Best Camping 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, SD (227)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    2. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    39 Reviews
    176 Photos
    413 Saves
    Custer, South Dakota

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    3. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    41 Reviews
    182 Photos
    242 Saves
    Pringle, South Dakota

    Overview

    Elk Mountain Campground, straddles the edge of a ponderosa pine forest and open prairie, offering unique opportunities to view the diverse flora and fauna of the southern Black Hills. These campsites are available in both forested and open environments. Campsites may be reserved all year through Recreation.gov. Reservations may be made 6 months in advance of your stay and same day reservations are available. NOTE: This is a cashless campground. Only credit cards will be accepted through Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov mobile app.

    Recreation

    Hiking at Wind Cave View rolling prairie vistas, ponderosa forests, and see wildlife in its natural environment. Wind Cave National Park has over 30 miles of hiking trails on the surface and provides visitors the opportunity to view pristine Black Hills scenery. Find out which trail is the best for you. Pet Friendly Hikes If you are traveling with a furry friend, Wind Cave has two pet friendly trails. The Prairie Vista trail leaves from the Visitor Center and the Elk Mountain Trail leaves from the amphitheater at the Elk Mountain Campground. Both trails are approximatly 1 mile in length. Become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger Kids of all ages can become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger. Complete the activity book, learn about the park, and take the pledge to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

    Natural Features

    Wind Cave National Park protects two very different worlds - one deep within the earth, the other a sunlit world of many resources. Bison, elk, and other wildlife roam the rolling prairie grasslands and forested hillsides of one of America's oldest national parks. Visit Wind Cave's Natural Entrance You can still see the largest natural opening into Wind Cave without going on a tour. This small hole is one of the only known natural entrances into the cave. Lakota oral tradition speaks of how the first bison and humans emerged from this deeply spiritual place.

    Contact Info

    This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (605) 745-4600.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

    5. Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

    27 Reviews
    99 Photos
    144 Saves
    Custer, South Dakota

    The granite peaks and rolling plains are calling. The clear mountain waters are inviting and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered. Bring your family to Custer State Park and let yourself run wild.

    Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone.

    Feeding and disturbing park wildlife are against park regulations. While the animals within the park are used by visitors and vehicles, they are still wild animals. Please remain in your vehicle or stay at least 100 yards from bison, elk, and other animals.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Horsethief Lake Campground

    6. Horsethief Lake Campground

    30 Reviews
    105 Photos
    313 Saves
    Keystone, South Dakota

    Overview

    Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Sites are tucked into a forest of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pine.

    Recreation

    Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads offer a variety of terrain for mountain bikers. Hikers and bikers can access the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, which traverses over 100 miles through the heart of the Black Hills. The majority of the trail follows an abandoned railroad branch line and includes 4 tunnels, over 100 converted railroad bridges, and 15 established trailheads. The trail surface is packed gravel, traversing mountain, meadow, and forest terrain. The trail is named in honor of the former South Dakota governor who crusaded for the trail. For those seeking higher elevations, a day-long trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower at the top(Harney Lookout Tower), once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.

    Natural Features

    Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

    Nearby Attractions

    Explore Mount Rushmore National Memorial, host to almost 3 million visitors a year from across the country and around the world. Visitors may want to inquire about any Independence Day Celebrations taking place on the Mountain. Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many Buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world..

    Charges & Cancellations

    No refunds will be given for weather related events.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $26 - $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    8. Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    26 Reviews
    84 Photos
    140 Saves
    Keystone, South Dakota

    Centrally located in the park along US Hyw 16A near the Visitor Center, Peter Norbeck Outdoor Education Center, Tatanka Barn, and State Game Lodge, the Game Lodge Campground offers a bit of everything. Grace Coolidge Creek flows through the campground into a swimming beach near the playground.

    Open: April 1 - November 15 with full facilities (may change based on weather conditions) Open House Weekend - October 1 with cold water laundry November 16 - March 31 with comfort station closed, vault toilets and water hydrant available

    Located south of the Visitor Center, near the junction of US Hwy 16A and Wildlife Loop Road

    Staffed: Camp attendant and on-site campground host.

