Cabin rentals near Black Hills National Forest provide access to 1.2 million acres of forested hills reaching elevations of 7,242 feet at Black Elk Peak. Summer temperatures typically range between 60-80°F, while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Seasonal availability varies by property, with most cabins open from May through October when roads remain clear of snow.
What to do
Hiking Black Elk Peak: Located near Sylvan Lake Campground, this 7-mile round trip hike takes you to the highest point east of the Rocky Mountains. "Between the kayaking at Sylvan Lake, the resort amenities, hiking in Black Elk Wilderness, Black Elk Peak, this area is great. Needles Eye, Rushmore, nearby," notes one visitor.
Watching wildlife: The Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park offers opportunities to see bison, deer, and other animals. "Wild turkey, rabbit, and deer roam the grounds regularly. No mosquitos, wolves, or bear in this area (we did hear coyote regularly) which was a very pleasant surprise," says a camper who stayed at Blue Bell Campground.
Mickelson Trail biking: This 109-mile converted railroad path runs through the Black Hills with several access points near campgrounds. "Mickelson trail is nearby - hop on your bike and ride 6 miles up to Crazy Horse!" reports a visitor at Horse Thief Campground.
Horse riding excursions: Several campgrounds offer equestrian facilities or are located near riding stables. "Horse stables and trail rides onsite. Walking distance to store and excellent restaurant," mentions a camper at Blue Bell Campground.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Many cabin locations feature mature pine trees providing natural shade. A guest at Fort Welikit Family Campground shared, "Our site #6 was almost always shaded. The sound of the wind in the trees truly put you to sleep."
Clean shower facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "Bathhouse was clean and also nice. We used the laundry facilities and were very satisfied. They had both large and smaller washers," noted one camper at Fort Welikit.
Convenient cabin layouts: Cabins range from simple structures to more elaborate accommodations. A visitor at Rafter J Bar Ranch described, "It was one of the larger cabins with a separate bedroom... Outdoor grill, kitchen with fridge and coffee maker. Comfy beds and TV with satellite. Clean, spacious bathroom."
Central location: Cabin campgrounds provide strategic positioning for exploring regional attractions. "Perfect campground nestled between Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore. 3 miles from Sylvan Lake and all the hiking you could ever want," reports a camper who stayed at Horse Thief Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin properties require advance bookings, especially during peak season. "We started planning our family trip 6 months ago, and booked the Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV park based on reviews we read online," shares one visitor.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground, a visitor warned, "Not really the fault of the campground, but even the 'best' route to get to the campground (via Playhouse Road) is a bit nerve-wracking. Very narrow & winding roads, as is common in the Black Hills."
Cabin supplies: Verify what's provided at your specific cabin. "The showers are cramped but clean and there is a heated pool as well," notes a camper at Kemp's Kamp, while others mention bringing your own linens and toiletries is often necessary.
WiFi and cell coverage: Service varies by location. A visitor at Spokane Creek mentioned, "They have WiFi in the campground but it's very slow during peak times in the evening which is expected."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds feature play areas for children. A guest at Custer Crazy Horse Campground said, "Our group of four adults and two kids under the age of ten picked did some tent camping at Custer Crazy Horse. Initially we wanted to camp inside Custer State Park but our late planning led us to only a few campgrounds with availability."
Organized activities: Some properties offer scheduled events for children. "They have a fun zone for the kids that has bouncy houses, the pools, Mini Golf and more!" shared a visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch.
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation for children during warmer months. "The kids loved playing in the kids play area and the dogs enjoy the dog run!" noted a camper at Fort Welikit, while another mentioned that "The front of the campground is nice, and then once you're past registration, it falls off fast."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds are near junior ranger programs and educational exhibits. "The jr. Ranger programs were great for our girls and we enjoyed the learning," shares a visitor at Blue Bell Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many cabin areas also accommodate RVs but may require leveling equipment. "Sites are gravel and somewhat level. Picnic tables and fire rings are at each site. Most sites are roomy," noted a camper at Fort Welikit.
Full hookup availability: Check for electrical, water, and sewer connections if needed. "The full hookup sites are pretty level and clean. They have WiFi in the campground but it's very slow during peak times in the evening which is expected," shares a visitor at Spokane Creek.
Space between sites: Site spacing varies between campgrounds. At Rafter J Bar Ranch, a visitor appreciated that "The sites are well spaced, so you don't feel like you are in a big parking lot."
Dump station access: Properties may have limitations on waste disposal. "Electric only at our site, very unlevel, hard to get into. Recommend a smaller rig than us, we were at 25 ft with two slides," warns a camper at Sylvan Lake Campground.
