For those who want to experience Buffalo Gap, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. Glamping offers the perfect opportunity to explore Buffalo Gap and stay off the beaten path. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right South Dakota glamping spot for you.
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.
$20 / night
Camp under shady ponderosa pines in a quiet mountain setting. Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA is located at the southern end of the Black Hills, near Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Mammoth Site, Evans Plunge, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Windcross Conservancy and the shops in historic downtown Hot Springs. Daily breakfasts are available to start your days off right (seasonal). All sites have picnic tables. Cabins have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, heaters, grills and porch swings. You'll also find free Wi-Fi and cable TV at all RV Sites. Enjoy the large heated pool, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, playground, community fire pit and recreation room.
Located on the scenic Norbeck Byway away from the areas busy highways yet just one mile North of the historic city of Custer as you enter the heart of the Black Hills. Your adventure begins the minute you leave our gates. Just minutes from Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, The Needles, Jewel Cave, and Custer State Park. Easy access to Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Sturgis, and all the Black Hills Area attractions. 100 unique sites situated in the tall, cool pines that make camping in the Black Hills an experience not soon forgotten. Sites range from full service to rustic and from private to group and family friendly, so that everyone can have the camping or RV experience they desire. All the amenities with the cozy feeling of camping in a National Forest campground.
You should see the Hills from here! Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA is your central location for visiting all of the Black Hills. We are in the center of all five major Black Hills attractions: Mt. Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park, within 6 to 23 miles of the campground. You can arrange tours with a local tour company that picks you up at your site. After a day of sightseeing, unwind at our tranquil campground among the ponderosa pines, just 3 miles west of Custer. Eat breakfast or dinner at the Buffalo Cafe, located inside the store.The kids will love our jumping pillow and playground. Seasonal activities (Memorial Day to Labor Day) include a heated pool (weather permitting). We offer 1 and 2-room camping cabins (No Air Conditioning), a Fully equipped deluxe cabin, 30 & 50-amp pull-thru and back-in sites, deluxe patio sites, and several types of tent sites, from primitive to upgraded. Free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, an on-site store, laundry ($), dump station, firewood ($), picnic tables, and propane ($) are available. Rates are higher on June 30-July 7 and August 6-15 (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Custer Cruisin' dates). No television service is provided; some sites can receive satellite reception.
$60 - $100 / night
We offer an assortment of sites, ranging from Tent Sites, Tent Sites with Electricity, Elecrtric & Water Sites and 30 or 50 AMP Full service sites with Electeric, Water and Sewer, which can accomodate any Rigs Big or Small up to 45 Feet. Don't feel like roughing it, enjoy one of our Sleeping cabins, we have several cabins to accomodate
Located less than 1 mile north of Hot Springs, South Dakota sits one of the area's most perferred campgrounds. At the south end of Cold Brook Campground sits Cold Brook Lake, a popular destination for those looking to take a swim at the beach, snorkel in the crystal clear water or wet a line while trying to catch a variety of fish species. At the north end of the campground sits a wildlife area with a two-track trail that is good for a morning stroll or a short bike ride with the possibility of seeing wildlife.
Cold Brook Lake is about 33 acres in size and it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, northern pike, catfish, carp, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. As the summer heats up, the beach tends to be a popular hangout for both locals and tourists. The non-motorized two-track path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota.
Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, construction of Cold Brook Dam began in 1949 and was completed in 1953, under the Flood Control Act of 1941. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it has created a park with approximately 450 acres of public lands and water that provides a variety of benefits to both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills, crystal clear water and evergreen trees create a picturesque site.
For local information, please call (605) 745-5476 or call (605) 450-8000 for general information.
Popular nearby attractions include: Black Hills National Forest Wind Cave National Park The Mammoth Site Evans Plunge Jewel Cave National Monument
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
$18 / night
$25 - $130 / night
Scout
ScoutI 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
ScoutI 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
Scout
Beautiful scenery with loads to do. The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible
play uno online there with my friends too.
Guide
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.
GuideWas not sure driving in but old mate running the show was funny and friendly. Showers were interesting but all plumbing in US is weird and inconsistent about how you operate it. Laundry was out of action. I think this guy running the show is trying very hard, he’s too cheap ($45) so always chasing his tail. Real close to crazy horse so nothing really to complain about. Wish him the best.
