black Hills National Forest is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 53 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Black Hills National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Black Hills National Forest.

  • What parks are near Black Hills National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Black Hills National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.