Best Camping near Rapid City, SD

East of the Black Hills, South Dakota has a lot to offer. Near Rapid City, SD, and not too far from Mount Rushmore, you can take in the historic monument before heading off to camp and explore. Nearby Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park have plenty of adventures to offer. Spend the day exploring trails or rock climbing. It’s hard to beat exploring the Black Hills on horseback and there are several campgrounds that accommodate equestrians. Whether you stay in a tent or a spacious, multi-level cabin, Rapid City has some of the best camping spots in the area. There are also RV campsite options with half and full hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Rapid City, SD (240)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    2.

    Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    30 Reviews
    152 Photos
    191 Saves
    Hill City, South Dakota

    Overview

    This campground is along the south shore of Sheridan Lake. Within its 5 large loops, there are many sites with direct access to the lake. Access to the south boat ramp and the Flume Trailhead from within the campground and easy access to the South Beach Area, this recreational complex has everything needed for a fun, family camping experience.

    Recreation

    Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail. At 11 miles (plus a 3-mile loop), the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people. The Rockerville Flume carried water 20 miles, from Spring Creek west of present day Sheridan Lake, east to the placer diggings near Rockerville. The flume operated until 1885, and the trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length. Along the way are historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself. Sheridan Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming and boating. The reservoir supports populations of rainbow, brown trout, northern pike and perch. Fly fishing is popular in Spring Creek below the dam, and ice fishing is popular on the lake in winter.

    Facilities

    Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail. At 11 miles (plus a 3-mile loop), the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people. The Rockerville Flume carried water 20 miles, from Spring Creek west of present day Sheridan Lake, east to the placer diggings near Rockerville. The flume operated until 1885, and the trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length. Along the way are historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself. Sheridan Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming and boating. The reservoir supports populations of rainbow, brown trout, northern pike and perch. Fly fishing is popular in Spring Creek below the dam, and ice fishing is popular on the lake in winter.

    Natural Features

    Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

    Nearby Attractions

    Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world. Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.

    Charges & Cancellations

    No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground

    3.

    Sage Creek Campground

    99 Reviews
    372 Photos
    151 Saves
    Wall, South Dakota

    Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rarely fills to capacity.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Pactola Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pactola Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pactola Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pactola Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pactola Reservoir Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pactola Reservoir Campground

    4.

    Pactola Reservoir Campground

    31 Reviews
    89 Photos
    216 Saves
    Silver City, South Dakota

    Overview

    This campground is nestled in the pine trees along the south shore of Pactola Reservoir, offering guests lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water. Pactola Visitor Center is located in close proximity to the campground, providing opportunities for conservation education and information to visitors.

    Recreation

    Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. From Pactola Reservoir, hikers can access the 2.2-mile Osprey Trail which includes two loop trails and a spur trail to an overlook. The trail is named for the ospreys that are often seen in the area. Pactola Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow, lake and brown trout as well as largemouth and rock bass, kokanee salmon and yellow perch. Record lake trout are caught here annually, and large brown trout find habitat in Rapid Creek above and below the reservoir.

    Facilities

    Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. From Pactola Reservoir, hikers can access the 2.2-mile Osprey Trail which includes two loop trails and a spur trail to an overlook. The trail is named for the ospreys that are often seen in the area. Pactola Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow, lake and brown trout as well as largemouth and rock bass, kokanee salmon and yellow perch. Record lake trout are caught here annually, and large brown trout find habitat in Rapid Creek above and below the reservoir.

    Natural Features

    Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Pactola Reservoir is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills, boasting 14 miles of shoreline and 150 foot depths on 800 acres. The Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and water. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

    Nearby Attractions

    Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world. Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.

    Charges & Cancellations

    No refunds wil be given for weather or related events.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $28 - $34 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    5.

    Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    38 Reviews
    176 Photos
    410 Saves
    Custer, South Dakota

    Anyone who has camped at Sylvan Lake campground in South Dakota’s Custer State Park knows that Black Hills camping doesn’t get much better than this. Sylvan Lake Campground is one of eight designated campgrounds in Custer State Park, and one of the best public land destinations for camping in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. The region’s expanse of dense forests, rolling prairies and granite mountain peaks (the very same peaks that were used to form Mount Rushmore) offer photo-snapping tourists and laced-up explorers alike a chance to dive into the ecology of the American West.

