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Dog-Friendly Camping near Fairburn, SD

163 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Game Lodge Campground in Custer State Park accommodates pet owners with tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins where pets are welcome. Several campgrounds near Fairburn permit pets, including Blue Bell Campground, Elk Mountain Campground, and Center Lake Campground, all offering fire rings and picnic tables. Heartland RV Park and Cabins provides a fenced dog exercise area where pets can play off-leash, along with full hookups for RVers camping with dogs. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch accepts pets at their cabin accommodations, giving visitors flexible options when traveling with animals. Campground facilities typically include drinking water, restrooms, and trash disposal. Campsites remain well-maintained with clean bathrooms and private showers to ensure comfort for families camping with pets.

    Custer State Park's campgrounds serve as ideal bases for exploring dog-friendly trails throughout the Black Hills region. The Wildlife Loop Road provides opportunities to view bison, pronghorn, and burros from the safety of vehicles with pets secured inside. French Creek Camping Area offers a free tent camping option with clean pit toilets, though campers must carry supplies from the parking area and bring plenty of water for themselves and their pets. Campers note the proximity of Heartland RV Park to major attractions like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park makes it convenient for day trips with pets. Highway noise can be significant at campgrounds near major roads, so pet owners sensitive to noise disturbances should consider interior sites. During summer months, most campgrounds enforce quiet hours to minimize disruptions from barking dogs or other night activities.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Fairburn (163)

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      1. Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

      4.6(27)11mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is open year round and is located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Features cabin, camper, and tent sites."

      "Our dog grumbled at a few animals that might have gotten too close to the tent for her liking (we are pretty sure just deer)."

      from $26 - $55 / night

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      2. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

      4.5(36)14mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This is closest to the southern entrance. We had bison herds South of us and North. We never managed to make it East where the long trail is, which seems to be known for wildlife."

      "Campsites are $21 (plus the entrance fee) for a standard tent site without hookups. Sites with electricity are $25, and camping cabins are $50 per night. "

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      3. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

      4.3(45)16mi from Fairburn67 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is centrally locates to some great activities in South Dakota. We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore."

      "This campground is located in Wind Cave National Park and hardly ever fills to capacity."

      from $24 - $45 / night

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      4. Center Lake Campground — Custer State Park

      4.6(28)13mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The lake is cool and quiet, tucked away in the center of Custer park. Several trails and tons of fishing spots. There are vaulted toilets and a shower house."

      "I planned my trip too late to stay at Sylvan Lake campground, but wanted to be near the Needles Highway since that was the reason this park was on my itinerary."

      from $20 / night

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      5. Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground

      4.5(22)13mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "FYI- We had to get here via trucker route due to the size of our RV, we couldn't fit through some of the rock tunnels on the winding roads in South Dakota."

      "Very nice park tucked away on Iron Mountain. Big Rigs BEWARE do not take 16A!!! Luckily there are a few ways to get to the park, most are tight roads, but do-able."

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      6. Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park

      4.8(28)17mi from FairburnRVs, Tents

      "There are a lot of animals and you can pet them."

      "Campground Review: The Stockade Lake North Campground is located just inside the west entrance to Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota."

      from $30 / night

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      7. Heartland RV Park And Cabins

      4.2(14)9mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Not far from Rapid City but close to all the attractions in South Dakota. The heated pool was NOT heated and the hot tub was NOT hot. That is why I gave the CG four stars."

      "We are traveling through South Dakota and a storm was brewing. We decided to camp here instead of dry camping so that we would have hookups incase we couldn't open the windows."

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      8. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      4.2(55)22mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it."

      "Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."

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      9. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

      4.7(40)21mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "We had one of the spots that was more out in the open and close to our neighbors, but the sites on the outside of the middle loop were much more private."

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      10. Legion Lake Campground — Custer State Park

      4.7(15)14mi from FairburnRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Located across the road from the Legion Lake Lodge. Lake area, trailheads, store, restaurant, and west entrance near campground."

      "From Mt-Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Needles Highway, Cathedral Spires to the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park to see the Bison, Prairie Dogs and any other animal that inhabits the area."

