Best Campgrounds near Custer, SD

The Black Hills region surrounding Custer, South Dakota contains numerous camping options ranging from developed sites to primitive backcountry areas. Custer State Park forms the centerpiece of the region with multiple campgrounds including Sylvan Lake, Blue Bell, and Game Lodge, all offering tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. North Pole Road and RD 356 provide dispersed camping opportunities on national forest land for those seeking more remote experiences. Several private campgrounds like Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch and Fort Welikit Family Campground supplement public options with additional amenities including cabin rentals.

Camping season in the Black Hills generally runs from May through September, with some facilities remaining open into October. Most Custer State Park campgrounds operate seasonally, typically closing by late September or October, while dispersed camping areas may be accessible year-round depending on weather conditions. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when facilities frequently reach capacity. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. "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," noted one visitor about Game Lodge Campground.

Proximity to attractions represents a significant advantage for campers in the Custer area. Most campgrounds provide convenient access to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and scenic drives within Custer State Park. Campers frequently mention the central location as ideal for exploring the entire Black Hills region. Water features enhance many camping experiences, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or streams. "We had a wonderful time at this campground! It's located across the street from Legion Lake and the Legion Lake Lodge and Cabins," shared one camper about Legion Lake Campground. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with buffalo, deer, and other animals frequently spotted near or within campgrounds, particularly those located within Custer State Park boundaries.

Best Camping Sites Near Custer, South Dakota (246)

    1. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    42 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

    55 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. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    35 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."

    4. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    34 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."

    5. Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

    28 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."

    6. Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    26 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."

    7. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    33 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."

    "15 minutes to Custer State Park and 15 minutes to breweries in hill city. A perfect location."

    8. 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."

    9. Horsethief Lake Campground

    31 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."

    10. Custer Crazy Horse Campground & Cabin 13 Coffee Shop

    20 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (605) 517-9016

    $25 - $55 / night

    "Many awesome tanks  sites are surrounded by woods, giving a peaceful, back-to-nature feel—even though you’re only a mile from Custer City."

    "Excellent camping location just 5 minutes down the road from Custer. Some sites are right next to the highway but most are back in the woods where it is well shaded and quiet."

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Recent Reviews near Custer, SD

1460 Reviews of 246 Custer Campgrounds


  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Calumet Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great location, easy access

    Plenty of spots off the service road. Spots have good distance from each other. Probably best for car/tent camping

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Mount Roosevelt Camp

    Vibrant Fall Aspen Trees

    Just a turn off the main road along a crest gave me a few days of great views. Not much traffic either.

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Hart Ranch RV Resort

    Hart ranch is okay

    There are a lot of changes going on here. Good and bad.not perfect but okay for a stay.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA

    Wonderful campground right off the main highway, but quiet.

    After spending two nights at the Spearfish KOA, I decided to take two more nights in Custer. This campground is clean and comfortable, and the perfect jumping-off point for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Wind Cave State Park, and touring the Black Hills.  All of which I did and had a wonderful time.

    The facilities were clean, shaded with conifers, and the bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen on this trip. The staff were wonderful. The terrain is hilly, so remember your levellers. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

  • Apk W.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Wrinkled Rock

    Peaceful Camping at Wrinkled Rock: A Hidden Gem Near Mount Rushmore

    Wrinkled Rock, near Keystone, South Dakota, is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers seeking tranquility and stunning views.🏕️ Just minutes from Mount Rushmore, this spot offers excellent tent camping with peaceful surroundings, clean sites, and a true connection to nature. It’s perfect for campers who want to unwind away from the crowds while staying close to iconic landmarks. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Black Hills! https://barberxpert.com/

  • Apk W.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Wrinkled Rock

    Peaceful Camping at Wrinkled Rock: A Hidden Gem Near Mount Rushmore

    Wrinkled Rock, near Keystone, South Dakota, is a hidden gem for outdoor lovers seeking tranquility and stunning views.🏕️ Just minutes from Mount Rushmore, this spot offers excellent tent camping with peaceful surroundings, clean sites, and a true connection to nature. It’s perfect for campers who want to unwind away from the crowds while staying close to iconic landmarks. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Black Hills! For more travel insights and outdoor reviews, visit https://barberxpert.com/

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Horse Creek Resort

    Best campground in Mount Rushmore

    This campground has everything! It is breathtakingly beautiful. We stayed in number 1 that felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. There is a creek that runs behind and there was enough space to have our fur baby in a 30 foot cable. It was close enough to Mount Rushmore and amenities. The owner was more than gracious and friendly. We even booked an extra night. It was hard leaving this place. I highly recommend staying here if you want peace and quiet and the mountain feeling.

  • Devlin M.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Dispersed Camping near Taylor Ranch Rd

    Beautiful

    It was amazing and beautiful but no cell service Very close to everything, about a 30 minute drive from Mount Rushmore. Road is rocky but flat in some spots. Lots of trails so can be noisy of ATV. Otherwise beautiful South Dakota scenery! Go down the road for a few spots.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

    Nice spot for where I was

    I couldn’t get to the actual spot because the fence was closed but stopped right before the fence. There was one other camper at a spot a little further down. Quiet, fluctuating service between SOS and one bar. About 2 miles from the wind cave entrance. Maybe no biting bugs as other reviews have stated but about a billion conifer seed bugs. Keep your windows rolled up! Plenty of sun and shade for your preferences.


