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Best Campgrounds near Deadwood, SD

1,497 Reviews

Several campgrounds sit close to Deadwood, making it a good base for exploring the Black Hills. Ellsworth AFB FamCamp works well for bigger RVs with its full hookups and room to spread out. Many campers head to Custer State Park, where you'll find different camping areas and trails that wind through the hills. Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort has extras like a swimming pool and playground that kids enjoy. If you want to camp by water, Pactola Reservoir Campground puts you right on the lake with good fishing spots. Horsethief Lake Campground keeps things simple with basic facilities, and it's not far from Mount Rushmore. Summer brings the best camping weather to the area, though most places stay open from May through September. Weather in South Dakota can change quickly, so pack layers and rain gear even for summer trips. The roads to these campgrounds are mostly well-maintained, but it's smart to check conditions if there's been heavy rain recently.

Map showing campgrounds near Deadwood, South DakotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Deadwood, South Dakota (249)

    1. Spearfish City Campground

    41 Reviews
    Spearfish, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 642-1340

    "Drove about 15 min to Deadwood and about an hour to Mt Rushmore. I will come back."

    "We picked a site near the back of the camp grounds located near the creek and close to a small parking lot (close by to the pet exercise area on the map - though it's labelled as an ice rink on grounds"

    2. Chris' Campground

    17 Reviews
    Spearfish, SD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 642-2239

    $23 - $65 / night

    "They are close to Spearfish Canyon which has wonderful hiking trails and trout fishing. The area is beautiful.There are also close to Deadwood and Lead, both of which are worth exploring!"

    "The owners are very helpful and friendly, The campground is close to lots of great activities such as Spearfish Canyon, as well as Deadwood and Lead."

    3. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Deadwood, SD
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "It was so peaceful and relaxing, yet only minutes from Deadwood. We truly enjoyed our stay, the views, and the wildlife!"

    "The road is easy to drive if coming off the CanAm Hwy side of the mountain. Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended."

    4. Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins

    10 Reviews
    Spearfish, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 722-1800

    "Easy access off I-90 and super close to Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and all this area of South Dakota has to offer."

    "Close to freeway and at intersection heading to Deadwood. All the things you could ask for in a campground: beautiful pool, great store, camping cabins, great bathhouses."

    5. Deadwood KOA

    9 Reviews
    Lead, SD
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 578-3830

    "It's a pretty small campground down the road from deadwood. You can take the bus into deadwood."

    "Our initially reserved campground nearby was sketchy, so we called KOA Deadwood at 4:30 hoping for a last minute reservation (even though the app said they were full)."

    6. Wild Bill's Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lead, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 578-2800

    $28 - $160 / night

    "This little camp is not mentioned in the Deadwood promotional booklet and that's just fine with us! It was not crowded, but busy."

    "Easy to find, very close to Deadwood, clean showers and bathrooms and it has a bar a grill! Bar and grill was so good and I’m still dreaming about that burger."

    7. Days End Campground

    13 Reviews
    Sturgis, SD
    10 miles
    +1 (605) 347-2331

    $20 - $800 / night

    "It has a beer garden, restroom facilities and it's right on the outskirts of town."

    "Helpful convenient right next to freeway so noisy all else is great!"

    8. Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Deadwood, SD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (605) 578-2092

    "Location is quiet. There is a place to walk dogs. Deadwood trolley comes right to the CG to transport you downtown."

    "They are really close to town, so it’s really convenient. We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too."

    9. Hanna Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lead, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "Small, but has 3 shaded sites next to the creek (1,2,3). Nice 1.1 mile hike that starts next to Host site. If you just tent camp, there are about 5 sites off by themselves with a vault toilet."

    "Great little spot nestled in the woods next to a small stream. Quiet road that is part dirt at times. Would highly recommend"

    10. Wickiup Village Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Lead, SD
    9 miles
    Website

    $146 - $285 / night

    "great quiet cabins great location to see all kinds of beautiful sights.. great rides to get to your destination. Great friendly staff . love the creek that flows thru the campgrounds"

    "You've shared a very useful and entertaining blog post with the public mapquest driving directions"

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Recent Camping Photos near Deadwood, SD

582 Photos of 249 Deadwood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Deadwood, SD

1497 Reviews of 249 Deadwood Campgrounds

  • Devlin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Spearfish City Campground

    Great location - especially with kids!