      Check Availability
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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Fairburn, SD

    105 Photos of 163 Fairburn Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Fairburn, SD

    1451 Reviews of 163 Fairburn Campgrounds

    • B
      Sep. 4, 2021

      Heartland RV Park And Cabins

      Tidy, Clean, Friendly, Attractions

      This is a great place to stay. Not far from Rapid City but close to all the attractions in South Dakota. The heated pool was NOT heated and the hot tub was NOT hot. That is why I gave the CG four stars. I was really looking forward to using them. Also, both seemed overloaded with chemicals. I have owned lots of pools with blue colored bottoms, but these looked like there was “Ty-d-bowl” added. Brilliant, stark blue. I just don’t believe it can be just the basic treatment. See what you think. ???The laundry areas (3 of them) were clean and tidy, too. $2.00 for each, but 45 minutes on the dryer, so that’s fair. 😀 Our spot was a bit difficult for us to level our rig on because the rocks kept slipping. We had to go purchase extra Xchocks. There is a nice store for basic needs, and alcohol, and an event schedule for evening entertainment. The event center serves wings (no celery or carrot sticks), pizza, etc. There is a playground for kids and they said a dog park. —-I did find a big area there, but no fence around it. ???

    • Jan S.
      Aug. 22, 2021

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Great location for Custer State Park and surrounding area

      Very friendly owners. Gravel pads, most have some grassy areas. Turkey and deer walk thru. Has small clean dogpark. Town of Custer has large clean dog park within 2 mile drive. Stayed in 53 FHU 3 nights then moved to 45 W/E as we made reservations late. Both faced away from the center of the campground which was nice. Nice laundry . Okay bath/ shower..didn't use but looked ok. Great campground for folks with dogs and for super easy access to town of Custer and the State Park.

    • TyAnn J.
      Aug. 7, 2017

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Ranger Review: OOFOS OOlala Slide Sandal at For Welikit Family Campground and RV Park in The Black Hills National Forest Custer, SD

      Campground Review:

      If you are looking for a family and pet friendly place to camp while visiting the Black Hills South Dakota area, look no further!! We started planning our family trip 6 months ago, and booked the Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV park based on reviews we read online. We wanted to be in between Custer State Park (Kids choice) and The Badlands (Dad and Moms choice)

      There are 100 sites nestled in gorgeous tall pine trees. The tent sites are located on the south two loops, and the Tipi and Cabins sites are mixed in with the RV sites. We stayed 9 days in site 20 that is a RV 50 Amp Pull through site. Check in time is 1:00pm, and check out time is 11:00am. **Very important to know: The trees are fighting the Pine Beetle, so they DO NOT allow you to hang anything like clothes line or hammocks on them. ALSO they DO NOT allow you to bring in out of the area firewood. They do sell approved firewood at the office for $4.50 for a small bundle. The family style bathrooms were located just behind our site, and were cleaned daily. (If we ever stayed there again we would ask for a space on a further loop, as this was a high traffic area!!) The offer a laundry room with washers and dryers as well, but bring our quarters as a wash cycle was $1.75 a load, and the dryer is .25 for a 6 minute cycle. The added kids old time fort play area and the dog park area were well kept and there was plenty of room to play ladder ball and washer toss. We would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking for a family/pet friendly area. If you are looking for solitude, this would not be the place for you.

      ...................................................

      Product Review:

      As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. I tested the OOlala Slide Sandal from OOFOS Footwear https://www.oofos.com/ that I won in the West North Central Review Contest in June. Let me begin by saying I was a little nervous when I thought about what size to order (I am an 8 & 1/2 Wide ladies) I went to the website, and immediately drawn to the OOlala Slide Sandal. When I went into the description, under the "pick your size" button is a handy little "sizing" tab. When you click the tab it reads "If you normally wear a whole size: order the same whole size OOFOS. If you normally wear a half size: Order a half size UP for best fit. (MEN: Order a half size DOWN for best fit) Problem solved!! I ordered the sandals on July 1st and they were delivered on my doorstep on July 5th. Talk about FAST shipping for a holiday week to boot!!

      When I took the sandals out of the package I was very impressed with the shape and styling of the shoe. I put them on and know that this was no ordinary pair of slip on sandals!! The arch support immediately took pressure off the ball of my foot, and the cushion put a springy bounce in every single step I took. I couldn't wait to take them on our 10 day family vacation to see how they performed!!

      Day #1 we hiked the Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). It is the highest summit in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. After our 7 mile hike, I couldn't wait to put my OOFOS sandals on and let the recovery begin!! I wore them while showering and walking back to the campsite. My feet did not slip or slide in them, and they were dry within minutes!! The next day we headed to The Bad Lands, and I wore them all day long. They kept my feet comfortable and energized while putting on another 7 miles of walking!! After returning home from our vacation I have worn my OOFOS gardening, fishing, and even washing my SUV. I am 100% hooked on OOFOS!!