Guide to Custer

Camping spots near Custer, South Dakota sit at elevations between 4,500-6,000 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-80°F. The region's mixed coniferous forest creates natural camping divisions, with ponderosa pines dominating western sites while eastern locations feature more open prairie terrain. Night temperatures often drop 30+ degrees from daytime highs, even in July and August.

What to do

Horseback riding at Blue Bell: 1-2 hour trail rides available directly from the campground. "Horse stables and trail rides onsite. Walking distance to store and excellent restaurant. Wildlife includes bison, deer, birds..." notes a camper at Blue Bell Campground.

Swimming at Center Lake: This smaller, less crowded lake option provides a natural swimming area with gradual entry. "It's a quiet, remote spot with basic amenities: pit toilets, water spigots, and a shower up the road by the lake," shares one Center Lake visitor.

Fishing between lakes: Multiple campers report successful fishing at both Stockade Lake and nearby Bismark Lake. "Across the small highway is Bismark Lake, in Black Hills National Forest, which is stocked for fishing, and provided us with a delicious fried trout meal our second night!" mentions a visitor at Stockade North Campground.

UTV rentals: Some campgrounds offer on-site vehicle rentals. "There are UTVs that you can rent to go out on the trails," reports a camper at Mount Rushmore KOA, making backcountry exploration more accessible.

What campers like

Free camping with mountain views: Dispersed sites provide no-cost alternatives to developed campgrounds. "We came in one afternoon and there was hardly any sites available. It was beautiful tho!" notes a camper about North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, adding "The place was very calm just some cars went on the road behind us."

Privacy at walk-in sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites requiring short hikes. "My family camped at a walk in site. It was about .15 miles uphill to the site. A bit of work to get everything up the hill but it was worth it. The views and seclusion were amazing," shares a Sylvan Lake visitor.

Cool temperatures at higher elevations: Many campgrounds sit at elevations that provide natural cooling. "Be prepared for some snow, even in late May. I didn't see any obvious campsites, but lots of level areas to choose from," warns a North Pole Rd camper, highlighting the surprisingly cool mountain climate.

Clean bathroom facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of facilities. "Bathrooms and showers are clean. Camp hosts are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful," notes a camper at Fort Welikit Family Campground.

What you should know

Vehicle clearance for dispersed sites: Many free camping areas have access limitations. "GPS: 43.7633292, -103.7281010. The road in is in great shape," shares one North Pole Rd camper, while another notes "You can go to this place if you search a very calm place."

Reservation workarounds: Some campgrounds offer ways to extend stays without additional fees. A Center Lake camper discovered: "Reserve your first night online, then use the on-site landline to extend your stay without extra fees."

Fire restrictions in dispersed areas: Some free camping zones prohibit fires. "The area seems to not allow for campfires," notes a visitor to RD 356 Dispersed Site.

Cell coverage variations: Signal strength differs dramatically between campgrounds. A North Pole Rd visitor reports: "Cell coverage is poor but still present," while another at RD 356 notes: "No Verizon connection."

Tips for camping with families

Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Some camping areas include structured play spaces. "The kids loved the pool and they hosted an awesome grilled meal on July 4th in appreciation for the campers," shares a visitor at Custer Crazy Horse Campground, adding "Kids loved playing on the rocky outcrop."

Consider cabin options for mixed-weather trips: Cabins provide weather protection with outdoor access. "We stayed in a rustic cabin - no water or bathroom. Only electric, heat/air. The cabin was perfect! We were able to put our hammock up between trees," notes one Blue Bell visitor.

Watch for wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer regular animal sightings. "We were blessed with watching a herd of 10 deer each evening across the street," shares a Horsethief Lake camper.

Check out ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational activities. "Evening programs offered every night were educational and entertaining for the most part," mentions a Blue Bell visitor.

Tips from RVers

Dump station availability: Limited dumping options create planning challenges. "We arrived after 6 nights of boondocking and were disappointed with the inaccuracy of the amenities," shares a Stockade Lake camper, adding that they "edited the amenities" since the campground lacks a dump station.

Site leveling requirements: Mountainous terrain creates uneven sites. "Some of the sites will need a bit of leveling as it's very hilly," warns a Stockade Lake North visitor.

Check campground roads for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have challenging access. "We did watch two large rigs struggle to back in their vehicles due to the narrow, curved campground roads," notes a Stockade Lake North camper.

Voltage fluctuations: Higher-demand summer periods can stress electrical systems. "Electric only at our site, very unlevel, hard to get into. Recommend a small rig than us, we were at 25 ft with two slides," cautions a Sylvan Lake visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Custer, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer, SD and 37 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 42 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 37 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 Black Hills National Forest and Wind Cave National Park.