    A little crowded by the amount of RV’s BUT… such a great campground. Super organized , well kept and the beautiful creek runs along the camp. It was nice going to sleep and waking up with the sound of the water. Across the street is a fish pond hatchery (and aquarium like) and a big fun playground.

    Lots of bike/ walking paths that go into the cute town

    So beautiful here and fair prices on off season.

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hartman Rock Dispersed Site

    Great view

    Our spot had a great view, plenty of spots to pick from, it was super quiet this time of year, weather was perfect. Easy drive in on the road for the van and most spots were relatively flat.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Auto-Inn Motel and RV Park

    Absurd fee for water!

    The lady charged $25 for 30 gallons of water. Ridiculous.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hanna Campground

    Quiet haven

    Such a beautiful campground on one of the most scenic routes … The colors of fall , the mountains and the little creek were perfect.

    It is close to the road but it’s pretty quiet not many cars pass.

    $15.00 to camp - only 5 sites and a tent area There is a mile hike up the mountain too

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Fort Meade Recreation Area

    Raised the prices

    Lots of hiking, biking, picnicking area. Near Alkali Horse campgrounds. The price used to be $6.00 during the open season and free after October 1st. BLM just raised the price to $24, per day all year around and $30 per day at the Alkali Horse camp. The site dies not have a camp host all year around. There are picnic tables, 5 sites for RVs, fire rings, 12 tent camping sites. Some of the tent sites require a short hike. Pit toilet, bike rake station and a water fountain. Recommend using a water bandit with hose if filling up large containers. Just a few minutes outside Sturgis

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Ft. Meade Horse Camp

    Raised the price

    It use to be free camping after October. They have raised the price to $30 a day, per site

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Hart Ranch RV Resort

    It is a RV Resort

    This place has everything, gas station, golf course, roaming security, paved roads, concrete pads, pet and non pet areas, 10mins to town if you need to, and more. Their rules say $50 fine for speeding which is ok cause there is alot of people walking. Met a nice couple who stays there often, if it was closer to home for me I would too. I should give it 5 stars but I grade tuff.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    Quiet paradise in the pines

    This is my second time here in the same spot. The bathrooms are clean and staff is friendly. The crowd is quiet and respectful. There is laundry on site, firewood for sale, and I believe they sell propane. The wildlife is everywhere. I have had deer, turkey, and rabbit within 50 feet. Awesome place!

Guide to Deadwood

Camping near Deadwood, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive away, this iconic landmark is a must-see. Campers appreciate the proximity, with one reviewer saying, "Great place to stay while visiting the area" at Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort.
  • Fishing at Pactola Reservoir: Known for its fishing, many campers rave about the experience. One visitor noted, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state" at Pactola Reservoir Campground.
  • Hiking in Black Hills National Forest: With trails for all skill levels, hiking is a popular activity. A camper mentioned, "The trails down to the shore are easy to access" at Horsethief Lake Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Rapid City KOA said, "Very clean bathrooms and showers. Sites well maintained."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with playgrounds and pools are a hit. A visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch shared, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)".
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground noted, "Spaced camp sites in the Pines."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A camper at Spearfish City Campground mentioned, "Sites are closer than the worst KOA."
  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty reception in some areas. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground said, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Bring extra supplies: Some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A reviewer at Pactola Reservoir Campground noted, "The prices and inventory at the marina store were great."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Choose big rig-friendly campgrounds: Look for places that can accommodate larger vehicles. A reviewer at Rapid City KOA said, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Reserve in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially in summer. A camper at Spearfish City Campground mentioned, "If we hadn't paid before, we would've left."
  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor 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."

Camping near Deadwood, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Deadwood, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Deadwood, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 249 campgrounds and RV parks near Deadwood, SD and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Deadwood, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Deadwood, SD is Spearfish City Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Deadwood, SD.

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