Camping near Black Hawk provides access to the broader Black Hills region at elevations averaging 4,500 feet. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, often dropping 30°F after sunset even in summer months. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter accommodations available.
What to do
Hiking at Black Elk Peak: Center Lake Campground in Custer State Park offers excellent access to numerous hiking trails. "There are great trails around the lake and along the creek. You might even catch some trout if you decide to drop a line in. Watch out for poison ivy along the creek though," advises Jennifer S.
Watersports on Pactola Reservoir: Pactola Reservoir Campground provides direct lake access for swimming and boating. "Nice day use area with access to the lake. Boat ramps. Very popular with locals. A bit off the freeway, so no noise at night," notes Brian C. The reservoir also features a store that offers equipment rentals: "There was a store close to the camping area that had everything you could want including boats and paddle board rentals!"
Visit nearby attractions: Kemp's Kamp serves as a convenient base for area exploration. "Close to Mt. Rushmore, Crazyhorse, 1880's train ride, Sturgis and many more attractions. It would take a week to see everything," explains Robert H. The campground sits just "about 20 minutes from the monument" and provides easy access to the Black Hills' major sites.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the ample room at many Black Hills campgrounds. At Pactola Reservoir, visitors enjoy "huge campsites with views of the lake. Some of the biggest camp sites on our trip... Picnic tables, camp fire pits. Drinking water." The campground features approximately 50 total sites.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many glamping locations near Black Hawk maintain high cleanliness standards. At Rapid City KOA, "The laundry facilities were clean. Full hooks ups for just two people was $75.00... This campground is strict with all their rules and regulations. Overall I give it a 5 because everything was perfect."
Camping amenities: Happy Holiday RV Resort offers covered sites with electrical access at the picnic areas. "Cover patios with tables an power for lights. Clean bathrooms and showers that worked great. Large and small rigs no problem no big dips or overhead problems," reports Jim M. These amenities enhance the glamping experience close to Black Hawk, South Dakota.
What you should know
Reservation timing: For peak summer months, advance planning is essential. At Center Lake Campground, a visitor discovered a helpful system: "I was able to snag a spot at this campground and here are the tips: Reservations for this campground open at 6AM mountain time... Get your first night online. It'll be your site fee plus $7 reservation fee."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic or train noise. At Rush No More Campground, the location provides "Mountain views, wildlife, quiet, friendly hosts. Campground is beautiful setting about 20 minutes outside of Sturgis."
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. Some properties have flush toilets while others use vault toilets. Pactola Reservoir has mixed reviews: "Bathrooms is clean, but there is only one" while another noted "the pit toilet was the grossest one on our whole road trip."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Rafter J Bar Ranch offers family-friendly water features. "Kids loved the pool, hot tub, basketball, and volleyball court. I loved the wide open feel of the campground," shares Amy T. The amenities recently received updates as another camper mentioned, "The pool and playground for the kiddos are brand new."
Activity options: Several campgrounds near Black Hawk provide organized activities. At Rapid City KOA, "There's always an evening event and breakfast is available—do not miss out on the pancakes. Geared toward RVs but there are a few decent sites for small tent with trees for shade. Game room, pool and hot tub are fun."
Cabin alternatives: For families wanting glamping options without tenting, several campgrounds offer cabins. Kemp's Kamp provides "nice restroom and shower facilities and a pool" with hiking opportunities directly from the sites, ranging "from beginner to expert."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVers seeking privacy, Rafter J Bar Ranch offers varied options. "There is a site here for everyone. Small spaces, long space, shaded spaces, wide open spaces for you Starlinkers. Back ins, pull throughs. The sites are well spaced, so you don't feel like you are in a big parking lot." Some sites accommodate larger rigs: "My site is easily over 100 ft long, back up to a wooded hill and leaves me lots of space from neighbors."
Seasonal considerations: The Black Hills region has limited year-round RV camping. Rapid City KOA operates from "4/15 to 10/15" while Three Flags runs from "April 1 to October 15." Happy Holiday RV Resort remains open "All year" for those needing winter accommodations.
Hookup availability: Full hookups with sewer connections aren't universal. Center Lake Campground offers "pit toilets, community water spigots, no hookups" while Sylvan Lake Campground provides electric hookups but "no sewer hookups."
