Camping near Fairburn, South Dakota provides access to both Black Hills National Forest and Buffalo Gap National Grassland at an elevation around 3,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer days reaching 90°F while dropping to 50°F at night. Most campgrounds remain open from May through September, with limited winter camping available at select locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: At Elk Mountain Campground, visitors regularly spot native species during early morning and evening hours. "Passing into the park is passing into a piece of history. It is a place where wild bison roam free, elk pass through and can be found thriving, prairie dogs bark adamantly and so many more unique native animals and plants can be observed and appreciated," notes one camper.
Fishing at Stockade Lake: Just 35 minutes from Fairburn, the lake offers rainbow trout and bass fishing with no license required for children under 16. "Across the small highway is Bismark Lake, in Black Hills National Forest, which is stocked for fishing, and provided us with a delicious fried trout meal our second night," shares a visitor at Stockade North Campground.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple trail options range from easy lakeside paths to challenging summit routes. "There is a hiking path nearby that takes you into the woods. The lake below is a popular fishing spot," reports a camper at Horsethief Lake Campground. Many trails connect to campgrounds, making them accessible without driving.
What campers like
Clean facilities year-round: Game Lodge Campground maintains high standards even in off-season months. "We stayed at site #47 the end of March that was right along a creek. It was a slow moving creek so a very nice sound without being loud. The bathrooms with showers were open. They were very clean and had warm water," one camper reports.
Privacy between sites: Many visitors appreciate the spacing at Black Hills area campgrounds. "The campsites are well spaced with lots of grass and some have lots of trees. Some of the sites are along a beautiful creek. The front of the campground has a great area for fishing, well stocked with trout," notes a visitor about Game Lodge Campground.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain accessible during colder months. "Camped: March 6-8, 2021. When I saw the forecast of almost 70 in March I knew I had to go camping! I picked Game Lodge because it had electric and I wanted to run my heater at night," shares a winter visitor who enjoyed off-season wildlife viewing.
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Not all facilities accommodate those with mobility issues. "The second thing I'll say is that although I'm disabled and use a wheelchair, I do not expect campgrounds to be completely accessible... That being said, there are certain MUSTS that any disabled person needs," reports a visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, noting limited ADA-compliant facilities.
Site leveling requirements: Many campsites throughout the Black Hills require adjustment for comfortable setup. "This is a small, but clean National Park Campground. The sites were mowed, which was nice given the notice about the presence of prairie rattlers in the area. Our site was also small, and not particularly level (although better than some of the sites near us)," shares an Elk Mountain Campground visitor.
Water access variability: Water availability changes seasonally across campgrounds. "It is off season, so pool, tennis court and some other facilities closed right now," notes a visitor at Heartland RV Park. Water spigots may be turned off during winter months, requiring campers to bring their own supply.
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Multiple parks offer educational activities for children. "We loved our time at this campground! My family and I first camped in Custer State Park at Game Lodge almost 10 years ago. The showers and toilets are very clean. You never have to wait in line," notes a visitor who attended evening ranger programs.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground at site was a bit further for us, but the kids walked there anyway," shares a Blue Bell Campground visitor who camped with young children. Most playgrounds remain open from May through September.
Stream exploration opportunities: Creekside sites provide natural entertainment for kids. "We were at Game Lodge campground site 36, which was right next to a little creek. At night, we could hear the water running and it was so calming. Tent pads were elevated, so our REI Kingdom 8 garage had to run off the edge. Even so, it was the perfect spot for us as we explored the Black Hills," reports a parent camping with two young boys.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads for larger rigs. "Not really the fault of the campground, but even the 'best' route to get to the campground (via Playhouse Road) is a bit nerve-wracking. Very narrow & winding roads, as is common in the Black Hills. If you have a larger rig, I'd think twice about trying to get in here unless you are very experienced," advises an RVer about Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground.
Electric-only hookups: Many campgrounds provide electricity but lack full connections. "Electric and some non-electric sites and with two campground spigots accessible from the road only. We arrived after 6 nights of boondocking and were disappointed with the inaccuracy of the amenities," notes a visitor at Stockade Lake North Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal outside some campgrounds. "There are two dump station locations. One in the Game Lodge Campground then two just south on the entrance to the wildlife loop. Could be problematic because the bison were standing on the dump station when we drove by in the morning," shares an RVer at Stockade North Campground.
