Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
Site 35e was great right next to bathrooms and lake was beautiful
Days of 76 Campground in Deadwood provides designated horse camping sites with stables for equestrians traveling with their animals. The campground features gravel sites throughout, with several spots specifically designed to accommodate both camping units and horse trailers. Campers can access full hookup RV sites or tent camping areas while keeping their horses nearby in the on-site stables. The bathroom and shower facilities remain clean and spacious, convenient for riders returning from trail excursions. This campground serves as an excellent basecamp for those exploring the extensive trail systems throughout the Black Hills region. The location offers a short, safe walk into downtown Deadwood for visitors wanting to experience the historic mining town after a day of riding.
The Black Hills National Forest surrounding Deadwood contains numerous horse-friendly trails accessible from local campgrounds. Riders can access multiple trail systems that wind through forested terrain and open meadows, offering varied terrain for all experience levels. Water access points for horses are available along many trails, though riders should verify seasonal availability. Horse owners should pack out all manure from camping areas and practice proper trail etiquette on shared pathways. Campground reservation policies vary seasonally, with higher demand during summer months and special events. The region experiences significant weather variations, so equestrians should prepare for changing conditions. Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking for sites that accommodate horses and trailers.
"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."
"They have several horse camping sites too and a few guests were using the stables."
"Small campground close to the street. We had a dry campground ($28) close to the office, but Wifi was not working good. Clean and spacious showers and restrooms."
"We camped at Iron Creek Lake after the rally, at the end of August. It was wonderful, not crowded. The cafe/diner has things like burgers and ice cream, and the fishing in the lake is great. "
"Tucked away in the beautiful Black Hills, this is a favorite to many locals. Hiking, fishing, and great views."
from $30 - $38 / night
"Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."
"Swimming, hiking near by, and horse back riding, and plenty more."
"Nestled up in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Black Fox is our 'go to' campground because of how small it is. 8-10 sites that are spread out so you're not right beside other campers."
"The drive to Black Fox is along quite a few ranches and follows a river. The drive is enjoyable and not very difficult to handle. The campground is right along the river."
from $30 / night
"This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."
"Pricey (entrance fee plus campground fee) but worth it. Beautiful lake with great access to hiking trails, and just a short drive to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse."
"Close to Mount Rushmore and crazy horse! Pirates cove mini golf is a short drive away! Great facility with standard KOA amenities."
"My parents were able to rent a deluxe cabin right next to our campsite. My parents don’t “camp,” so this was perfect for a family vacation."
"Pleasant campground tucked away in the black hills of SD"
Site 35e was great right next to bathrooms and lake was beautiful
Beautiful area great staff
Great showers! Has a place to do laundry 2.50$ dry is free I think. Clean place. A lot of amenities.
Great Staff & Very Clean as Always at A KOA
This is the best KOA I have ever stayed at. Lots of activities, restaurant and VERY nice bathrooms and showers. I wanted to stay longer but we needed to be somewhere and could only stay one night. I would try to stay here at least three nights if I were to travel back here again. Perfect for a family. I would love to take my grandkids here!
Very close to Deadwood .Full hook up does not mean that you have sewer. Full hook up is electric and water.
Clean bathrooms and showers. Unfortunately still in a fire ban but beautiful area and close to Crazy Horse, Mt Rushmore and we are still exploring!
If you like resort style camping this is it. Busy location with lots of activities, kid zones, on site store, laundry, pools, also lots of traffic. I gave it 4 stars because it does what it’s supposed to do, only miss was cleanliness on ladies room which was stinky and messy (says my wife…) Tried to have site selection but ended up on a very busy intersection with lots of traffic. Choose a middle site from their map to get some shielding from the camp roads. We’re here off season so some areas are closed. Don’t expect any kind of wilderness experience. Site was a bit small but mainly level, many to choose from at different price levels. I’m cheap so got what I paid for.
Beautiful park. Clean, fun and the horses are the cherry on top
Deadwood is situated in the northern Black Hills at 4,530 feet elevation, characterized by densely forested slopes and steep gulches. The region experiences significant temperature swings with summer days reaching 85°F while dropping to 45°F at night. Camping near Deadwood offers access to historic mining trails converted for recreational use and seasonal stream fishing opportunities.
Trout fishing access: Iron Creek Lake Campground provides fishing opportunities in a mountain setting. "Beautiful Mountain Lake. Wildlife all around. Great Trout, and even some Bass fishing," notes Russ N. The lake has several access points and a trail that circles the water.
ATV trail exploration: The Black Fox Campground connects directly to multiple off-highway vehicle trails. "If you're not into fishing, just hop on to your ATV and go explore the many trails that are situated right around the campground," shares Hope H. Trails range from beginner to advanced with elevation changes of 1,000+ feet.
Downtown Deadwood visits: Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park offers trolley service to downtown. "You can trolley from the campground into town Deadwood it's $1.00 each way. Some trolley drivers are so funny they seem to have a good time," explains B M. The trolley runs every 30 minutes during summer months.
Private woodland sites: Black Fox Campground offers secluded camping opportunities away from crowds. "Nestled up in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Black Fox is our 'go to' campground because of how small it is. 8-10 sites that are spread out so you're not right beside other campers," says Hope H.
Year-round options: Elk Creek RV Park Lodge & Resort accommodates winter visitors. "Lovely hiking on the site. Very friendly staff. Clean, well serviced. Far enough from freeway so you feel like you are really camping, but very convenient. So glad they are open during the winter," reports Laura M.
Water recreation: Iron Creek Lake Campground features lake activities beyond just fishing. "The trail around the lake is easy to walk and there is some beach area for frog catching and splashing around with little kids," notes Aaron S. The lake also offers kayak rentals during summer months.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds near Deadwood. "This is a great place to camp they only downside is there's absolutely zero data connection or internet connection. I have a hotspot for my RV because I watch internet TV and for two days I couldn't do anything," reports Sandra E. about Elk Creek RV Park.
Site selection challenges: Many Black Hills campgrounds have limited level sites. "We made reservations 6 months in advance for a long level site. Not many level sites here and the site we were told to go to was not long enough for our camper let alone the tow vehicle," warns Tammy D. at Whistler Gulch.
Tent camping locations: Rapid City KOA has specific tent areas away from RV sections. "Geared toward RVs but there are a few decent sites for small tent with trees for shade. Game room, pool and hot tub are fun but the showers make it enjoyable because they're private," states AJ L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Deadwood, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Deadwood, SD is Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park with a 2.8-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Deadwood, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Deadwood, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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