Camping 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 (243)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    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

    2. Sage Creek Campground

    102 Reviews
    392 Photos
    161 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 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

    3. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    30 Reviews
    152 Photos
    192 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.

    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 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
    217 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.

    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

    39 Reviews
    176 Photos
    413 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
    313 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.

    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

    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..

    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
    62 Saves
    Rapid City, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    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

    9. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    124 Reviews
    424 Photos
    1581 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
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
Showing results 1-10 of 243 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Rapid City

Recent Reviews in Rapid City

1636 Reviews of 243 Rapid City Campgrounds


  • laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Sage Creek Campground

    Pretty good for free!

    Spent one night here after exploring the park. less than a third full in early november. vault toilets clean-ish. wide open spaces, not really any privacy here. pretty sunrise.

  • laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    Convenient for exploring the park

    Stayed a night in early November. Didn’t see any notice that the bathroom we picked a spot near was closed for the season… that meant a really long cold walk to the pit toilet. Quite a few shady sites, a babbling brook nearby, a flock of turkeys wandering through most of the morning. While the campground was mostly empty, we had neighbors directly adjacent with at least two dead deer in the back of their pickup for more than 24 hours, with crows coming by for snacks… kinda gross.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    Good Place

    Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities. The campground offers easy access to scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and nearby attractions like Sylvan Lake and Needles Highway, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Plus, amenities like clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits add convenience without taking away from the rustic charm. Whether you're there to hike, uno online spot wildlife, or just unwind by the campfire, it’s a wonderful spot to connect with nature in Custer State Park.

  • TOca B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    Center Lake Custer State Park

    I loved this campground, perfect for day-by-day planning. Here’s a quick tip: book your first night online, then use the landline on-site to extend your stay without extra fees. It’s a remote spot with basic amenities—pit toilets, water spigots, and a nearby shower up by the lake. Read More

  • TOca B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    Center Lake Custer State Park

    I loved this campground, especially for planning one day at a time. Quick tip: book online for your first night, and then use the on-site landline to extend as needed—no extra fees for adding nights this way. It’s a quiet, remote spot with basic amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, and a shower up the road by the lake. Read More

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    Great Camping / Views

    This is a great dispersed site right next to The Badlands National Park. In October, there were only about 20 campers at most (lots of available space). The views from here are amazing, as well as sunrise and sunset. It can get quite windy. Very quiet!

  • Ella J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Comanche Park
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Comanche Park

    Good

    In light of your positive approach and tremendous support for your professional development, I'd want to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt gratitude. space waves game

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    Great Views

    This was an our first time dispersed camping so we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. There were lots of campers (probably 20 other cars), but the views are unmatched. Waking up at dawn and watching the sunrise over the Badlands is breathtaking! Really easy access. We saw people with all size trailers parked. Lots of space to spread out. Not much for privacy, but with views like that, who cares!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Beautiful and remote

    Several spots along the Bob Marshall camp road to pull off and camp. We went a bit more off the path by turning right, going up past a water treatment plant and parking near the end of the road. It was secluded and pretty. Lots of coyotes in the area. No camp fires when we were there due to dry conditions. The road after the turn off was in rough shape. I wouldn’t take a trailer up it, but we were in a large SUV and it was just fine. A great place to disperse camp in the state park. We stayed two nights.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek RV Camp
    Oct. 22, 2024

    French Creek RV Camp

    Tolido1

    You have arrived at the online home of Papa Louie. All of the best Papa Louie games are available here for free online play. So, what exactly is a Papa Louie game like? Awesome challenge, dubious business tactics, and tasty food! The majority of papa's games center around the kitchen and the management of eateries. Working in Papa's kitchen is exciting, yet challenging.

  • Zina L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 24 Express RV Campground
    Oct. 19, 2024

    24 Express RV Campground

    Closed!

    There were signs up along the freeway. Nothing indicate that it was closed. Is it for the season? Not sure date of visit was October 19, 2024.

  • Makenzie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Road
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Spring Creek Road

    Very Quiet Cozy Area

    Loved this area, saw many deer near sunset, very peaceful and quiet. Tent camping it was easy to find a site since we didn’t go too far, but if you have an big RV you might need to go further down the road. Otherwise very pretty especially with the creek right next to us.