Scout
This is a nice campground very close to Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. The hosts are accommodating and friendly. The sites are basic with full hookups and will fit any size rig, they have clean water and perfect power. The location is less windy than most parks in the area and even though it's next to the highway we haven't heard any vehicle noise. Just a few blocks to beautiful downtown Custer. We had a fantastic stay and know you will too.
ScoutThe NerdWallet Community is a platform for financial advice and tips, much like the CarXStreet Drive Mod APK community where players share strategies for racing and car customization. Both communities offer valuable insights, whether you're optimizing your budget or enhancing your car's performance, helping members achieve their financial or gaming goals.
ScoutThe NerdWallet Community is a platform for financial advice and tips, much like the CarXStreet Drive Mod APK community where players share strategies for racing and car customization. Both communities offer valuable insights, whether you're optimizing your budget or enhancing your car's performance, helping members achieve their financial or gaming goals.
Scout
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.
Traveler
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.
Guide
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.
TravelerWe 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.
Ranger
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.
Legend
Nice layout. FHU at $32 + tax is reasonable for area. 3 or 4 miles north of Custer SD
Laundry available Showers also - probably for tent sites
Fairly close to highway-but by sleep time there was not much activity
Did not use facilities. Did not use their WiFi nor deploy Starlink as Verizon coverage is excellent
Scout
Came in here last night and the water point in the sites are extremely low for campers and you’ll have issues hooking up your water purifier and other gadgets. The pool is dirty as well. We woke up this morning and we don’t have water at our campsite. The lady at the front desk said they hit a water main and unknown when it’ll come back online. We were in the middle of a shower and washing dishes so we can leave as we’re on a time schedule.
TravelerFriendly reception and fair price for showers and restrooms, stay, and more. Easy in and out.
GuideGreat location for Custer and surrounding area and good value. Site was a little small with fire pit set on a bank so not ideal to sit around. Not a problem for us as we spent most of the time touring the area. Picnic table was rotten so we were unable to use it, again not a problem for us. We took a bike ride down into the valley, it is very beautiful.
Legend
Very nice KOA. Great staff. Nice sites under pine trees. Pool, cafe, and laundry facilities are well maintained. Will stay here again.
Ranger
Friendly staff. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Sites well maintained. Lots of amenities. Only complaint are sites a little close.
GuideI loved this spot as I only plan a day at a time while traveling. I was able to snag a spot at this campground and here are the tips: -Reservations for this campground open at 6AM mountain time. -Making a profile for their site feels like doing taxes so plan ahead and get your account set up the day before. Skip the app. It’s just a window to their online portal. -Get your first night online. It’ll be your site fee plus $7 reservation fee. -There is no service at the campground but they do have a reservation phone. -On your first day & before 8pm, call the reservation line on the land phone provided and extend your stay for a second night. They will only charge you for the site and not another reservation fee. BOOM! Your site will be secured for as many days as you need so long as you keep extending.
Nice remote campground. Pit toilets, community water spigots, no hookups. There is a hot shower located at the lake up the road.
LegendSmall and large sites. Close to all major attractions. Beautiful little park.
Legend
Small campground with small sites. Water on site no dump station.
ScoutThe grounds are well maintained and groomed. It has a heated pool and hot tub, we didn’t use because a cold front came through the week we were there. If you have kids there is a big field where kids were running sound having fun next to a nice playground. The laundry room was super clean and machines all in working order.
ScoutThe hosts here are very friendly and helpful sharing information about the area as a whole and everything you need to know about the campsite. They were very accommodating and gave us ideas on how to navigate the campsite roads to best park our large rig, tow dolly, and tow vehicle. Some spots are right along the highway but it was surprisingly quiet in the evening. Bathrooms are cleaned daily but there are no showers onsite. You cannot fill up your water tank here but can fill up small amounts of water. Firewood was $7 per bundle. Shaded spot and our starlink worked surprisingly well here given the trees.
Scout
This is a restaurant with a nyt wordle lot of delicious dishes and especially the service quality of this restaurant is very good. I have visited this restaurant a few times and am very satisfied with their quality and service.
Traveler
This is an unbelievable place. Very nice pull through sights, two pools, hot tub, laundry and nice bathrooms. They pay attention to details such as clean fire pits and no trash anywhere. Extremely safe for a family or a Solo Traveler. Wonderful playgrounds for children. Would definitely stay here again because there are so many ways to camp. Including teepees, cabins and glamping sites. This really is a true Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Buffalo Gap, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Buffalo Gap, SD is Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Buffalo Gap, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 glamping camping locations near Buffalo Gap, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
