Located in the heart of the Black Hills, RV parks near Deadwood, South Dakota operate at elevations between 4,500 and 5,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 85°F during day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures frequently dropping below 20°F, with snow possible from October through April.
What to do
Trout fishing onsite: Fish'n Fry Campground offers a stocked trout pond where you can catch your dinner. "Stocked trout pond to catch your own meal and little streams running through the property! They clean and cook great meal," notes Richard W.
Historical attractions: Deadwood's mining history is accessible from most campgrounds. "You are just a short drive from Lead for Grocery Shopping and mining activities and a short distance to Deadwood with their replay of the Gunfight with Wild Bill Hitcock as well as the capture and trial of Jack McCall," explains Ellen W. from Fish'n Fry Campground.
Day trips to national monuments: Heartland RV Park And Cabins serves as a central base for exploring regional attractions. "The campground provided a printout with all the local attractions and how far they were! So helpful. Highly recommend Sylvan Lake hike(s), watching the Buffalo herds near the Wildlife Visitor Center at dusk, and feeding the Burros at the southeast corner - bring carrots and apples," shares Derek & Kristen A.
What campers like
Concrete pads: Level sites reduce setup time at Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins. "All sites have concrete pads with hookups. Campground is very clean and has quick and easy access to the highway," reports John.
Private bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate individual shower rooms. "Bath houses have private showers with their own toilets and sink. Very clean," states Billie B. about Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort.
Onsite entertainment: Heartland RV Park offers regular activities for campers. "This place is fun with unique flare. On site restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music each night. Had a relaxing quiet time," explains Bonnie F.
What you should know
Seasonal operation changes: While some RV parks near Deadwood operate year-round, others have limited seasons. "We visited at the end of the season, so a lot of their sites were already closed up in preparation for shutting down for the year," notes MickandKarla W. about Mountain View RV Park & Campground.
Fire restrictions: Rules about campfires vary between parks. At Rush No More Campground, fires are not permitted anywhere on the grounds, while Fish'n Fry Campground and Three Flags RV Park allow fires in designated areas.
Highway noise levels: Some parks experience traffic noise. "The only downside to this park is its proximity to the Interstate and the train tracks. If noise bothers you then bring a good set of ear plugs for the night," advises Theresa about Three Flags RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Kids particularly enjoy water features at some Deadwood area RV parks. "My kids loved the outdoor pool and hot tubs the playground was fantastic," shares Amber W. about Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort.
Recreation facilities: Three Flags RV Park provides family-friendly amenities in a basic setting. "Simple RV park with lots of FHU! The shower house and bathrooms are super clean and after a day of hiking we were pleasantly surprised! Friendly, clean and wide open," reports Amy C.
Game areas: Several parks offer entertainment options for rainy days. "They have a laundry room which was well maintained and connected to a sort of game room with air hockey which we played while waiting for our laundry," mentions Tris W. about Rush No More Campground.
Tips from RVers
Off-season advantages: Rush No More Campground offers more privacy during slower periods. "The spots are not super close but there is no tree coverage or shrubbery between them. Luckily it wasn't full so we had some privacy in that way," reports Tris W.
Water pressure considerations: Some parks have strong water systems requiring regulation. "Water pressure was very good in our area so we used a reducer," notes MickandKarla W. about Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort.
Parking surface variations: Deadwood area RV parks offer different pad types. "Our site was a bit difficult for us to level our rig on because the rocks kept slipping. We had to go purchase extra Xchocks," explains Brenda A. at Heartland RV Park, contrasting with the concrete pads available at other facilities.