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Best Campgrounds near Rapid City, SD

1,838 Reviews

Campground options around Rapid City extend from fully developed RV resorts to primitive sites in the Black Hills National Forest. Several established facilities like Rapid City KOA and Lake Park Campground provide full hookups, cabins, and amenities within city limits, while Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground offers a more natural setting approximately 25 miles southwest. The area supports diverse camping styles with many locations featuring tent sites, RV pads, and cabin rentals, particularly along Highway 16 heading toward Mount Rushmore and throughout the surrounding Black Hills region.

Camping in the Black Hills region requires planning around seasonal conditions, with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through mid-October. Higher elevation sites experience cooler temperatures and periodic thunderstorms even during summer months. "Seasonal considerations significantly impact this area, as many sites offered by the competition are nicely spaced out with mature trees surrounding the pads," noted one camper comparing options. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months and especially during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August when virtually all campgrounds reach capacity. Cell service varies considerably, with forest campgrounds like those near Sheridan Lake having limited connectivity except at entrance areas.

Public lands near Rapid City provide options for visitors seeking more remote experiences. Dispersed camping is available in the Black Hills National Forest, with sites like the RD 356 Dispersed Site requiring permits but offering free camping for those willing to forgo amenities. A visitor to one such area mentioned, "Very close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Rapid City and Hill City. Lake Sheridan was a great place to go cool off. Very dispersed camping. Pack in Pack out. No cell service." The central location of camping areas makes them convenient bases for exploring regional attractions. Most campgrounds within 30 minutes of downtown provide reasonable access to the region's major destinations including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park, with many visitors using their campsite as a multi-day base for day trips.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rapid City, South Dakota (259)

    1. Rapid City KOA

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

    "Overall this is a very nice campground in Rapid City. Staff is nice, grounds are clean, bathrooms are well maintained however there is a distinct lack of shade trees."

    "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."

    2. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

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

    $28 / night

    "Had a fun time at the south shore campground of Lake Sheridan. Hosts were great. Beach for the kids, quiet and peaceful. Camped in our 38’ motorhome. Reserved our site well in advance."

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

    3. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

    55 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    21 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."

    4. Pactola Reservoir Campground

    31 Reviews
    Silver City, SD
    17 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."

    5. HTR Black Hills

    13 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    9 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."

    "The campground itself is fairly close to the local monuments and attractions (like Jewel Cave, Mt Rushmore, and Crazy Horse) and downtown Rapid City, and only about an hour from Wall, SD."

    6. Rapid City RV Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    3 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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Lake Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 341-5320

    $97 / night

    "This campground is near downtown Rapid City SD and also within 30 minutes of all the attractions around Rushmore. It is a great launch point for your visit"

    "Stayed at a non-electric tent site and it was a little on the pricier side in my opinion, but it’s walking distance to a great park with a river and nature trail, and a 5-10 minute drive to Main Street"

    10. Happy Holiday Camp Ground

    7 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 341-8699
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Recent Reviews near Rapid City, SD

1838 Reviews of 259 Rapid City Campgrounds

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

Are there any riverside camping options near Rapid City?

Yes, there are excellent riverside camping options in the Rapid City area. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground offers waterfront sites along a beautiful reservoir in the Black Hills. The campground features a beach area perfect for families, peaceful surroundings, and is well-maintained by attentive hosts. For those seeking water proximity with additional amenities, Pactola Reservoir Campground provides waterside camping with convenient access to boating and fishing. Both locations offer the tranquility of waterfront camping while maintaining reasonable proximity to Rapid City and the region's major attractions.

What are the best campgrounds near Rapid City, SD for tent camping?

For tent camping near Rapid City, Custer Crazy Horse Campground & Cabin 13 Coffee Shop offers excellent facilities for families. The campground provides clean amenities and serves as a great base for exploring the Black Hills region. Another excellent option is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, which offers a budget-friendly alternative to high-priced hotels. This campground provides quality tent sites and convenient access to Mount Rushmore and other attractions. Both locations allow you to make the most of your South Dakota vacation with the authentic outdoor experience that tent camping provides.

How close are Rapid City campgrounds to Mount Rushmore?

Campgrounds near Rapid City offer convenient access to Mount Rushmore, typically within 20-30 minutes driving distance. Heartland RV Park is approximately 20 minutes from Rapid City and provides a clean, well-maintained base for visiting Mount Rushmore and other Black Hills attractions. For those wanting to be even closer, Horsethief Lake Campground is one of the nearest options to Mount Rushmore. Most campgrounds in the area serve as excellent home bases for day trips to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and other popular destinations, making them ideal for exploring the entire Black Hills region while maintaining reasonable proximity to Rapid City's amenities.

What RV campgrounds are available in Rapid City, South Dakota?

Rapid City offers several excellent RV campgrounds. Hart Ranch RV Resort is a well-maintained facility with numerous amenities including a pool with hot tubs, sports courts, mini-golf, and an onsite restaurant and convenience store with a gas station. It's particularly economical for RPI membership holders. Broken Arrow Horse and RV Campground provides gorgeous, serene surroundings with clean facilities. It features nice long pull-through sites with full hookups, extremely clean laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers. Other notable options include Lazy JD RV Park, which offers a rural setting with wildlife viewing opportunities, and Rapid City RV Park & Campground, centrally located for exploring the region.

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