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.
"With views of Black Elk Peak, a 30 minute drive to most attractions near Mt Rushmore, you can’t beat it. The kids loves the pool area, splash park, and mini-golf."
"Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it."
"This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."
"We had one of the spots that was more out in the open and close to our neighbors, but the sites on the outside of the middle loop were much more private."
"My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions. There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most spots don't have a fire ring that I could see."
"Camping area near Mount Rushmore. I was able to find a camping area without a problem. The road does have some bumps in it but overall you do not need a four-wheel drive."
$26 - $34 / night
"We visited the Sheridan Lake Black Hills National Forest on our 2019 family vacation in August & it was awesome!! Stayed at a primitive site with gorgeous views of the forest & lake."
"This campground offers over 90 sites along the shores of a lovely reservoir in the vacation wonderland of the Black Hills of South Dakota."
$28 / night
"A tent-only area, which I appreciate- those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities- tables, fire pits, bathrooms."
"A tent-only area, which I appreciate - those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities - tables, fire pits, bathrooms."
$30 / night
"Horsethief Lake Campground in Black Hills National Forest was surprisingly peaceful and serene though it is close to Mount Rushmore."
"Situated on a small lake, you can cliff-dive here, fish or visit the needles hiking trail. The campsites are nice, but fill up quickly."
"Centrally located! Just across the street from access to Mt. Rushmore and the Needles Highway and down the road from Crazy Horse. Beautiful view of the hills."
"We had a beautiful campsite in the “Ranch” section that had lots of trees and was a fair distance away from our neighbors."
"It is bordered by the Black Hills Natl. Forest. It has site for tent camper, pop-ups and bigger RV's and cabins. Due to the topography you will have to do some leveling."
"Spacius sites about half and half primitive to full hookups showers available, Amazing views and hiking and lake close by. Horseshoe pits and basketball court. Cabins available to."
"This was a great spot despite the thunderstorm I got caught in and nearly destroyed my tent."
"They’re scattered all along the drive of the mountain. The roads are all dirt going back to the sites."
"Not much to do if you’re not a climber, but luckily that’s all we came to South Dakota to do. Walking distance to nearby climbing and nice views from the huge boulder in the vicinity."
"Scenic campgrounds with 100s of climbing routes within walking distance. There is no water or electricity and only one latrine."
LegendOn a 3+ week road trip, we stayed at Beaver Lake Campground for 4 nights and used this location as our ‘home base’ for the entire extended area in South Dakota: Badlands NP, Rapid City, Black Hills national forest, Mt. Rushmore, the very large Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the variety of scenic byways that connect them. It’s about 90 minutes away from the Badlands, but it was worth it to drive back out that direction rather than a.) having to camp at a separate site for only 1 night and b.) having to camp in that environment, which is generally much hotter and more arid than the Custer area within the Black Hills.
The campground is located about 3 miles outside the main drag of Custer, which is a great location for exploring the area. It is large and predominantly an ‘RV’ style campground, though they also have some small cabins that you can rent. They have laundry on site (which is nice when you’re on a road trip), a small camp store with everything that you would need, and the campground hosts are very nice and accommodating. The bathhouses weren’t the greatest (a little dirty and the woman’s shower stall in the bath room near the pool had a broken shower hose which sprayed me in the face when I was showering - quite annoying!), but they were conveniently placed. The pools looked nice, but with so much to do in the area we honestly did not spend any time in the campground during swimming hours so I can’t comment much on them. In general, everyone that we met at the campground seemed extremely nice, our particular camp site was beautiful, large, and well-situated, and the campground had everything that we needed (and more) in a fantastic location. Pretty close to perfect!
RangerSpacious tree covered spots located just west of Custer. Spot 59 faces the Black Hills National Forest and is a great get away. Quiet location away from highway and a great starting point for all Black Hills and Custer adventures.
LegendWanted a central location to explore Deadwood and scout out a good boondocking site in the Black Hills National Forest. Used our Passport America membership for a couple nights and this Park suit our needs fine. Was busy pre-Labor Day weekend with lots of ATV’s, etc. around. But generally quiet.
LegendHorsethief Lake Campground in Black Hills National Forest was surprisingly peaceful and serene though it is close to Mount Rushmore. The traffic to and from the monument doesn’t disturb the “atmosphere”.
There’s a trailhead “Black Elk Wilderness” nearby that takes you into the woods. The lake below is a popular fishing spot.
Primitive sites with shade and good size area to set up in. Requisite picnic table and fire pit.
A lot to do in the area or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. There’s an ADA parking pad with cement walk/roll way to enjoy the lake.
RangerWe visited the Sheridan Lake Black Hills National Forest on our 2019 family vacation in August & it was awesome!! Stayed at a primitive site with gorgeous views of the forest & lake. No cell service where we were, which was a nice detachment! Kids enjoyed exploring too. It was so neat listening (& seeing) the wind roll through the trees!!
TravelerQuiet and pretty campground about 30 minutes drive from Mt Rushmore. Only reservable same day and at 7 am we got one of the last remaining sites, so book early in the morning! We swam and paddle boarded in the lake and there was a ranger presentation in the evening. The drive to Rushmore the next morning was beautiful through the Black Hills National Forest. Bathrooms were basic.
ScoutThis campground is awesome! With views of Black Elk Peak, a 30 minute drive to most attractions near Mt Rushmore, you can’t beat it. The kids loves the pool area, splash park, and mini-golf. Multiple activities each day for the kids to do.
Sites are mostly level and easy in and out, many pull-thru sites. Bath houses are clean and modern. Staff is courteous and helpful. We enjoyed the horseback rides into the Black Hills National Forest from the on-site stables. I definitely recommend staying here for a Black Hills vacation.
TravelerVery family oriented campground. They have RV and tent sites. Also have cabins. The people working are very friendly and willing to help you any way they can. Gave us lots of information and directions for the Black Hills area. Had a cafe but we did not go there. Our site backed up Black Hills National Forest. Small grass and gravel sites. If you are in the RV sites that backup to the National Forest you can’t have a campfire. Lots of tent campers. Mini golf course Campground sites were clean and neat.
ScoutThey advertise that they have Wi-Fi but it's almost like they shut it off at 10 o'clock at night when quiet time starts which is a great time for looking up directions or places to see, we could never connect for long and streaming- which means no Netflix its against the rules(which we never saw only overheard). They allow fires but make sure you get a metal ring because it's illegal to have a fire in south Dakota if you don't have one they have them but they don't leave them at the sites or let you know they are available. Also no petting zoo we specifically came here thinking they had one because they advertised and after we arrived they informed us it was turned into a dog park i have no pictures but there's not much to see here
Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Black Hills National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Black Hills National Forest is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 55 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Black Hills National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 195 dog-friendly camping locations near Black Hills National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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