Best Campgrounds near Blackhawk, SD

The Black Hills area surrounding Blackhawk, South Dakota provides a diverse range of camping options within close proximity to popular attractions like Mount Rushmore and Rapid City. Established facilities include Three Flags RV Park, which offers full hookups and tent sites just off Interstate 90, and several campgrounds within Black Hills National Forest such as Boxelder Forks. Accommodation types vary from basic tent sites to RV parks with full amenities, cabin rentals, and limited dispersed camping opportunities on national forest land.

Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping experiences in the region. According to one visitor, "Simple RV park with lots of FHU! The shower house and bathrooms are super clean and after a day of hiking we were pleasantly surprised!" Most developed campgrounds operate from April or May through mid-October, closing during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near major highways and limited or no reception in more remote forest locations. Several campgrounds, including Three Flags RV Park, note proximity to highways and occasional train noise, while others offer more secluded settings.

Campers consistently mention the strategic location of Black Hills campgrounds for accessing regional attractions. The area serves as an ideal base for exploring Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Deadwood, Sturgis, and Badlands National Park—all within reasonable driving distance. RV parks nearest to Blackhawk and Rapid City typically offer more amenities like laundry facilities, showers, and hookups, while forest campgrounds provide a more rustic experience with limited facilities. A recent review noted that the region is "centrally located" with "deer and bluebirds nearby your campsite." Visitors should be aware that summer represents peak season, with higher rates and fuller campgrounds, particularly during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August when advance reservations are essential throughout the entire Black Hills region.

Best Camping Sites Near Blackhawk, South Dakota (253)

    1. Pactola Reservoir Campground

    31 Reviews
    Silver City, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $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."

    2. Rapid City KOA

    25 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 348-2111

    "My parents were able to rent a deluxe cabin right next to our campsite. My parents don’t “camp,” so this was perfect for a family vacation."

    "Close to Mount Rushmore and crazy horse! Pirates cove mini golf is a short drive away! Great facility with standard KOA amenities."

    3. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    31 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $28 / night

    "This campground offers over 90 sites along the shores of a lovely reservoir in the vacation wonderland of the Black Hills of South Dakota."

    "So close to so many places to visit, which we never did (we loved every minute being disconnected). The weather was mostly perfect, besides some hail and rain a couple nights."

    4. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

    55 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    20 miles
    Website

    "Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."

    "The location is amazing and so beautiful. There are tons of amenities and fun activities. The staff are very nice and very helpful."

    5. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    33 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    20 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Horsethief Lake Campground

    31 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $30 / night

    "If you're touring the Black Hills, and hitting all of the outdoor attractions, Horsethief Lake is perfectly placed to access it all."

    "We spent one night in one of the walk-in sites here. We were able to find an open site at 10 am with no reservation, although the drive-up sites looked all full."

    7. Three Flags RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Blackhawk, SD
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 787-7898

    "Negs, close to highway, train. Short dirt road. Pos, nice folks, easy in/out, very clean."

    "As mentioned previously, the only downside to this park is its proximity to the Interstate and the train tracks.  If noise bothers you then bring a good set of ear plugs for the night. "

    8. Rapid City RV Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 342-2751

    $65 - $100 / night

    "Though some may not see it as a perk, being right off the highway allowed us quick access to everywhere we needed to go every morning and was a reason we chose it."

    "Sites are a little close to each other but there weren’t many other RV’s when we stayed so we had lots of space. Easy to find location as well.

    Would stay again."

    9. HTR Black Hills

    13 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 342-5368

    "The site we were in was far enough from the Highway that we couldn’t hear traffic and it’s right on the outskirts of Rapids City. It’s very close to Bear Country and The Reptile Gardens."

    "Downside of this section is proximity to road (was informed on phone so expected), and very tight spaces. We were not able to have a fire because of how close we were to neighbors!"

    10. Boxelder Forks Campground — Black Hills National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Nemo, SD
    10 miles

    $22 / night

    "There is also a store nearby if you forget anything. A beautiful creek flows next to the campground for wading. I would love to go back! My children still talk about it."

    "This is a nice little campground to get away from the hussle of the city. The tent sites are level and great for tent camping."

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Recent Reviews near Blackhawk, SD

1620 Reviews of 253 Blackhawk Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Auto-Inn Motel and RV Park

    Absurd fee for water!

    The lady charged $25 for 30 gallons of water. Ridiculous.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hanna Campground

    Quiet haven

    Such a beautiful campground on one of the most scenic routes … The colors of fall , the mountains and the little creek were perfect.