    For campers looking for a comfortable and convenient basecamp for diving into the region’s scenery and activities, Sylvan Lake campground is the place to be for many reasons. First, the 40-site campground offers access to the popular swimming spot of Sylvan Lake, where campers might feel inclined to spend their entire stay on the rocky beach of this scenic body of water. There’s also access to multiple hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels, including a trail that takes you to the curious and beautiful Black Elk Peak, the highest summit-able point east of the Rocky Mountains. Both a family-friendly spot and a hardcore adventurer’s playground, Sylvan Lake is Black Hills camping for everyone.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground

    6.

    Horsethief Lake Campground

    30 Reviews
    105 Photos
    309 Saves
    Keystone, South Dakota

    Overview

    Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Sites are tucked into a forest of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pine.

    Recreation

    Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads offer a variety of terrain for mountain bikers. Hikers and bikers can access the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, which traverses over 100 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. The majority of the trail follows an abandoned railroad branch line and includes 4 tunnels, over 100 converted railroad bridges, and 15 established trailheads. The trail surface is packed gravel, traversing mountain, meadow, and forest terrain. The trail is named in honor of the former South Dakota governor who crusaded for the trail. For those seeking higher elevations, a day-long trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower at the top(Harney Lookout Tower), once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.

    Facilities

    Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads offer a variety of terrain for mountain bikers. Hikers and bikers can access the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, which traverses over 100 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. The majority of the trail follows an abandoned railroad branch line and includes 4 tunnels, over 100 converted railroad bridges, and 15 established trailheads. The trail surface is packed gravel, traversing mountain, meadow, and forest terrain. The trail is named in honor of the former South Dakota governor who crusaded for the trail. For those seeking higher elevations, a day-long trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower at the top(Harney Lookout Tower), once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.

    Natural Features

    Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

    Nearby Attractions

    Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, host to almost 3 million visitors a year from across the country and around the world. Visitors may want to inquire about any Independence Day Celebrations taking place on the Mountain. Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many Buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world..

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

    Charges & Cancellations

    No refunds will be given for weather related events.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $26 - $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Rapid City KOA

    7.

    Rapid City KOA

    21 Reviews
    60 Photos
    61 Saves
    Rapid City, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    8.

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    120 Reviews
    411 Photos
    1560 Saves
    Wall, South Dakota

    The Wall is a part of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. It is near The Badlands National Park and is dispersed camping.

    There is only one small developed recreation area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The National Grassland Visitor Center is located in Wall, South Dakota. This site provides the history behind the system of the National Grasslands located across the West.

    While there is only one developed campground, there are plenty of open spaces to camp. Bring your horse, your bicycle or your OHV and spend some quiet time in the wide open spaces of the Grassland.

    https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=30333

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
Showing results 1-10 of 240 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Rapid City

Recent Reviews In Rapid City

1520 Reviews of 240 Rapid City Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Fishy Wilderness
    September 17, 2024

    Fishy Wilderness

    Pull thru and nice view

    Great view of everything and was able to pull thru. Very level. Would NOT recommend if you don’t have a high lived RV and Vehicle.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    September 16, 2024

    Sage Creek Campground

    Base to the Badlands

    Great location to set out to explore the Badlands? Low reception with Verizon in the valley bye still have good contact. Great reception, small hike to the top of the hill.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    September 16, 2024

    Sage Creek Campground

    Great location for a base, to explore the Badlands

    Free dispersed camping, with clean vault toilets. no water or power you will have to bring your own. Quiet and tranquil location, Surrounded by prairie dogs as you sit in the valley with low rolling hills around you.

  • Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    September 15, 2024

    RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    Great spot

    This area seems to be pretty popular as it's close to Mount Rushmore and right off a main road but it's a nice, quiet area. Really enjoyed my stay here.

    Road gets a bit rough once you get to the hill. Camp fires are not permitted.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    September 13, 2024

    Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    Scenic campground within the park

    Clean restrooms and shower buildings. Coin laundry on site. Several sites were shaded. Garbage, recycling and dump station on site. Playground for kids, fishing pond and walking path right from campground. Campground is within walking distance to the actual Game Lodge and the park visitor center. Sites are adequately spaced. Cell signal is good. Minimal road noise, depending on your site. There are cabins on site. A couple of vault toilets too. Deer roam the campground. Fence around the campground to keep the buffalo out. Convenient to Mt Rushmore, Needles Eye Tunnel and other Black Hills sites. Wildlife Loop road delivered on a giant herd of buffalo and other animals. Trout stream near the campground.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oreville Campground
    September 12, 2024

