Best Dispersed Camping near Custer, SD

The Black Hills region surrounding Custer, South Dakota features extensive dispersed camping opportunities on national forest land, with minimal developed facilities and maximum wilderness immersion. Popular areas include North Pole Road Dispersed Camping, RD 356 Dispersed Site, and Spring Creek Road, all offering free primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility. Most sites sit at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures and scenic views of the forested landscape. These dispersed sites typically accommodate both tent campers and smaller RVs, though site sizes and road conditions vary considerably throughout the area.

Road quality ranges significantly across the region's dispersed camping network, with some routes requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. As one camper noted, "The road to get in was very rocky and steep! We decided to go out a different way and it was even worse than the way in." Fire restrictions are common, particularly during dry periods, with many areas posting no-campfire signs. Cell service is inconsistent but often available at higher elevations or sites closer to main roads. Most dispersed areas follow standard Forest Service regulations with 14-day stay limits and pack-in, pack-out requirements for all supplies and waste.

Proximity to major attractions represents a significant advantage for campers in the Custer area. Many visitors specifically mention the convenience of these free sites to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Weather conditions can change rapidly at these elevations, with campers reporting occasional strong storms and significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. During the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, many dispersed sites experience higher occupancy rates. Several campers recommend arriving early to secure preferred locations, particularly at popular sites like Needles Highway Dispersed Site where, according to one visitor, "The location by the road has a pull-through and could fit a decent size camper. Get there early as it's taken most nights."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Custer, South Dakota (37)

    1. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    7 miles
    Website

    "We've been fulltiming since January and this was the first place we actually stayed the whole 14 day limit."

    "Black Hills can be hard to find cheap or free camping during busy season. Great free camp down a gravel/dirt road with cows on both sides and one in the road (it moved eventually)."

    2. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    33 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    10 miles
    Website

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

    "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."

    3. Spring Creek Road

    11 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    7 miles

    "Was easy to drive in. The road wasn’t too rough. Got there in the dark was able to find a spot, can be hard to see the turn off to the sites at night."

    "The turn off from the highway is easy to find. Smaller trailers or overlanding setups are best here. It may not be so kind for getting trailers turned around."

    4. Needles Highway Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    7 miles
    Website

    "The location by the road has a pull-through and could fit a decent size camper. Get there early as it's taken most nights ."

    "Gorgeous view from the upper right road with a flat site. It was also only 10 minutes to trailheads in Custer St Park."

    5. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    5 miles

    "Dispersed Camping off the main road thru Custer State Park that is National Forest. Turn on the road that marks the Bob Marshall Camp. You pass a water treatment area and go thru the gate."

    "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."

    6. Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road

    8 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "We were in a camper van and the road wasn’t bad, we didn’t need 4WD. There were a few other cars that went by that were camping too, but it was very quiet and peaceful other than that."

    "Calm ur road itself is gravel but then you can diverge on one of the forest service roads. We went down a few of them until we found our spot."

    7. Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

    5 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    13 miles

    "Easy to access, could probably get away with a low clearance since the roads are good. No campfires are allowed in the area it seems. Would stay here anytime!"

    "This is a dispersed site that is near the entrance to Wind Cave National Park. The road in is wide and smoothly graveled. This spot has room for a small camper - our bus backed in fine."

    8. Calumet Rd Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "There were spots that were pretty rutted and rough, it was dry and we made it in easily but if it has recently rained I can see it being pretty difficult."

    "pretty nice for being dispersed other than the couple skeletons arround us!"

    9. Black Hills Dispersed Site - Hwy 89

    5 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "Google maps tells you to turn where there isn’t a turn but it’s not too hard to find. We slept in our truck but there is bumpy ground, not ideal for tenting. Thunderstorm prone."

    "Gps route was a little off. Just an hour from Rushmore."

    10. Spring Creek Road Spur

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    "Notes: Don't camp at the first sites you see driving further. There's better ones I assure you. Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed."

    "This is my first time dispersed camping, so excuse the ignorance. You go up a steap little Hill and it's pretty much just a one car parking spot."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Custer, SD

149 Reviews of 37 Custer Campgrounds


  • Lynsey M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    Quiet and tree covered

    15 minutes to Custer State Park and 15 minutes to breweries in hill city. A perfect location. Plenty of spots on the bumpy main road, use 4wd/high clearance vehicles to go off some of the side routes for more privacy. Nice tree covered spots and very quiet. No campfires allowed.