    • Tammy B.
      Oct. 6, 2023

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Best campground in the Black Hills SD

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      4.6

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      Tammy B

      Local Guide·293 reviews·337 photos

      an hour ago

      NEW

      We were camphosts for the 2023 season.I can't say enough on how Kelly, Steve and his entire family makes sure your well taken care of..they added a second dog park for the little pups, renovated 5 site to give a better camping experience in … More

      Amy Kinzler Illg

      4 reviews

      a month ago

      Vacation | Family

      Stayed two nights here and overall a very good experience. Nicely equipped campground with a little shop for necessities. We stayed in a tent site with no electricity. Was a very pretty campground with deer, turkeys, a little play area for … More

      Travis Trussell

      Local Guide·74 reviews·256 photos

      a month ago

      Vacation | Family

      I can't say enough good things about this campground after staying for 6 nights. The spots are spacious and the hookups are located in a perfect spot to make things easy. Bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean. They have a nice dog … More

      1

      Houston & Carolynn

      Local Guide·168 reviews·289 photos

      a month ago

      A very quiet campground. The staff are friendly and I love the showers for they are private little rooms. They have a playground, laundry and these cute little kegs you can stay overnight in. I would recommend this place. The site are very nice. Houston enjoyed the shade and met another friend. … More

      

      

      

      RV LIFE Campground Reviews

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      Fort Welikit Family Campground - Custer, South Dakota

      Ft. Welikit was lovely and well-maintained. The owners are onsite and very helpful. If you are traveling with small children, this is your place! They ...

      9/10(135) · $$$

      

      Campendium

      https://www.campendium.com › for...

      Fort Welikit Family Campground Reviews updated 2023

      Oct 29, 2013 — This is a really cute family-owned campground. The staff is friendly and helpful. They shared a lot of good information about the area with us.

      4.0(11) · 50

      

      Fort Welikit Family Campground

      https://www.blackhillsrv.com

      Fort Welikit Family Campground: Black HIlls Campgrounds

      ​ · ​ · ​ · OPEN MAY 1st to OCTOBER 15th · ​ · Located on the scenic Norbeck Byway away from the aeras busy highways yet just one mile North · of the ...

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      Fort Welikit Family Campground - Custer, SD

      Aug 30, 2016 — It is a very nice place to spend your evenings. Deer and turkeys in the campground everyday. Has a fenced dog park and a small playground for ...

      

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      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park Camping

      Absolutely loved our stay here!! Our check in was easy and the staff super pleasant. This is a family oriented campground with a great play area for the kiddos.

      

      4.4(20) · $

      

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      Fort Welikit Family Campground | Custer SD

      Fort Welikit Family Campground · Page · Campground · (605) 673-3600 · blackhillsrv.com · Rating · 4.4 (388 Reviews).

      

      4.4(133)

      

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      Fort Welikit Family Campground site? - Airstream Forums

      Feb 20, 2019 — We are planning a visit to Mt. Rushmore in May and are thinking of staying at Fort Welikit Family Campground. They have some good reviews but

      

      Good Sam

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      Fort Welikit Family Campground

      It was very quiet and peaceful even though we were there during a peak summer period. The campground is well maintained, family owned and well run. The ...

      

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      Tammy B

      Local Guide·293 reviews·337 photos

      an hour ago

      NEW

      We were camphosts for the 2023 season.I can't say enough on how Kelly, Steve and his entire family makes sure your well taken care of..they added a second dog park for the little pups, renovated 5 site to give a better camping experience in those sites. If you need something they are on it..they have the best options for camping.. cabins, teepees, barrel kegs, tent, electric tent, w/e 30 amp, 30 amp full h/hu, 50 amp f/hu, and big rig sites..they have worked endlessly to supply you with the best experience. The campground is not your typical parking lot camping..each site is individually unique..it was made around hills, tons of shade trees,and rock formations. Each site is as level as possible. Restroom are individual with shower sink and toilet.. they are very clean. There is a fort playground for the kids that's fantastic. There is a pavilion that can be used for family gatherings. Several reunions are hosted every year..You will have local wildlife visit daily including deer and turkeys. In the spring the new fawns and chick turkeys are born and are adorable. They are centralized to all attractions..perfect location to everything. The several clients that have been repeat customers for years..staying for 6 to 8 weeks..that speaks for it self..everybody loves it. It's very quiet, the store has everything you need. Michelson trail is approximately 1 mile away which can be walked or ride bikes the 114 miles through the mountains. The hospital is 1 mile away. If your in the area, and you need an excellent place to stay..at the best price.. this is where you want to be.. It's very family friendly including your dogs and cats.

    • Jen S.
      Aug. 18, 2023

      Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      Amenities!

      More expensive than we usually pay per night but a TON of amenities. Two pools and live entertainment. Restaurants/bars/coffee/ice cream shops. Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it.

    • R
      Jun. 4, 2023

      Heartland RV Park

      Large RV park with restaurant

      Large park with lots of sites. Level spots. Fenced in dog park. Restaurant and bar on site with live music. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean restrooms and laundry facilities.  Close to Custer State Park, Crazy Horse and Mt. Rushmore.