    It is close to the road but it’s pretty quiet not many cars pass.

    $15.00 to camp - only 5 sites and a tent area There is a mile hike up the mountain too

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Fort Meade Recreation Area

    Raised the prices

    Lots of hiking, biking, picnicking area. Near Alkali Horse campgrounds. The price used to be $6.00 during the open season and free after October 1st. BLM just raised the price to $24, per day all year around and $30 per day at the Alkali Horse camp. The site dies not have a camp host all year around. There are picnic tables, 5 sites for RVs, fire rings, 12 tent camping sites. Some of the tent sites require a short hike. Pit toilet, bike rake station and a water fountain. Recommend using a water bandit with hose if filling up large containers. Just a few minutes outside Sturgis

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Ft. Meade Horse Camp

    Raised the price

    It use to be free camping after October. They have raised the price to $30 a day, per site

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Hart Ranch RV Resort

    It is a RV Resort

    This place has everything, gas station, golf course, roaming security, paved roads, concrete pads, pet and non pet areas, 10mins to town if you need to, and more. Their rules say $50 fine for speeding which is ok cause there is alot of people walking. Met a nice couple who stays there often, if it was closer to home for me I would too. I should give it 5 stars but I grade tuff.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    Quiet paradise in the pines

    This is my second time here in the same spot. The bathrooms are clean and staff is friendly. The crowd is quiet and respectful. There is laundry on site, firewood for sale, and I believe they sell propane. The wildlife is everywhere. I have had deer, turkey, and rabbit within 50 feet. Awesome place!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    Road to Mackinac and back

    This is a lovely campground in Wind Cave National Park. Surrounded by a Ponderosa Pine forest, with a fence and cattle guard to keep the Bison out! Seasonally there are flush toilets and water, off season pit toilets and no water. No RV hookups, no generators allowed (though a couple campers violated that rule, which was annoying for 5 min). It's very quiet here, heard coyotes on several nights. 62 sites, some tent only, the sites ok for RVs held a couple that were quite large. Our trailer is only 20ft. Sites were generally roomy. There is wifi, which was surprising!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Balsar Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & big rig friendly

    Gorgeous spot right off the paved Sheridan Lake Road. We stayed for a week while hiking & UTV-ing. Several spots available (maybe 8 if with a group?) and two other campers came and went while we were there. We were all far enough away that it didn't disturb the solitude. Cows visited on the last day! :-D We camped by the stream. 1 caution = if driving a long rig, it's a sharp right hand turn off Sheridan Lake Road coming from Rapid City. Very doable --just be ready.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice open & quiet

    2 miles of gravel to get up to this ridge area but very possible with 32' TT Space trees, nice and open, plenty of room


Guide to Blackhawk

Camping near Blackhawk, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive away, this iconic landmark is a must-see. Campers often mention how close they are to the site, making it easy to visit. One reviewer from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "The location is about 1/2 hour from 90 but close to Mount Rushmore."
  • Hiking and Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Pactola Reservoir Campground, offer great hiking trails and fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Custer State Park is nearby, where you can see bison and other wildlife. One camper at Game Lodge Campground shared, "Many of the sites, like ours, are located just feet from a babbling creek."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Stockade North Campground highlighted, "The restrooms (including the pit toilets at the far end of the loop) are all extremely clean and nice."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground mentioned, "The camp sites were very spread out and decently flat for tent camping."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Sylvan Lake Campground have playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer said, "The lake is gorgeous. The trails are clear. Endless fun."

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. Although there aren’t that many sites, they are quite close together."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground mentioned, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservation Tips: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so it's best to book in advance. A camper at Center Lake Campground advised, "Reservations for this campground open at 6 AM mountain time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One parent at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Spearfish City Campground mentioned, "Clean bathrooms. Mowed and maintained very well."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Pactola Reservoir Campground noted, "The marina staff was very helpful and informative."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at South Dakota Spearfish Campground said, "Sites are closer than the worst KOA. Very unlevel."
  • Utilize Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Blue Bell Campground mentioned, "Great campground, clean bath house and level sites."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A reviewer at Stockade North Campground shared, "There are two dump station locations."

Camping near Blackhawk, South Dakota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Blackhawk, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Blackhawk, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 253 campgrounds and RV parks near Blackhawk, SD and 38 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Blackhawk, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Blackhawk, SD is Pactola Reservoir Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Blackhawk, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 38 free dispersed camping spots near Blackhawk, SD.

What parks are near Blackhawk, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Blackhawk, SD that allow camping, notably Black Hills National Forest and Wind Cave National Park.