    Sanitation & Water: Flush toilets and showers (2 facilities), dump station, drinking water, vault toilets

    ADA & Accessibility: Camping Cabins GL 5 or Campsites (electric hookup) 3E and 26E

    State Game Lodge is ¼ mile west of the campground. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, State Game Lodge served as the Summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. Coolidge General Store is 1 mile west of the campground.

    Amenities: Full service restaurant, Buffalo Safari Jeep rides, lodging and resort cabins, gift shop, laundromat, fishing licenses, convenience store & gift shop, fuel

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    9. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    30 Reviews
    152 Photos
    192 Saves
    Hill City, South Dakota

    Overview

    This campground is along the south shore of Sheridan Lake. Within its 5 large loops, there are many sites with direct access to the lake. Access to the south boat ramp and the Flume Trailhead from within the campground and easy access to the South Beach Area, this recreational complex has everything needed for a fun, family camping experience.

    Recreation

    Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail. At 11 miles (plus a 3-mile loop), the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people. The Rockerville Flume carried water 20 miles, from Spring Creek west of present day Sheridan Lake, east to the placer diggings near Rockerville. The flume operated until 1885, and the trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length. Along the way are historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself. Sheridan Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming and boating. The reservoir supports populations of rainbow, brown trout, northern pike and perch. Fly fishing is popular in Spring Creek below the dam, and ice fishing is popular on the lake in winter.

    Natural Features

    Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

    Nearby Attractions

    Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world. Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.

    Charges & Cancellations

    No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
Showing results 1-10 of 227 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Custer

Recent Reviews in Custer

1281 Reviews of 227 Custer Campgrounds


  • laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    Convenient for exploring the park

    Stayed a night in early November. Didn’t see any notice that the bathroom we picked a spot near was closed for the season… that meant a really long cold walk to the pit toilet. Quite a few shady sites, a babbling brook nearby, a flock of turkeys wandering through most of the morning. While the campground was mostly empty, we had neighbors directly adjacent with at least two dead deer in the back of their pickup for more than 24 hours, with crows coming by for snacks… kinda gross.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    Good Place

    Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities. The campground offers easy access to scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and nearby attractions like Sylvan Lake and Needles Highway, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Plus, amenities like clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits add convenience without taking away from the rustic charm. Whether you're there to hike, uno online spot wildlife, or just unwind by the campfire, it’s a wonderful spot to connect with nature in Custer State Park.

  • TOca B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    Center Lake Custer State Park

    I 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

  • TOca B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Nov. 2, 2024

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    Center Lake Custer State Park

    I 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

  • Ella J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Comanche Park
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Comanche Park

    Good

    In light of your positive approach and tremendous support for your professional development, I'd want to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt gratitude. space waves game

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Beautiful and remote

    Several spots along the Bob Marshall camp road to pull off and camp. We went a bit more off the path by turning right, going up past a water treatment plant and parking near the end of the road. It was secluded and pretty. Lots of coyotes in the area. No camp fires when we were there due to dry conditions. The road after the turn off was in rough shape. I wouldn’t take a trailer up it, but we were in a large SUV and it was just fine. A great place to disperse camp in the state park. We stayed two nights.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek RV Camp
    Oct. 22, 2024

    French Creek RV Camp

    Tolido1

    You have arrived at the online home of Papa Louie. All of the best Papa Louie games are available here for free online play. So, what exactly is a Papa Louie game like? Awesome challenge, dubious business tactics, and tasty food! The majority of papa's games center around the kitchen and the management of eateries. Working in Papa's kitchen is exciting, yet challenging.

  • Makenzie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Road
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Spring Creek Road

    Very Quiet Cozy Area

    Loved this area, saw many deer near sunset, very peaceful and quiet. Tent camping it was easy to find a site since we didn’t go too far, but if you have an big RV you might need to go further down the road. Otherwise very pretty especially with the creek right next to us.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley Park Campground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Echo Valley Park Campground

    Hidden gem

    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.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wild Bill's Campground
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Wild Bill's Campground

    Nicely tucked away spot

    We stayed one evening when traveling thru. Had a hard time finding a spot open (and with bathrooms) after October 1st! Called ahead to confirm and Matthew was very helpful answering questions and confirming availability before making other travel plans. Park had a pub to eat and watch some football.

