Glamping near Camp Crook, South Dakota centers around the remote Custer Gallatin National Forest area where the South Dakota and Montana borders meet. Sites sit at elevations between 3,200-3,800 feet, creating microclimates that can bring sudden weather changes even in summer months. Campgrounds in this region feature distinct geological formations including sandstone buttes that contrast dramatically with surrounding prairie landscapes.
What to do
Explore the buttes: Multiple hiking trails branch from the campgrounds into the Slim Buttes formation, offering panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding prairie. "Different roads and trails through the Cave Hills can offer up a bunch of different sights and views from the expansive prairie stretching away from it, the little hillsides and meadows between buttes and all the wildlife that occupies it," explains a visitor to Reva Gap Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts abundant wildlife in the early morning and evening hours. "While I was here in May I saw deer and elk. Stayed here twice, once in May when there were no other visitors and once in August when there were only a few others," reports Jacob D. about his stays at Picnic Spring Campground.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "As they say in Texas... 'The stars shine bright at night'," notes David B., highlighting one of the natural benefits of the secluded glamping experience.
What campers like
Site privacy: The generous spacing between sites creates an exclusive glamping atmosphere. "This campground is amazing. The geological formations around us are beautiful, and this place is isolated. Granted, I am here on a weeknight, but there are only two other groups camping here. The campsites are spread out so you get tons of privacy," shares Matthew S. from his experience at Reva Gap.
Free accommodations: Unlike many glamping destinations, these sites charge no fees. "Free campground in SD, not WY. Most sites are well separated. Most have picnic tables. Came over 4th of July and there were only 5 other campers when I left," reports Leslie B. about her stay at Picnic Spring.
Clean facilities: Despite being remote, the basic facilities are well-maintained. "Small campground most sites are private the vault toilets were very clean and the campground was quiet. Easy access and not far from Buffalo SD for gas and or other supplies," notes David P. about his experience at Reva Gap Campground.
What you should know
Water limitations: There is no potable water available directly at campgrounds. "Note the nearest groceries or any store for that matter is 25 miles away in either direction on Route 85. There is no potable water but there is a spring where you can water to boil. They don't test it so you are using it at your own risk," warns Danis O. from his stay at Picnic Spring.
Road conditions: Access requires driving on several miles of unpaved roads, though most are passable with standard vehicles. "There is around 7 miles of gravel road to go up. But we were on street motorcycles and had no problem," reports another Picnic Spring visitor.
Cell service: Despite the remote location, limited connectivity exists at certain points. "I had 2 bars of LTE via ATT basically anywhere before the first camping loop. After that, 1 bar of 4G," details Abby M. from her experience at Reva Gap.
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: With minimal established amenities, families should pack activities. "Camping spots in the campground are clean, mowed and have a small fire pit," notes West River J., indicating level areas for games and activities at Reva Gap Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The locations offer natural educational experiences for children. "But there is an abundance of solitude, beauty and a deer and elk," shares David B., pointing to wildlife observation opportunities for young nature enthusiasts.
Plan for remoteness: No immediate access to services means thorough preparation is essential. "Using this app I came across this Campground. I cannot believe it was not when we got here at 1:30. We had our pick of a dozen sites. There is no one else within 1/3 of a mile," explains Danis O. about the isolation that requires self-sufficiency.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs equally well. "We have a great site for our 23ft trailer," notes Diana V. about Picnic Spring, while adding that some bigger rigs were also present but likely at specific sites.
Arrival timing: Mid-week arrivals provide the best selection of suitable glamping sites. "I stayed there in mid-September for 2 nights. This is first come-first served. You can not reserve a site. With this in mind, I made the trip from Medora on a Tuesday morning and I arrived around noon. I gambled that the people who came in for the weekend would be gone and the ones who were coming for the next weekend would not be there for another day or two," advises David B. from Picnic Spring Campground.
Site spacing: The layout provides excellent privacy between RVs. "Sites were large and not many people around," confirms Lindsay R., highlighting the spaciousness that allows for comfortable glamping even with recreational vehicles.
