4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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.
"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. "
"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."
"Close to many South Dakota tourist sites."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $45 / night
"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
"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
"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."
"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."
"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
"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."
"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."
"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."
GuideFree. Talk to the local market right in town if there is any free dispersed area to camp at. I was led out here by a local on a side by side. They are SUPER friendly. Pack in pack out. during Sturgis weekend they also have biker breakfast from the volunteer fire department. It’s easy to get in and out. Wild cows. Great adventure bike trails(check out the local atv rental or Vintage USA Mike in Rapid City for a motorcycle)
ScoutSpent 2 weeks at site 39. Amazing views, nice showers and hearing the cows made it even better. All the hook ups are as they should be. Would definitely return if in the area.
GuideNice, safe spot to camp. Stayed in October, so no running water or bathrooms, just the vault toilets. Quiet, clean, peaceful. No service with verizon, but they do have wifi. 30 mins out from Hot Springs. Lots of Buffalo and Prarie Dogs to watch. Pet friendly, but be careful, mountain lions and other animals in the area.
ScoutI’m writing this as a warning to solo travelers.
I agree that the resort is lovely, and I initially had a very positive impression of the owner, Garret. Unfortunately, it seems Garret took an interest in me that moved beyond hosting. This led to what was, frankly, alarming conduct that included surveillance-like behavior.
For example, he told me he noticed where I was on the property and who I was talking to. One night, I came out after midnight to walk my dog and discovered he’d been sitting in the dark watching my camper; he called me over, and during that conversation told me he’d been photographing my camp without my knowledge or consent. He also told me he wondered whether I was single and told me he himself was single, while in reality his partner was living with him on the property at the time.
The inappropriate advances continued even after I left the resort.
The land is beautiful, but if you go alone, I would be careful to maintain very clear boundaries with the host both during your stay and after you leave.
ScoutBeautiful area great staff
TravelerIt is very quiet and there are a couple free camping spots in the back. It's definitely sunny on this side of Angostura. Lots of birds, deer, turkeys but the lake is down so the walk to the water is a distance.
ScoutWild life walks right up to campsite, quiet and secluded but still had service, beautiful night sky, out house bathroom.
GuideThis is a beautiful little spot along a bumpy dirt road. The silence and peace here are incredible with lots of trees and shade.
It is, however, one of the most unlevel spots I’ve ever stayed in. I’m in a 22 foot camper and used up all of my blocks just trying to get level. Although my camper fit fine, it was a long bumpy slog to get here. I’m terrible at backing in but decided to back into the site so I could easily pull out if I changed my mind.
In 24 hours, I’ve only seen one truck and one ATV. If you’re looking for quiet and remote, this is a great spot. You can definitely get a camper up here, but it’s probably a site better suited for vans, tents, and off-road vehicles. The stillness up here is very striking.
ScoutGreat showers! Has a place to do laundry 2.50$ dry is free I think. Clean place. A lot of amenities.
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.
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!"
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."
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.
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!"
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 Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fairburn, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 170 dog-friendly camping locations near Fairburn, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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