179 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Buffalo Gap, South Dakota sits at the gateway to the Black Hills region, with access to both national park and state park campgrounds within a short drive. The area includes a mix of tent sites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping options, with notable locations like Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park and several campgrounds throughout Custer State Park. Many campsites serve as convenient basecamps for exploring regional attractions including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the scenic byways that wind through the Black Hills. According to campers, the region offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with bison and deer often visible near campgrounds.
Most campgrounds in the Buffalo Gap area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. Several sites like Game Lodge Campground in Custer State Park remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for potentially harsh conditions. South Dakota weather can change rapidly, with summer thunderstorms common and temperature swings significant even in summer months. Reservations are strongly recommended during the peak tourist season from June through August, especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when accommodation of all types becomes scarce. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity in developed areas and limited or no service in more remote campgrounds.
The camping options range from primitive sites to full-service RV parks. National Park Service campgrounds like Elk Mountain offer basic amenities with flush toilets and drinking water but no showers or hookups. Private campgrounds and KOAs provide more amenities including full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and sometimes pools or recreation areas. Campers report that tent-only areas tend to be quieter than mixed-use campgrounds. Many campgrounds are pet-friendly but require dogs to be leashed. Family-oriented facilities are common, with several campgrounds offering playgrounds and organized activities during summer months. State park campgrounds require entrance fees in addition to camping fees, with non-resident passes available for those planning extended stays.
"This campground is centrally locates to some great activities in South Dakota. We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore."
"Passing through South Dakota rests a very unique park unlike any other you will find. "
from $24 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Clean, quiet campground tucked away in the beautiful Black Hills"
"Close proximity to Hot Springs. There were other campers that were quite noisy at night well after quiet time."
"This is closest to the southern entrance. We had bison herds South of us and North. We never managed to make it East where the long trail is, which seems to be known for wildlife."
"Campsites are $21 (plus the entrance fee) for a standard tent site without hookups. Sites with electricity are $25, and camping cabins are $50 per night. "
"Nice walk ways all around the lake. Clean, clear water that is good for riding on the boat, tubing, and kayaking."
"Great access to the lake, beautiful views of the sunset. Clean showers and sights. There are a lot of bugs, so be prepared. Would definitely stay here again."
"This campground is open year round and is located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Features cabin, camper, and tent sites."
"The second morning we woke up to bison all along the fence next to the campground!"
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability"They are far enough away from the tent sites to create good space. Tent sites: There is a large group site across from the shower house."
"In spite of the fact that we’re right next to the highway, it’s pretty quiet. The water is a warm 75ish degrees, so nice! The bathroom is a bit rough, or I’d have given 5 stars"
from $25 - $130 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review: This location is great if you are looking to be close to Hot Springs, Wind Cave, and Custer State park. It is located just north of town and just South of Wind Cave’s entrance."
"Walked around lake and it was beautiful. So quiet and peaceful. Wish we stayed more nights! Dumpsters, restrooms, fire rings and nice grass. You gotta stay here!"
from $18 / night
Check Availability"It’s close to town (we biked to explore the beautiful town, parks, mammoth exhibit, and farmers market) campground is gorgeous, with a sweet little private lake that’s great for a swim."
"Good places to sit and enjoy the sunrise over the ridge, nice walk around the pond with water so clear you can see the bottom 12 ft down and watch the fish like you're at Bass Pro."
from $38 - $57 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review: The Stockade Lake North Campground is located just inside the west entrance to Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota."
"There is a nice walking path that drops down to the lake from the south part of the campground. I literally walked across the road from SN33E and stepped on the trail to walk my dogs."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The lake is cool and quiet, tucked away in the center of Custer park. Several trails and tons of fishing spots. There are vaulted toilets and a shower house."
"I planned my trip too late to stay at Sylvan Lake campground, but wanted to be near the Needles Highway since that was the reason this park was on my itinerary."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
TravelerOnce you get to the space in the pictures very open & beautiful. Road coming in directly was very rough and had large rocks, would recommend a vehicle with clearance unless you take the other way. Only saw one other vehicle and there are nearby residents.
GuideDutchman's a great spot to be close (but not too close) to the lake.
I went in early may, towards the end of the off season. It was free, first come first, although most spots were full. The loop that's open during the off-season is pretty far from the lake, though it's visible in spots. Even in the closer loop, don't expect to be able to fish out of your tent.
Pit toilets and garbage are close by. There's a fishing dock & boat ramp maybe a three minute drive away.
It's very peaceful and secluded. Since Deerfield is a no-wake lake you won't be listening to jet skis, motor boats, etc. The pine stands are lovely and the air just smells like mountains.
ScoutThis is a huge Rv park with lots of amenities including but not limited to a pool waterslide mini golf horse back riding showers and full hook up sites
TravelerThis is a really nice little campground. It’s set up on top of the hill. It’s convenient to Badlands national Park, Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial. The office people are really great! If you’re not here by office closing, they give you a call and let you know what’s going on. They supply you with a detailed map so you know right where to park and where all the amenities are. The speed test for the Internet is not accurate for the park as I have Starlink. The Wi-Fi the park supplies is not the greatest. I think it depends on how many campers are in the park. The park has a pool, laundry, facilities, and a small fenced in dog park. I think all the spices are pulled through so that’s a great bonus!
GuideEvery single person we encountered here, from the hosts to the other guests was exceedingly happy and kind. The location can’t be beat for a Mount Rushmore visit. Facilities are exceptionally clean. Yes, sites are tight, but you’re in the black hills, so it is to be expected. We loved our time here.