    • Heather M.
      Sep. 22, 2021

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Camping with a view

      stunning tall pines with lots of deer and wild turkeys walking thru the campsites. full hookups, covered wagons for rent if you don’t have a camper or tent. large playground and a dog park. laundry facilities and very nice bathrooms.

    • Brandi M.
      Oct. 22, 2020

      Beaver Lake Campground

      Beautiful campground and friendly staff

      Wish we could have stayed here longer but South Dakota weather was saying otherwise. We will definitely come back again! Many things for kids of all ages to do and we loved the campground dog, Shimmer!!!

    • Nichole B.
      Jul. 16, 2018

      Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

      Pretty views, close to Wind Cave, The Badlands and Mount Rushmore

      This campground is centrally locates to some great activities in South Dakota. We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore. The Rangers had a presentation at the campground at night. There are bathrooms but no showers or electric. There are water pumps available for water. Dogs have to be on a 6 foot leash.

    Guide to Fairburn

    Camping options near Fairburn, South Dakota occupy elevations between 3,400-6,000 feet, creating variable weather conditions even in summer months. The Black Hills region receives approximately 18 inches of annual rainfall, with afternoon thunderstorms common during July and August. Most campgrounds remain open from May through September, though some offer year-round accommodations with limited amenities during winter.

    What to do

    Hiking at Needles Highway: Access trails from Blue Bell Campground within Custer State Park. "We LOVED Blue Bell and Custer State Park! The campgrounds were very clean and quiet. Camp hosts were very knowledgeable and available if needed. Evening programs offered every night were educational and entertaining for the most part."

    Swimming at mountain lakes: Stockade Lake provides less crowded swimming than Sylvan Lake, with easy beach access from nearby campgrounds. "The walk around Stockade Lake was a great hike with some beautiful views, especially near sunset," reports a camper who stayed at Stockade North Campground.

    Fishing for trout: Stocked lakes throughout the region offer good fishing opportunities, particularly in spring and fall. "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!"

    What campers like

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Elk Mountain Campground offers excellent chances to see various animals. "We heard lots of animals through the night and loved it. Elk and Coyotes sounding off all night," notes one visitor. Another reports, "Expect to see Bison and Pronghorns, Elk."

    Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain high standards. "The bathhouse was clean and the campground was well cared for with kind hosts," mentions a Stockade North Campground visitor. Another camper noted, "The vault toilets were exceptionally clean and smelled great."

    Ranger programs and educational opportunities: Game Lodge Campground offers regular interpretive events. "Playground at site was a bit further for us, but the kids walked there anyway," reports one camper. Another mentions, "Loved the jr. Ranger programs were great for our girls and we enjoyed the learning."

    What you should know

    Winter camping limitations: While some sites remain open year-round, water sources are turned off. "We arrived after hours and headed to our designated site left on office. It was around 7:00 pm. We were on a road trip and didn't have a firm schedule."

    Seasonal crowds at popular sites: During peak summer months, reservations are essential. "Sites for Custer start booking a year in advance, so snag one early to experience all this wonderful park has to offer," advises a visitor to Stockade North Campground.

    Variable weather conditions: Be prepared for sudden temperature changes even in summer. "The elevation is about 6000 feet so it can get cold there and you may have some elevation sickness," warns a Horsethief Lake Campground visitor.

    Tips for camping with families

    Water recreation options: Center Lake offers a less-crowded alternative to Sylvan Lake with amenities for children. "There is a shower located at the lake up the road," notes one camper at Center Lake Campground.

    Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "They have a playground for kiddies," mentions a Heartland RV Park visitor, while another notes, "Nice enclosed dog exercise area" for pet-friendly camping near Fairburn.

    Kid-friendly hiking trails: Look for shorter trails with interesting features. "There is an awesome short hike up the hill to the flagpole that is well worth the effort. There were a couple of 'rough' spots but the scenery at the top is awesome. You can see Mt. Rushmore from the flagpole!"

    Tips from RVers

    Road restrictions for large rigs: Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground warns about access issues. "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."

    Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Sites are gravel, open with some ponderosa pines, showers are adequate with a push button and pre-set temperatures," reports a Blue Bell visitor. "Our site was a bit unlevel, but very scenic and shady," notes another camper.

    Limited hookup options: Full hookups are rare in park campgrounds. "It does not have a dump station nor sewer and water sites. Electric and some non-electric sites and with two campground spigots accessible from the road only," warns a Stockade Lake North camper.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Fairburn, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fairburn, SD is Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fairburn, SD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 163 dog-friendly camping locations near Fairburn, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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