    Oreville Campground

    Great host but wouldn’t return

    Very nice host. Campsite extremely close to road with traffic noise. Worst smelling bathrooms I’ve come across and the smell drifted across the campsites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Rd Mine Site Dispersed
    September 11, 2024

    Spring Creek Rd Mine Site Dispersed

    Simple overnight stop

    I was able to drive to this spot easily in a car for a quick overnight stop. There is a section in the beginning that doesn't allow camping, but once you are farther back in it looks like there are several spots. No campfires. Verizon cellular worked there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    September 9, 2024

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

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  • Camper-submitted photo from Lazy J RV Park and Campground
    September 8, 2024

    Lazy J RV Park and Campground

    Great place near a lot of stuff

    Don't judge this place when you first drive up. The sites are quite level. The staff are very friendly. Sites get nice morning sun, but ample shade in the evening. The laundry room was very clean and up to date. It's very quiet. There is a nice Rainbow brand play set for the kids.

    It's a convenient, central location for a lot of activities.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rafter J Bar Ranch
    September 7, 2024

    Rafter J Bar Ranch

    Great campground perfect location to Custer and surrounding areas

    We will be back. We stayed in a wooded lot up top in the park. The bathrooms were well maintained. We really enjoyed the location to all the area attractions.

    We arrived on Labor Day and were very disappointed that the pool was closed. Despite what there website states the pool closes on Labor Day. Management did make it right by us though and we got to enjoy a local pool in close proximity.

    All and all we will be back to the area and we will plan to stay here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kemp's Kamp
    September 6, 2024

    Kemp's Kamp

    Perfect Tent Site!

    Stayed for one night. The tent site was great came with shelter, table, grill, and power connection. Close to Bathrooms and Showers which were clean. Is close to road though still feels remote. Very peaceful and quite area.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spearfish Quarry
    September 5, 2024

    Spearfish Quarry

    Clean and quiet.

    Stayed here after the Sturgis rally.  Was very quiet and clean.  Most of the time we were here by ourselves.  There is an OHV trail just outside the quarry border, but wasn't used very much.   Had just a few people come and stayed the night.  Would definitely stay here again.  Easy in and easy out of the area.  Saw some deer and a lot of cows.  It was free with a 14 day stay limit.  Close to town, restaurants, gas stations, etc.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cicero peak
    September 2, 2024

    Cicero peak

    Worth the effort ROCKY

    The drive up the road is extremely rocky and we needed 4x4 over some of the rocks. Slow careful driving and you can make it in most SUVs but I wouldn’t recommend a van. Has room for one rig and little room to turn around at the top if someone is already there (unlikely). Views are amazing and worth the slow tire beating. There is a tower of sorts up here and we saw lots of UTV tracks. Full service with Verizon and cricket.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rafter J Bar Ranch
    August 30, 2024

    Rafter J Bar Ranch

    Great place to stay

    We stayed here for 2 nights and had a great time. Everything is clean and the site we stayed at was located under trees with lots of distance to the next neighbors. On the site you can hear some of the traffic from the highway but that is still acceptable. We would always come back here again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Three Flags RV Park
    August 26, 2024

    Three Flags RV Park

    Quite a surprise.

    This Park is kept very clean. Laundry room and machines are organized and in great operating condition. Bathrooms and showers are cleaned very often. RV spots are level. HRV spot has a picnic bench water and electric. And there are also quite a few with sewer as well. One downfall is the highway and the train. It's not a very busy part of the highway and the train only comes by once or twice a day nothing at night. No train horns and the trains are quite short. The staff are very friendly. I was extremely pleased with the RV park and everything about it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    August 26, 2024

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    North Pole Rd Dispersed

    The sites are located about 2 miles from the main road at the top of the hill. It is a dusty gravel road in good condition. There are open areas and areas in the scattered pine trees. Great views. The traffic along the road is sparse. You don’t feel crowded but can see some other campers. Great area!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
    August 24, 2024

    Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    We went, we saw

    We were hauling a 20 ft camper looking to find the pull through spot we saw on the maps. The gravel road was accessible and pretty easy with the camper. We got to our spot just before sunset and only had one neighbor, though we passed a few tenters going up the road. Our spot was nice and a short walk to a vault toilet and trailhead. The trail led to a cool tower that we climbed to watch the sunset. Overall great spot and we’ll worth the short drive of the highway.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Glen Erin Roadside Camp
    August 24, 2024

