Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Custer, SD

Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park accommodates tent campers, RVers, and cabin guests with pets throughout its wooded sites. Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort provides pet-friendly options across multiple camping styles including cabins, RVs, tent sites, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements for dogs, with some properties offering designated pet waste stations and exercise areas. Several campgrounds near Custer State Park enforce reasonable pet policies rather than breed restrictions, allowing multiple pets per site. Reviewers note clean facilities and accommodating hosts make traveling with pets more convenient. The campground sites are basic with full hookups and will fit any size rig, perfect for RVers traveling with their four-legged companions.

Sylvan Lake Campground in Custer State Park permits pets within its boundaries while providing access to surrounding natural areas where dogs can explore on-leash. North Pole Road Dispersed Camping offers a free alternative for pet owners seeking more rugged accommodations. When camping with dogs in the Black Hills area, visitors should remain vigilant about wildlife encounters and maintain control of pets near hiking trails. The proximity to downtown Custer allows campers staying at French Creek RV Camp to walk their dogs to shops and restaurants. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours that help minimize barking disruptions from dogs at night. Summer visitors should consider heat concerns for pets, as daytime temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels in exposed camping areas.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Custer, South Dakota (188)

    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."

    "Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it."

    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."

    "There are a lot of animals and you can pet them."

    6. Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

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

    "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."

    "Guide·293 reviews·337 photos an hour ago

    NEW

    We were camphosts for the 2023 season.I can't say enough on how Kelly, Steve and his entire family makes sure your well taken care of..they added a second dog"

    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

    "Situated on a small lake, you can cliff-dive here, fish or visit the needles hiking trail. The campsites are nice, but fill up quickly."

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

    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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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Custer, SD

1461 Reviews of 188 Custer Campgrounds


  • Wendy
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Chris' Campground

    quiet place, but a few fyi's

    They advertise that they have Wi-Fi but it's almost like they shut it off at 10 o'clock at night when quiet time starts which is a great time for looking up directions or places to see, we could never connect for long and streaming- which means no Netflix its against the rules(which we never saw only overheard). They allow fires but make sure you get a metal ring because it's illegal to have a fire in south Dakota if you don't have one they have them but they don't leave them at the sites or let you know they are available. Also no petting zoo we specifically came here thinking they had one because they advertised and after we arrived they informed us it was turned into a dog park i have no pictures but there's not much to see here

  • Mark The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Gold Valley Camp

    Remodeled Campground

    This campground has recently been remodeled with all new pads, electric and water. Only a couple miles to the west entrance of Custer SP. 3.5 miles from Custer. Owner and staff all extremely nice and helpful. Nice camp store. Had a hot air balloon land in the field next to us one morning!

  • Galen F.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Comanche Park

    Beautiful and quiet

    Stayed one night, beautiful and clean campground. Pit toilets were clean and stocked. Empty spaces even during Sturgis week. Spots are spacious, ours was a backin. Minutes away from Custer and Crazy Horse.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2024

    Crystal Park Campground

    Out of the way and quiet

    We were planning to see “all-things-black-hills” on this trip. Had difficulty making reservations closer to Custer SD due to it being “early” season. Manny campgrounds are just now opening (early May). Newcastle is an easy and beautiful 37 miles from Custer SD. The campground is located adjacent to a large convenience store (just up the. Hill). Vegetation and shade are scarce, but we found the place to be very peaceful.

  • Jan S.
    Aug. 22, 2021

    Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    Great location for Custer State Park and surrounding area

    Very friendly owners. Gravel pads, most have some grassy areas. 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. Both faced away from the center of the campground which was nice. Nice laundry . Okay bath/ shower..didn't use but looked ok. Great campground for folks with dogs and for super easy access to town of Custer and the State Park.

  • M
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Custer Crazy Horse Campground & Cabin 13 Coffee Shop

    family-owned gem

    Whether you're pulling in with a 40-foot rig or just pitching a tent, you’ll find the grounds well-kept and the layout thoughtfully planned. 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.

  • Alexis R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    Nice spot for tent camping

    Reserved a site in the Chipper loop for a last minute trip to SD, worked out pretty well and snagged #86 by the lake. Great views, although it was a little close to other sites for my personal preference.

    The campground itself is ~25 mins away from Custer State Park, which was a point of interest for me and my group. Pretty close to Rapid City and other local stores. No service except for the beginning of the campground.

    Bathrooms were nearby and for the most part was pretty clean.

    Downsides: site #86 is on a slope to the lake. No true flat ground and might not be so great if you’re tent camping but we didn’t mind.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2023

    Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA

    Great place to stay a few days

    This campground has just about every thing you might need. It is well maintained. The staff is very gracious. Cafe makes great breakfast.

    Last year they removed one campsite between every other site leaving very spacious sites with vehicle parking.

    This campground is a short distance from Custer which has an Ace Hardware, grocery stores and friendly citizens. Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore are 30 minutes away.

  • B
    Jul. 17, 2021

    Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    Beautiful area

    Camp hosts were very helpful and informative. This was the cleanest most well kept campground I’ve been to. The black hills are a must see. There’s so much to do in this area. Only 30 minutes from Custer. The bathrooms were very clean and Center lake had free warm showers available 24/7.


Guide to Custer

Custer, South Dakota, offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, perfect for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with their furry companions.

Tips for camping with dogs near Custer

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Custer

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Custer, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Custer, SD is Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Custer, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 188 dog-friendly camping locations near Custer, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.