  • Jim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2020

    West Nemo - Dispersed Camping

    Nice place to camp for the night

    This spot is at the end of a forest road that runs west of Nemo, SD. There are other dispersed camping sites along the way as well. This spot butts up right next to a cliff with the Boxelder Creek running below and gives good views of the Black Hills to the south. No amenities at all here. A high clearance vehicle will most likely be needed to get back to this spot.

  • Connor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 30, 2024

    RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    Close to everything, beautiful area

    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. There's only a few spots that a high clearance vehicle might be required but most of the road can be explored without one.

    This is a pack in and pack out site with no facilities; no running water, no bathrooms, nothing. Make sure you bring what you need with you.

    Weather was great, very mild. Air was fresh and crisp.

    We are planning on staying here again in the future because of it's close proximity to everything and my 6 year old loved it!

  • Molly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    Great spot

    Well-kept road, several spots to park and camp. Some beautiful spots overlooking Deadwood. 5-10 minutes from town. We had a 4WD truck with rooftop tent. High clearance is not necessary for road.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2023

    Spring Creek Road

    Great spot

    Was easy to drive in. The road wasn’t too rough. Got there in the dark was able to find a spot, can be hard to see the turn off to the sites at night. Didn’t see many places I would want to pull a camper into but great for ground tents, rooftop tents and camper vans.

  • Heather S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in Custer SP Area

    Dispersed Camping off the main road thru Custer State Park that is National Forest. Turn on the road that marks the Bob Marshall Camp. You pass a water treatment area and go thru the gate. It is open to vehicles in the summer and equestrian and hike in during the winter. Road is rough but was passable in our truck. We towed in a small teardrop but I wouldn't recommend a large rig. There are several areas to set up camp but pack in and pack out! No water sources spotted so bring enough in with you (didn't even see any water for filtering). Saw a preexisting stone fire pit from past campers too. Super quiet and near all the great things of Custer. We did experience biting flies. Coordinates: 43.7851324, -103.5041771

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2023

    Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road

    Quiet, many spots to camp

    We were in a camper van and the road wasn’t bad, we didn’t need 4WD. There were a few other cars that went by that were camping too, but it was very quiet and peaceful other than that. There were a lot of places to pull off that were flat for a tent or camper, I’d definitely recommend!

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2022

    Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful and serene

    There are a few dispersed camping spots along this road which also holds the trailhead for Mt. Roosevelt Friendship Tower. There was one pull through site that has no campfire signs and then two or three other spots. We seemed to be lucky and got the last open spot. We got here around 4 pm. The site we got was beautiful and had a lot of room for us to pitch a tent. Plenty of trees to go pee in but also an open spot where we could stargaze through the tent. There was some traffic on the road, more than you would think for such a windy gravel road. The first part of the road up until the trailhead had quite a bit of washboard which was a little scary on the sharp curves with steep drop offs. Enough Verizon cell service to text and make calls. Enough AT&T service to get WiFi on our SubaruLink. No water that we saw that we could use or filter. Had some people pull into our spot at different times not knowing it was taken. 9:30 pm was the last one.

  • Dirty E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    Doesn’t get better

    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.


Guide to Custer

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Custer, South Dakota, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

  • This spot features several flat sites along a secluded road, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of crowded campgrounds. Check it out at North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping.
  • Located about two miles from the main road, the area offers great views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for family camping trips.
  • With no permits required and free camping, it's a budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Custer, South Dakota

  • For those wanting to explore the area near Mount Rushmore, the RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest is a fantastic choice, providing easy access to trails and stunning scenery.
  • Be prepared for rougher roads as you venture deeper into the forest; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for some sites.
  • Remember to pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed sites do not have trash disposal facilities.

Scenic views and solitude at Spring Creek Road

  • Nestled next to a babbling creek, Spring Creek Road offers a picturesque setting for tent campers and RVs alike.
  • The area is known for its wildlife sightings, including deer, making it a great spot for nature photography and peaceful evenings.
  • With no amenities available, campers can enjoy a true back-to-nature experience, so be sure to bring all necessary supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Custer, SD is North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Custer, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Custer, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.