Camping near Hill City, South Dakota ranges from rugged dispersed sites to full-service campgrounds with elevations between 4,500-6,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, though most campgrounds close by late September.
What to do
Lake activities: 3 miles from Hill City visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating at Sheridan Lake. "The camp site was well tended and perfect for tent camping. The campground was near to everyone you'd want to see in the Black Hills," reports a Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground visitor.
Climbing and hiking: Just minutes from Mount Rushmore at Wrinkled Rock you'll find numerous climbing routes. "Scenic campgrounds with 100s of climbing routes within walking distance. Swimming and cliff jumping at Horsethief lake only a short walk away," notes a climber who stayed there.
Horseback riding: At Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, guests can ride horses on guided trails. "There are UTVs that you can rent to go out on the trails... There are riding stables etc. It is also just 5 miles from Mount Rushmore and 15 minutes from Crazy Horse!" explains a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: 20-minute drive to Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop Road where buffalo herds roam. "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice, once late morning and saw about 1000 buffalo blocking the road and a few other things, then again in the evening," shares a Stockade North camper.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Most Hill City campgrounds provide quick access to regional highlights. "Perfect location for exploring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave NP, Mt. Rushmore, and Jewel Cave NM," notes a visitor at RD 356 Dispersed Site.
Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites rank highly among visitors. "We had a spot just above the lake and plenty of room to do whatever we wanted! We had a wonderful view of the lake making watching the sun rise breathtaking," remarks a Pactola Reservoir camper.
Privacy options: Sites with separation from neighbors receive higher ratings. "There are LIMITED services here tho. No dump site and the potable water fill station requires you block the road. Electric only at our site, very unlevel, hard to get into," notes a visitor at Sylvan Lake Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower facilities matter to campers. "The bathrooms and showers were some of the best we had ever seen in a campground. If your looking for a place to take a break from primitive camping for a night this is a good place to stop off," writes a Sylvan Lake visitor.
What you should know
Advance planning essential: During peak season (June-August), campsites fill quickly. "Sites for Custer start booking a year in advance, so snag one early to experience all this wonderful park has to offer," advises a Stockade Lake North camper.
Limited cellular coverage: Service varies widely across the region. "The campground is huge! I can imagine kids wandering a getting lost... Check in was smooth and the store is very well stocked," notes a visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA, which offers WiFi.
Fire restrictions: Some dispersed sites prohibit campfires. "Camping area near Mount Rushmore. The area seems to not allow for campfires. Trails nearby. One Trail is gated off and seems to mainly be a horse trail," reports an RD 356 visitor.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. At Horsethief Lake Campground, "The campground is one of the closest to Mt. Rushmore. Situated on a small lake, you can cliff-dive here, fish or visit the needles hiking trail."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several lakes offer kid-friendly swimming areas. "The lake is absolutely beautiful, the trails are well-maintained, and the fun feels endless," shares a Sylvan Lake visitor.
Family-oriented activities: Structured recreation programs keep children engaged. "There's a lot to do here—trail rides, cookouts, and lots of programs each day and evening geared towards the family," notes a visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "Kids loved the pool, hot tub, basketball, and volleyball court. I loved the wide open feel of the campground," writes a visitor at Rafter J Bar Ranch.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Scheduled times improve wildlife sighting chances. "By far my favorite thing every morning was the 'cowgirl wake up call' when they rounded up the horses and herded them to the front of the campground along a channel near our campsite," shares a Mount Rushmore KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have limited level sites. "There are several specific places for tents to be put up. 14 day maximum stay, bathroom on sight," notes a Wrinkled Rock visitor.
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites predominate at many campgrounds. "Some of the sites will need a bit of leveling as it's very hilly. The bathroom/shower building is older, but very well maintained and clean," shares a Stockade Lake North camper.
Generator restrictions: Quiet hours strictly enforced at many campgrounds. "Quiet time for generators was observed by all. Location was great for visiting nearby attractions. No cell service in the campground," reports a Sheridan Lake visitor.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow, winding access roads. "If coming in from Rapid City, our GPS had us turning onto a gravel road telling us to drive 4 miles. We ignored and ended up on a paved road leading into the campground," advises an RVer who stayed at Sheridan Lake.