    Glen Erin Roadside Camp

    Nice place to pull over

    One-vehicle site, clean, right off the road. You'll pass several private homes getting here but none yiu can see from here. Decent Verizon. Large dry tree trunk piles next to site and across road. Plenty of sky. No shade on vehicle but trees to put a chair under for shade. Quiet. Horse and rider came up behind me in the morning and passed around me without even looking at me.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gold Valley Camp
    August 22, 2024

    Gold Valley Camp

    Remodeled Campground

    This campground has recently been remodeled with all new pads, electric and water. Only a couple miles to the west entrance of Custer SP. 3.5 miles from Custer. Owner and staff all extremely nice and helpful. Nice camp store. Had a hot air balloon land in the field next to us one morning!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
    August 21, 2024

    Sleepy Hollow Campground

    Across the street from wall drug

    It’s a nice place heading east or west to land for the night. We’ve stayed at sleepy hollow before and find it and the proximity to wall drug a fun landing stop for the night on our trek across SD. Dinner, ice cream and splash pad fun at wall drug is the perfect end to a day on the road for our family.

  • Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    August 20, 2024

    The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

    Not just another brick in the wall

    Fabulous! Views and several spaces both on the edge of grassland dropping off into the badlands wall and farther back. At least 25 campers there last night. It was breathtaking. Do be prepared for I tense wi d; this is prairie with no trees to cut wind. Well worth a visit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    August 19, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    simply amazing views and a perfect ballance of sun and wind to keep it grea

    I camping here from 8/15 to 8/21.   Far, the weather has been amazing.  I moved spots about 3 days in.  The first spot was great except for Cell Service (t-mobile) that exact spot was a dead spot.  After moving south one spot about 60 feet, i went from 1-2mb/s to 40-60mb/s.  Roads are rough but do-able I am pulling a 29ft toyhauler with a Chevy silverado 1500.  I cecomend taking the north entrance or if taking the main (by Radio towers) then turn left when you get to the wall.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Springs Campground
    August 19, 2024

    Cottonwood Springs Campground

    Cramped

    Circular campground. Campsites are very close and narrow. If you are in an RV, levelers are a must. Clean bathrooms, but no showers. Potable water spigot at bathrooms. The lake is rather a large pond. No ATT service. Town of Hot Springs is only 12 minutes away. Nice little town. This campground makes for a great Basecamp.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed
    August 18, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Gate locked

    However, there is a spot on outlaw ranch rd you see before outlaw ranch road the gps takes you to that is nice and enough back for more privacy. Others know of it too, and 2 more cars tried to pull in after dark. I turned on a light and they were cool about backing out. Sorry to be unable to be more specific, want to say this spot really nice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground
    August 18, 2024

    Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground

    Great place for BDR-X staging!

    Nice campground with ample tree-lined spots for tents and RVs. Plenty of private shower/toilet rooms included with paid stay. On-premise general store and cafe. Most importantly: incredibly helpful, friendly staff to make your stay a memorable one!



Guide to Rapid City

Camping near Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Explore Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, this iconic landmark is a must-see. Campers love the proximity, with one reviewer from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch saying, "If you like KOAs, you will love this place. Big, super clean and nice."
  • Hiking and Fishing: The trails around Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park offer breathtaking views and great fishing spots. A visitor noted, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Custer State Park is famous for its wildlife. One camper at Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park shared, "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice... it was beautiful up on the higher elevations."

What campers like:

  • Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Pactola Reservoir Campground, offer great facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The surrounding woods, the well-maintained sites and facilities, and the wonderful and helpful staff make this my most favorite by far."
  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate clean facilities. One visitor at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground said, "New vault toilet! $28 a night has gone up in price for non-electric Federal forest camping."
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Horsethief Lake Campground offer plenty of space. A camper noted, "The attendant was very friendly and helpful... it was the most awesome spot to me in the whole camp!!!"

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A reviewer at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch mentioned, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants or markets nearby. A camper at Pactola Reservoir Campground raved about the "great prices and inventory at the marina store."
  • Bring Entertainment: With some campgrounds being busy, having games or activities can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground noted, "Great little lake, nearby hiking."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Rapid City, SD, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Rapid City, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Rapid City, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 240 campgrounds and RV parks near Rapid City, SD and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Rapid City, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rapid City, SD is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 54 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rapid City, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Rapid City, SD.

  • What parks are near Rapid City, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Rapid City, SD that allow camping, notably Black Hills National Forest and Wind Cave National Park.