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Best Campgrounds near Blackhawk, SD

1,602 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Blackhawk, South Dakota (251)

    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

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

    $26 - $34 / 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 Camping Photos near Blackhawk, SD

673 Photos of 251 Blackhawk Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Blackhawk, SD

1602 Reviews of 251 Blackhawk Campgrounds

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

    Nice Wooded Sites Centrally Located

    We stayed here two nights because of the five stars. It does not have a dump station nor sewer and water sites. So I edited the amenities. In the future I will verify dump stations on the host site. Electric and some non-electric sites and with two campground spigots accessible from the road only. We arrived after 6 nights of boondocking and were disappointed with the inaccuracy of the amenities. Over all it is a nice campground with a good amount of room between most sites and quiet. Close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave, and Wind Cave. Plus some great drives.

  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    Better than Expected

    This is a small, but clean National Park Campground.  The sites were mowed, which was nice given the notice about the presence of prairie rattlers in the area. Our site was also small, and not particularly level (although better than some of the sites near us).  We had to pull into the site in the "wrong" direction so our van opened to the campsite rather than the road.  There was no dumping station either (pro tip - Hot Springs, the nearest town, has a free town dumping station and potable water station).  Wind Cave was a beautiful park and the tour and tour guide ranger were fantastic.  We saw more bison at Wind Cave than Yellowstone, Tetons, and Glacier combined.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    Blue Bell Campground

    This is a nice, reasonably priced campground for RVs, tents, and cabin rentals. Have various activities, a general store, lodge, and café. There are electrical hookups but no sewer or water hookups at each campsite. Dump station with potable water available. My wife and I enjoyed it and would stay again.

  • Joseph H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Rafter J Bar Ranch

    Peaceful Campground

    I really liked this campground. It was very clean and well maintained. I especially liked that they had a security vehicle that roved the area to ensure everyone was following the rules. Nothing ruins a good camping trip faster than rowdy loud neighbors. We had good overhead tree cover at our spot, a fire pit, and full service hookups.

  • Tom D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Rocky Point Recreation Area

    Checks all of Our Boxes for a State Campground

    This campground is all back in sites with 50/30 and 20 amp service. The space between sites is admirable. I stepped off our space at close to 70+ feet wide. Almost all sites will accommodate a 45’ class A but some sites may be tough for a Class A to level. With the exception of the two loops all the sites have a view of the lake, mostly facing west with a great sunset view. We were here for the Labor Day weekend and the campground was completely full but it did not feel crowded. One day after the weekend, we count 2 RV’s including ours in view. As noted in another review, there are many boondocking sites to choose from on the far west side of the lake accessible via a gravel road. Rocky Point is 24 miles from Spearfish City Campground. This is definitely a campground we would visit again when in the area.

  • Susan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins

    Great for what we needed

    We just stayed at this campground for a couple of nights, but we hadn't had full hook ups for over a month. Kind of packed in here, but we needed a place to scout from, so this was perfect. Site are big enough to accommodate most Amy size rig. And they take packages here!

  • A
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Holy Smoke Resort

    Great option!

    We are loving it! There’s a little town right next to the campground, A LOT of helicopters flying overhead during the day. Mount Rushmore is very close. Full hookups, excellent wifi signal!

    The spaces are a little cramp for my liking but there are some more farther spots that you could choose.

    There’s no laundry mat in the camp but there’s one at the little town.

    We came for a few days only and we end up staying longer because there’s so much to do around here! And the weather is amazing!

  • Raqim B.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Big Pine Campground

    Relaxing place

    Big Pine Campground is such a relaxing place to stay—tucked away in the pines but still close to everything in the Black Hills. The campsites are spacious and clean, and the bathrooms and showers are kept in great shape, which makes a big difference after a day of exploring. The staff are super friendly and make you feel like an old friend, which really adds to the experience. I loved sitting by the fire at night and even saw deer wandering right through the campground. If you want a quiet getaway with a cozy, welcoming vibe, Big Pine Campground is the perfect spot.

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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 251 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.

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