Looking for tent camping near Buffalo Gap? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your South Dakota camping adventure.
The Fall River Ranger District is located in Hot Springs, South Dakota, which is known as the Southern Gateway to the Black Hills! Hot Springs has been well known for many years for it’s large, natural, warm water springs. With easy access to great attractions; soothing, natural, warm water springs; great year-round weather; distinctive sandstone architecture; and multiple opportunities for outdoor activities and experiences. Spread out over a wide geographic area, a current visitors map is strongly recommended. Watch wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy the wide open spaces. The Fall River area is also known as an important geological resource included in the well-known Fossil Freeway, covering western Nebraska and stretching into western South Dakota, http://www.fossilfreeway.net/. For more information about the community of Hot Springs, please visit the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information.
General rules:
Camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Motorized vehicles allowed 300 feet off of roads as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (dots) for dispersed camping on the Black Hills National Forest. Around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Can camp for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. No open campfires in South Dakota portions of the national forest. Open campfires are permitted in Wyoming portions of the national forest, unless a special order prohibiting such is in effect. Check with the closest Forest Service office for more specific information about dispersed camping.
Legend
This is a nice little campground to get away from the hussle of the city. The tent sites are level and great for tent camping. The is a little creek in the park and at the time we were there it was flowing big. Nice area, would go back.
Traveler
Overall the campground was great. Showers, washing machines, places for kids to play, pool area, kind neighbors. We did run into a couple problems when it came to tent camping here. The bathroom closest to us had 2 toilets and 2 showers which were nearly always full and we had to walk across the campground to another bathroom. Another thing, some of the tent sites are slanted. The blood was either rushing to my head or I was sliding down the bottom of the tent. It is a little bit awkward and not ideal. Having a campfire was a nice plus though (they even had water to put it out with).
RangerVery friendly staff. All the amenities needed. Clean bathrooms and showers. Ample laundry facilities! Don’t forget your roll of quarters! (They have change too) We tent camped in 106 (closest to bathhouse so you can hear air hand dryer but quickest bathroom access). All the tent sites appeared to be very nice. They are drive up! Surrounded by mountains and deer walk right through campground. Location was perfect and within miles of all attractions! We saw some of the other campgrounds in the area and are more than pleased we chose this one! RV sites in the front appeared a little more crowded than those towards the back. Also, had some small cabins and there was ample room for the tent in front of it. We would choose this campground at our next visit! Kids loved the on-site “gold mining” activity!
Scout
Beautiful camp sites. They are mostly gravel so pack a nice sleeping pad or blow up mattress. The pit toilets were very clean and the water spouts were plentiful. Many of the sites have natural rock formations as natural boundaries of the site. Many tent camp sites have raised platforms to pitch your tent. There is a small trail around the lake that was lovely in the evenings. The lake is very quiet and great for fishing or kayaking.
Traveler
Small but quiet and set among the Black Hills of South Dakota, this RV and Tent camping site has clean bathrooms with showers, WiFi, a great cafe, lots of shade, and friendly service. We stayed at the KOA first, but wish our first night had been here!
Scout
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. Also has very nice bathroom facilities that includes showers. A nice little creek runs along the back of the campground and the wildlife are abundant, especially Buffalo and deer that roam directly next to the campsite.
Scout
We thought we had found a great place to stay. Made a reservation. Paid the $25 deposit did some research and looked at the reviews. Let me tell you how let down we were.
We were driving up to where it was and we could see from the main road our tent site. We thought hey maybe it's one further back and not right next to the road. So we go and check In and we are right next to the road.andnot even just a road to get to the place but like a main road right off the town houses across the street busy road. Also there little plots are small, like very small. Big enough for our 6 person tent & SUV? yes. After that however, not much room for anything else. Super small fire pit and our neighbors were right next to us. Like so close we could hear them chatting. Maybe if you have an RV go for it. If you are tent camping though I wouldn't recommend. We paid the $100.00 cause they are very strict about refund and well let's get honest they do give them even though there was a ton of tent spots left. Even after we knew we weren't getting out money back decided to forfeit the $100.00 and find a different camp site. So many better camp sites. More space, and not right off the main road where you can listen to cars all night and have lights shining in at you. If you really need a place that has a shower, play ground for kids and a dog run then go for it. However if you are like us and like to camp and don't really need a playground or a dog run and would like some space fr ol m your neighbor camper then please find somewhere else. They have so many just take a drive or Google other sites. Your inner Camper will thank you. In the photo, the trees right there are after a 2 lane road the fence is the edge of Ft. Welikit and other edge of that road. Way too close.
