Best Tent Camping near Hill City, SD

Black Hills National Forest surrounding Hill City, South Dakota offers numerous tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Wrinkled Rock, located just minutes from Mount Rushmore, provides tent-only camping with designated tent pads and a vault toilet. RD 356 Dispersed Site offers free primitive tent camping approximately 7 minutes from Mount Rushmore, while Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed provides walk-in tent sites accessible through Custer State Park. North Pole Road Dispersed Camping features multiple tent campsites along a forest road with varying levels of seclusion.

Most tent campgrounds in the Hill City area require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. Campers should bring all necessary water, as most dispersed sites have no potable water sources. Surface conditions vary significantly, with some tent sites situated on rocky terrain that can challenge proper tent setup. According to visitors at RD 356, only the first three sites are accessible without high-clearance vehicles, with road conditions deteriorating further in. Fire regulations differ between locations - Wrinkled Rock prohibits fires while some dispersed areas permit them in existing fire rings. Vault toilets are available at select locations like Wrinkled Rock, but most primitive tent camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for exploring the region's attractions. One visitor at Wrinkled Rock noted, "It's a quiet place with cool hiking trails off the campsite. I got a spot far enough from the parking space to get a nice view of the stars." At RD 356, a camper reported, "There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most don't have fire rings. The weather was mild and air fresh and crisp." Sites closer to Mount Rushmore tend to fill quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to backcountry tent sites, though sudden mountain storms can challenge tent campers. The proximity to climbing routes makes Wrinkled Rock particularly popular with rock climbers seeking walk-in tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Hill City, South Dakota (23)

    1. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    31 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    3 miles
    Website

    "15 minutes to Custer State Park and 15 minutes to breweries in hill city. A perfect location."

    "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions. There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most spots don't have a fire ring that I could see."

    2. Wrinkled Rock

    23 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-4853

    "We were planning on backcountry camping in the park, but the amount of bugs and the inability to find a flat spot out of the trees pushed us to try and hike back to our car."

    "great location just 5 minutes away from Mt. Rushmore. free site but no fire rings. it does have toliets. There is just a parking lot with a large open area to pitch a tent."

    3. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    29 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    14 miles
    Website

    "We've been fulltiming since January and this was the first place we actually stayed the whole 14 day limit."

    "The forest road is a little rough, be aware if you are driving a car or a vehicle with bad off roaring capabilities."

    4. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    11 miles

    "It is open to vehicles in the summer and equestrian and hike in during the winter. Road is rough but was passable in our truck. We towed in a small teardrop but I wouldn't recommend a large rig."

    "We went a bit more off the path by turning right, going up past a water treatment plant and parking near the end of the road. It was secluded and pretty. Lots of coyotes in the area."

    5. Spring Creek Road Spur

    1 Review
    Hill City, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    "Notes: Don't camp at the first sites you see driving further. There's better ones I assure you. Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed."

    6. Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins

    3 Reviews
    Silver City, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 341-3667

    "The surroundings are beautiful! Very peaceful setting yet not too far from groceries & other supplies. Not far from attractions & restaurants."

    "Beautiful place to camp near Pactola lake which is our favorite"

    7. Bogus Jim Creek Campsite

    1 Review
    Nemo, SD
    14 miles

    "Fr202 turn uphill but not muddy.. on right .. wind n storm but good camping.. quite..not much traffic after dark.."

    8. French Creek Horse Camp — Custer State Park

    2 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "We rode side by sides out on some trail, found a great spot to camp with beautiful views of the plains below and could see the badlands off in the distance. The skies were beautiful at night."

    9. Black Hills Dispersed Site - Hwy 89

    3 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "Lots of space. Quiet with no traffic. Google gets you close but not exactly there. Gps route was a little off. Just an hour from Rushmore."

    10. Rifle Pit

    3 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because while it is National Forest the spots for dispersed camping are very limited because there is a lot of privately owned land so please be aware"

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Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hill City, SD

1362 Reviews of 23 Hill City Campgrounds



Guide to Hill City

Hill City, South Dakota, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with a variety of scenic spots nestled in the Black Hills National Forest. Whether you seek solitude or proximity to attractions, there’s something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Camping at French Creek Horse Camp — Custer State Park offers access to stunning views of buffalo and the surrounding mountains, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The Rifle Pit area is known for its proximity to Wind Cave, making it an ideal spot for hiking and exploring unique geological formations.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of Spring Creek Road Spur, where you can relax by a stream and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Tent campers should check out these features

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hill City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hill City, SD is RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest with a 4.9-star rating from 31 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hill City, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Hill City, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.