Best Campgrounds near Deadwood, SD

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:

• Look for kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with pools and playgrounds. One parent at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "All you can eat pancakes for $3.50."
• Plan for some downtime: Make sure to have games or activities for the kids. A camper at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground mentioned, "Kids can catch bluegills all day."
• Check for family-friendly sites: Some campgrounds have designated areas for families. A visitor at Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort noted, "The park is reasonably large."

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!