Best Campgrounds near Custer, SD

Custer is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Custer campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Dakota camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Custer, South Dakota (231)

    1. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    40 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."

    "The campground is just a short walk from the lake and a short drive from everything on the state park and the town of Custer!"

    2. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

    53 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    10 miles
    Website

    "Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."

    "This is a huge campground with tons of options which is nice, it also is in a great Central location for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Windcave National Park and Mammouth"

    3. Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

    27 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $30 / night

    "Campground Review:

    The Stockade Lake North Campground is located just inside the west entrance to Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota."

    "This campground seems easier to book than other Custer State Park campgrounds and we aren't sure why."

    4. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities."

    "Unlike many of the other campgrounds in Custer, this one is not waterfront, so it is a bit quieter and more relaxed."

    5. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    26 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    7 miles
    Website

    "Entered North Rd off of 16 coming from Custer. No problems driving up to camping area with our 39ft fifth wheel. At the top there are some great and large spots for bigger rigs."

    "A couple miles on a dirt road outside custer, there are several spots available. Was motorcycle camping with a hammock but saw several 5th wheel rvs. Elevation is ~6000 ft, very good view."

    6. Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    30 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $20 / night

    "Only 30 minutes from Custer. The bathrooms were very clean and Center lake had free warm showers available 24/7."

    "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."

    7. Horsethief Lake Campground

    30 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $30 / night

    "We had done a little research and this campground appealed to us from Reviews and location."

    "Quiet, beautiful and close to Rushmore, Hill City and Custer! The sites were nice with new concrete pads and fire pits. Pit toilets, didn’t see any showers."

    8. Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    21 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-3600

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    "Turkey and deer walk thru. Has small clean dogpark. Town of Custer has large clean dog park within 2 mile drive. Stayed in 53 FHU 3 nights then moved to 45 W/E as we made reservations late."

    9. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    26 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    10 miles
    Website

    "Perfect location for exploring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave NP, Mt. Rushmore, and Jewel Cave NM. Spacious sites. High clearance required after the first 3 sites."

    "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."

    10. Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    26 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $26 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "Easy driving access to Custer State Park offerings. The creek next to the cabins made for a relaxing background and respite from the sun."

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Showing results 1-10 of 231 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Custer, SD

1321 Reviews of 231 Custer Campgrounds



Guide to Custer

Camping near Custer, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and explore the Black Hills.

What to do:

  • Hiking and exploring: There are many trails around Custer State Park. One camper mentioned, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite" at Sylvan Lake Campground.
  • Wildlife viewing: Custer State Park is known for its wildlife. A visitor at Game Lodge Campground said, "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice, once late morning and saw about 1000 buffalo blocking the road."
  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds are near lakes. One happy camper at Pactola Reservoir Campground shared, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Stockade North Campground noted, "The restrooms... are all extremely clean and nice, and the showers were the best I've ever used at a campground."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground mentioned, "The site itself had lots of shade, elevated tent pads, and aluminum picnic tables."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful hosts. One camper at Elk Mountain Campground said, "Camp hosts were great... they came through to warn us on tents that a huge thunderstorm was heading our way."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Sylvan Lake Campground said, "It’s busy and loud here... Lots of folks coming and going."
  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty reception. A camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch noted, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservations are recommended: Many sites book up quickly. A camper at Blue Bell Campground mentioned, "Reservations for this campground open at 6 AM mountain time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants nearby. A visitor at Game Lodge Campground mentioned, "There is also a nice paved bike path that runs along Coolidge Creek."
  • Bring outdoor games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for activities. A reviewer at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground said, "Fishing was great just a walk down to the backwaters and kids can catch bluegills all day."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch noted, "The first time we came we got a pull-through and it was really tight for our 42 footer."
  • Look for amenities: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups and dump stations. A visitor at Stockade North Campground said, "The north campground is quiet. The bathhouse was clean and ok to use."
  • Plan for weather: Be ready for sudden changes. A camper at Elk Mountain Campground mentioned, "It was a long and intense storm."

Camping near Custer, South Dakota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Custer, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 231 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer, SD and 34 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Custer, SD is Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 40 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 34 free dispersed camping spots near Custer, SD.

What parks are near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Custer, SD that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.