GuideSmall RV park, owner is always making improvements. Convenient location to downtown Rapid City and Custer State Park. Nice views of surrounding farmland.
ScoutThe campground is very nice. Facilities are clean, and you have a high chance of seeing bison from the campground. My only complaint is that site 3 doesn’t have a tent pad, while every site around it does, and it desperately needs one. It was fine with my 2 person tent, but a larger tent wouldn’t work well.
RangerThis is a really solid choice for staying in Custer State Park. The campground is located right in the middle of the forest, and there’s no cell service at all, which can actually be a nice change if you're looking to disconnect for a while. Since many of the nearby campgrounds tend to be fully booked well in advance, this campground is a great alternative. The same-day reservation system was perfect for spontaneous travelers like us. A short five-minute walk takes you to warm showers by the lake, which was a nice bonus. The lake is also home to a lot of wildlife, making the area even more enjoyable. The host was very friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Overall, this is a great place to spend a night and a campground we would happily recommend.
GuideThe campsite isn’t right on sylvan lake, but it’s close by, and has easy access to amazing hikes and the needles highway. Nice showers and bathrooms.
Camping near Buffalo Gap, South Dakota offers access to a diverse range of landscapes with elevations ranging from 2,800 to 3,400 feet throughout the area. The region sits at the junction of the Black Hills to the west and the Great Plains to the east, creating a transitional zone with pine forests giving way to prairie. Weather patterns here typically include summer highs in the 80s-90s with night temperatures dropping into the 50s, making sleeping bags necessary even in summer months.
Wildlife photography: 5-7 am or dusk: In Elk Mountain Campground, visitors frequently spot diverse wildlife at dawn and dusk. "The campground is secluded and quiet. You can see the bison as you come into camp if you're lucky. There was also a wild turkey that was wandering around the whole time we were there," reports Jaci M.
Explore Fall River: Zero entry access: The warm spring-fed water makes this ideal for families with small children. "Nice out of the way smaller campground...The Fall River is fed by hot springs so the water stays nice and just slightly chilled. Almost feels like getting into a heated pool," notes Hayley K. from Allen Ranch Campground.
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution: The campgrounds away from town provide excellent stargazing opportunities. "We heard lots of animals through the night and loved it. Our only complaint was that the lights from the very simple bathrooms were so bright at night they ruined our night vision. Do not choose a site near the bathrooms," advises Aaron C. about Elk Mountain Campground.
Creek-side sites: Natural white noise: Campers appreciate sites with natural water features for both ambiance and recreation. "Site 36, which was right next to a little creek. At night, we could hear the water running and it was so calming. Tent pads were elevated," reports Sara P. about her stay at Game Lodge Campground.
Pine forest shade coverage: Temperature control: The Black Hills campgrounds offer significant tree cover. "Sites are gravel, open with some ponderosa pines, showers are adequate with a push button and pre-set temperatures," explains Kirby & Donna D. about Stockade North Campground.
Fishing access: Stocked lakes: Multiple fishing opportunities exist within short distances. "We were able to put our hammock up between trees, there was beautiful hiking nearby with stunning views," says Jenny about their stay at Blue Bell Campground. At Angostura Recreation Area, "the lake was amazing and beautiful. It was too cold for us to swim but we grabbed a 1 day fishing license and caught soooooooo many fish. They have an amazing fishing cleaning station as well," explains Kelly A.
Seasonal closures: Limited winter facilities: While some campgrounds remain open year-round, services are reduced in winter. "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," warns Laura S. about Game Lodge Campground.
Variable cell service: Download maps in advance: Cell reception varies significantly across the area. "When I visited the elevators were not operating and this limited access to the cave itself," notes Crystal C. about Elk Mountain Campground, highlighting the need for backup plans.
Insects: Seasonally intense: Campsites near water sources can experience significant bug activity. "The bugs here are horrible, they are attracted to light of any kind, so do yourself a favor and grab quite a few of those citronella candles," advises Kelly A. about their stay at Angostura Recreation Area.
Playground proximity: Request specific sites: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Clean, clean water that is good for riding on the boat, tubing, and kayaking," mentions Ashley E. about Angostura Recreation Area, making it perfect for active families.
Junior Ranger programs: Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer organized activities. "The jr. Ranger programs were great for our girls and we enjoyed the learning," says Joe W. about Blue Bell Campground.
Beach access: Natural swimming areas: Lakes and streams provide swimming opportunities. "The beaches are sandy and clean. Cascade Campground is our favorite! Clean bathrooms and campfires :) There are usually afternoon thunderstorms and wind," reports Laurie L. about Angostura Recreation Area.
Electric-only hookups: Plan water usage: Many campgrounds offer electric but limited water or sewer. "Electric sites only, however water and dump stations are available on your way in. We stayed in Cascade which is full on the weekends," reports Toni S. about Angostura Recreation Area.
Off-season RV camping: Check road conditions: Winter and shoulder season camping requires preparation. "Found an easy route around the construction and arrived with no issues. Check-in was quick and easy. There's a $3.50 CG fee along with tax," shares MickandKarla W. about their experience at Stockade North Campground.
Dump station locations: Limited options: Plan ahead for waste management. "Our site was a very un-level gravel pad that was within a few feet of the back of cabins. There was little in terms of privacy," notes Stacia R., highlighting the importance of site selection for larger rigs at Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Buffalo Gap, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Buffalo Gap, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Buffalo Gap, SD and 27 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Buffalo Gap, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buffalo Gap, SD is Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buffalo Gap, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Buffalo Gap, SD.
What parks are near Buffalo Gap, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Buffalo Gap, SD that allow camping, notably Wind Cave National Park and Black Hills National Forest.
Keep Exploring