Guide
So you're going to Mount Rushmore.... I discovered during my trip to the area June 2015 that hotel rates in the area are very high for what you get & hard to find availability. The solution is to camp! Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time. Keep in mind though for those coming from other areas of the country, South Dakota does experience rain and thunderstorms. Pack and camp accordingly. This campground is nearby many SD attractions, within easy driving distance and minutes of Hill City, Custer, Keystone, Rapid City, Mount Rushmore. There are many options at the campground such as purchasing firewood to renting bikes. Check out KOA's campground map for campground layout. RV hookups, tent sites, heated pools, splash pad, and much more to keep everyone entertained. Remember that this area of South Dakota hosts high volumes of tourists each season, especially summer and during Sturgis Motorcyle Rally. I highly recommend making reservations far in advance!
Traveler
good campground with amenities - free showers! very few tent sites. mostly RV’s. Our tent site 21E was VERY close to the neighbors. close to stockade lake which was much more peaceful than sylvan lake.
Scout
The view is pretty and just a decent place to spend the night. It's a little bit outside Custer and the the road goes about a 2 miles in before you get to the spot. I camped in a tent but there were others in a 5th wheel, a class A, and a subaru. No amenities but a nice quiet place to camp. It connects to other trails so there are occasionally other vehicles that drive by.
Scout
The camp sites were very spread out and decently flat for tent camping
Traveler
The lake is great for boats if you prefer to bring one. Only issue that I may have is if you get a tent site make sure that your tent will fit. We have a rather large tent and there are a couple of spots that it will not fit. Hosts are pretty nice. I love that the marina isn’t to far from the tent sites and they do have lots of trees to help keep your tent well shaded during the heat of the day.
Guide
I was tent camping and it was great how they have special sites to put the tents straight. So much wildlife to see! Very clean restrooms. Wildlife all arround...
Scout
Great value, friendly owners, tent site next to creek and clean facilities.
Scout
Stayed mid August nice clean and friendly staff. Tent sites are good sized
GuideClean small and private campground, the campsites here are perfect for tent camping and the area is absolutely gorgeous. Would definitely recommend and forsure coming back. 10/10
ScoutThere are some tent sites with a weather protecting pergola with electricity. The highway is visible but more good than not about this camp.
Traveler
The park is conveniently located between Custer and the Custer State Park. Good sized lots and 50 amp full hook ups.
Several remote electric only sites, and many tent sites.
Scout
The electric tent sites are perfect. Has space for car and tent with a shelter for the picnic tables. Clean toilets and showers very close by. Staff and very nice and accommodating. Ice and firewood sales at the office.
Scout
The tent sites are gorgeous! You may have to move some pinecones, needles, and large sticks, but the grass is quite soft. Bathrooms is clean, but there is only one.
Guide
We LOVED Blue Bell and Custer State Park! The campgrounds were very clean and quiet. Camp hosts were very knowledgeable and available if needed. Evening programs offered every night were educational and entertaining for the most part. We stayed in a tent site which had a wonderful tent box that accommodated our 17'x8' tent rather well. Metal picnic table and fire pit were well maintained with ample room on this large site. Showers, flush toilets, potable water, and garbage area are centrally located on the grounds (a bit of a walk from the tent sites but made for a much quieter stay). Loved the location close to the wild life loop! Wild turkey, rabbit, and deer roam the grounds regularly. No mosquitos, wolves, or bear in this area (we did hear coyote regularly) which was a very pleasant surprise. We loved it here and can't wait to visit again!
GuideVery friendly staff and tons of amenities for a campground. Shower and laundry for guest and non-guest. 5 star showers!!! $3 for non guest
The tent sites have lots of space and don’t feel tight.
Scout
This place was amazing for our needs. We were tent camping with two young kids. Between its location to the Black Hills, hikes, parks, monuments and on site fun our kids went to bed completely wore out each day. The staff was wonderful and the sites were great. We would highly recommend.
GuideStayed 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.
RangerCentral location! Great place for base in Custer State Park. Lodge, RV sites, cabins, and tent sites. Close to Coolidge Game Lodge, visitor center, and start of the wildlife drive. Reservations can be made through Custer State Park website.
LegendWe fell in love with Custer State Park on a trip to see Mount Rushmore. . We opted for a camping cabin upon arrival and were pleased with the cleanliness of the cabin and facilities. The view from our cabins poach was outstanding. The wildlife was well worth the expense compared to tent camping.
Scout
We had a great one night stay here on our way through the area.
The tent camping site we had was on a fairly steep hill but they had a level pad for one tent.
Flushing toilets, large sink and a water hydrant.
Fire wood was available with donation. That was great .
Over all we were very happy with it and would stay here again.
Tent camping near Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Black Hills. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Buffalo Gap, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buffalo Gap, SD is North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Buffalo Gap, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Buffalo Gap, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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