  • blonde R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Hills RV Park
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Black Hills RV Park

    Dog run and convenient

    Unable to reserve online for same night. Called and assured space available never asked name, etc. Luckily the spot was near back of campground with very short walk to stunning view. All sites gravel with picnic tables. Sites are close together but due to early Oct, they tried to park RVs every other space in middle of campground. Many long term residents around outsides of park. 2 small Dog runs in front; grass dog walking area in back. Next to Fort Hays, home of $0.99 cowboy pancake breakfast and Dances with Wolves film set. Convenient as Mt Rushmore is only 20 miles & 36 miles to Crazy Horse Memorial. Extremely clean toilet and bath house!!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
    Oct. 9, 2024

    Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    Nice Setting

    Elk Mnt -Wind Cave NP 10/24

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for stopover convenience, setting, and exploring the NP Price 2024: $ 6(the off season, no water price) w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: light - this cg is shutting down in a few days. Only 1 loop is now open. Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: pull over sites in Loop B were 50+ feet apart.
    Pad surface: gravel Reservations: yes Campground Noise: quiet Outside Road Noise: none Through Traffic in campground: none Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: no Potable Water Available: yes, but currently turned off Bathroom: pit toilet is clean and open.
    Showers: no Pull Throughs: Some pullovers- in b loop have nice view of grassland rolling hills. However, not all will allow for a driver’s side slide. Our site, #15 did have room,barely. Cell Service (AT&T): no bars. Setting: attractive rolling grasslands and pine forest. Recent Weather: highs in the 70s. Solar: yes Insects: none Host: none this time of year.
    Rig Size: some sites will probably allow for a 40’ or so trailer. Check carefully when reserving on rec dot gov.
    Sites: 16, 20, 18, 15: I like these pull over sites, because they have a nice view of the rolling grasslands. However, in our site, number 15, we were able to barely get our slide out without it protruding over the campground road. Some of the other pullover sites in B loop offer less room for a safe slide out usage. Other loops have wider pullover sites for trailers with slide outs. I took pictures of some of these sites with their numbered posts.

  • wayne M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Days End Campground
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Days End Campground

    Worst campground ever

    The lots are so small you can’t open your awning. Limited sewer locations, coin operated showers with low water pressure and no hot water, front desk is useless and owner care only about the dollars they can take you for. Go to one of the other campgrounds around Sturgis.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Valley Park Campground
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Echo Valley Park Campground

    It’s okay

    Was 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.

  • Mike C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Custers Last Chance RV Park and Campground
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Custers Last Chance RV Park and Campground

    Great Hosts

    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.

  • michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 4, 2024

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice and secluded

    About 8-10 spots along the road, all flat and plenty of space for whatever you’re camping with. Chances are you’ll be a ways away from other campers. Great spots to get away from the crowded campgrounds.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Road
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Spring Creek Road

    Secluded, quiet, dispersed sites close to lots of Black Hills attractions.

    The road in was fairly easy to find and smooth. I drove all the way to the end of the road to check out the sites and turned around and went back to the one I liked the best. There was only one other camper set up down along the stream and the couple there looked comfortable. I chose a nice level turn out that I could drive my pickup and ATV trailer into and was able to drive through the spot so I didn't have to back in or out. It was a very pretty site next to the road and big enough for my 30' rig. It was level enough that it only took one block under one wheel of the ATV trailer I had my roof top tent mounted on. Traffic was light and only about half a dozen vehicles passed my site the evening I was there. No problem with dust from the traffic. There were signs that cattle were in the area but I didn't see any. Probably not a place you would want to spend a lot of time staying at unless you planned to use it as a base for hitting all the tourist spots around Deadwood and Keystone. The main problem is the sites are nearly all too small for more than one camper so if you are traveling with other campers you won't be able to park close together.  The sites are fairly far apart, more suitable for lone campers looking for a spot to rest for a night or two. No amenities and cell service was hit or miss but the price was right (free). I would definitely stay here again if I was passing through the area.

  • CarX Street D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

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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 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Custer, SD and 29 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 Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 54 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 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.