  • Lisa B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Sage Creek Campground

    Breathtaking & Best Smelling Bathrooms

    My boy Palo and I camped in my Outback for a night. It was a great experience. They have the cleans best smelling bathrooms I have venture into.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley Park Campground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Echo Valley Park Campground

    Hidden gem

    Great campsite nestled in the hills. Conveniently located near Crazy Horse monument (literally, you can see Crazy Horse from the campground; see attached photos), and less than 20 miles from Mount Rushmore. You can access Mickelson Bike Trail from the property. Also, has many hiking and walking trails for your use. Fresh artesian water. The water was delicious! We were tenting and the ground was perfect for setup. Echo Valley campground has the option for dry site, water site, electric site, or water and electric site, for all travelers whether tent, RV, or camper. Has a shower house with bathrooms, and washer/dryer setup. Washer/dryer were out of order when we were there. Shower house has antiquated controls. We think owner is working on updating everything because bathrooms had new sinks and toilets (at least the women’s did; men’s had new sinks). Assuming it was the owner who checked us in, on a Friday late afternoon. He was humorous, gregarious, and welcoming. Welcoming to pets. During our two night stay almost every other camper had pets. Our only complaint was we couldn’t have a fire because the whole area was on an extreme fire danger risk. Not the sites fault, but that was our only real complaint

    On a final note: if you want to stay at a modern site, with all the amenities and distractions, Echo Valley is not for you. This campsite was serene, beautiful, peaceful. There was enough access to the local environment, you didn’t need to go see the local sites to remain engaged and entertained.

  • stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    Outside the Badlands/trip tip

    Loved the close proximity to the badlands literally just down the road from the scenic loop. Plenty of spaces this time of year had my pic. Only downside was the wind which died down in the evening. Stars were fantastic. Wall drug had free water. Oh and I came in from Mitchell SD from the east and skipped the highway and took HWY 248 which runs paralell but I had the road to myself for 2 hours what a peace scenic ride.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Bill's Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Wild Bill's Campground

    Nicely tucked away spot

    We stayed one evening when traveling thru. Had a hard time finding a spot open (and with bathrooms) after October 1st! Called ahead to confirm and Matthew was very helpful answering questions and confirming availability before making other travel plans. Park had a pub to eat and watch some football.

  • blonde R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Hills RV Park
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Black Hills RV Park

    Dog run and convenient

    Unable to reserve online for same night. Called and assured space available never asked name, etc. Luckily the spot was near back of campground with very short walk to stunning view. All sites gravel with picnic tables. Sites are close together but due to early Oct, they tried to park RVs every other space in middle of campground. Many long term residents around outsides of park. 2 small Dog runs in front; grass dog walking area in back. Next to Fort Hays, home of $0.99 cowboy pancake breakfast and Dances with Wolves film set. Convenient as Mt Rushmore is only 20 miles & 36 miles to Crazy Horse Memorial. Extremely clean toilet and bath house!!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    Nice Setting

    Elk Mnt -Wind Cave NP 10/24

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for stopover convenience, setting, and exploring the NP Price 2024: $ 6(the off season, no water price) w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: light - this cg is shutting down in a few days. Only 1 loop is now open. Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: pull over sites in Loop B were 50+ feet apart.
    Pad surface: gravel Reservations: yes Campground Noise: quiet Outside Road Noise: none Through Traffic in campground: none Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no Potable Water Available: yes, but currently turned off Bathroom: pit toilet is clean and open.
    Showers: no Pull Throughs: Some pullovers- in b loop have nice view of grassland rolling hills. However, not all will allow for a driver’s side slide. Our site, #15 did have room,barely. Cell Service (AT&T): no bars. Setting: attractive rolling grasslands and pine forest. Recent Weather: highs in the 70s. Solar: yes Insects: none Host: none this time of year.
    Rig Size: some sites will probably allow for a 40’ or so trailer. Check carefully when reserving on rec dot gov.
    Sites: 16, 20, 18, 15: I like these pull over sites, because they have a nice view of the rolling grasslands. However, in our site, number 15, we were able to barely get our slide out without it protruding over the campground road. Some of the other pullover sites in B loop offer less room for a safe slide out usage. Other loops have wider pullover sites for trailers with slide outs. I took pictures of some of these sites with their numbered posts.



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 243 campgrounds and RV parks near Rapid City, SD and 37 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 37 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.