Best Campgrounds near Hot Springs, SD

The Black Hills region surrounding Hot Springs, South Dakota features diverse camping options within a landscape of thermal springs, rolling prairie, and forested hills. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park offers year-round camping with both tent and RV sites, providing access to unique cave systems and wildlife viewing. Allen Ranch Campground along Fall River provides riverside camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and unique accommodations including tipis and glamping options. Angostura Recreation Area, located just south of Hot Springs, offers lakeside camping with boat access. The area serves as a strategic base for exploring nearby attractions including Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and the natural hot springs that give the town its name.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. South Dakota weather can change rapidly, with summer thunderstorms common and significant temperature variations between seasons. As one camper noted, "The Fall River is fed by hot springs so the water stays nice and just slightly chilled. Almost feels like getting into a heated pool." Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with the Hot Springs KOA and several private campgrounds open from April through October, while others like Cottonwood Springs and Elk Mountain remain open year-round. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with limited connectivity in more remote locations such as Wind Cave National Park. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August.

Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly in visitor reviews of the area's campgrounds. Bison, elk, and prairie dogs are commonly spotted, particularly in Wind Cave National Park where, as one visitor advised, "Keep your distance from wildlife. Wildlife is wild here even if it looks tame. Bison can run up to 35 miles per hour." Campgrounds vary significantly in amenities, from primitive sites with basic facilities to full-service RV parks with hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Many campers use Hot Springs as a convenient base camp for regional exploration. According to one reviewer, "We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore." The town's natural hot springs provide additional recreation opportunities, with several public soaking areas available in town at Brookside Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Hot Springs, South Dakota (169)

    1. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    45 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-4600

    $12 - $45 / night

    "Passing through South Dakota rests a very unique park unlike any other you will find.    "

    "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."

    2. Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA

    15 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-6449

    "Close proximity to Hot Springs. There were other campers that were quite noisy at night well after quiet time."

    "Clean, quiet campground tucked away in the beautiful Black Hills"

    3. Angostura Recreation Area — Angostura Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 710-2267

    "Nice walk ways all around the lake. Clean, clear water that is good for riding on the boat, tubing, and kayaking."

    "Great access to the lake, beautiful views of the sunset. Clean showers and sights. There are a lot of bugs, so be prepared. Would definitely stay here again."

    4. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    35 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities."

    "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."

    5. Cold Brook Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-5476

    $18 / night

    "Campground Review: This location is great if you are looking to be close to Hot Springs, Wind Cave, and Custer State park. It is located just north of town and just South of Wind Cave’s entrance."

    "Walked around lake and it was beautiful. So quiet and peaceful. Wish we stayed more nights! Dumpsters, restrooms, fire rings and nice grass. You gotta stay here!"

    6. Allen Ranch Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-1890

    $25 - $130 / night

    "The Fall River is fed by hot springs so the water stays nice and just slightly chilled."

    "Close to town and near a peaceful stream.. Owner is very nice."

    7. Hidden Lake Campground and Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-4042

    $38 - $57 / night

    "It’s close to town (we biked to explore the beautiful town, parks, mammoth exhibit, and farmers market) campground is gorgeous, with a sweet little private lake that’s great for a swim."

    "Good places to sit and enjoy the sunrise over the ridge, nice walk around the pond with water so clear you can see the bottom 12 ft down and watch the fish like you're at Bass Pro."

    8. Cottonwood Springs Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hot Springs, SD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-5476

    $18 / night

    "Bathroom with flush toilet and sink and drinking water faucet outside. Dry camping only."

    "The bathhouse has an outside marked potable water spigot. The lake is below the campsite and not accessible without a steep hike down. The lake access is 5min drive down the main road."

    9. Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

    6 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    11 miles

    "Tucked back off a side road with a perfect couple spots to camp"

    "This is a dispersed site that is near the entrance to Wind Cave National Park. The road in is wide and smoothly graveled. This spot has room for a small camper - our bus backed in fine."

    10. Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park

    27 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    $26 - $55 / 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."

    "The second morning we woke up to bison all along the fence next to the campground!"

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Recent Reviews near Hot Springs, SD

1197 Reviews of 169 Hot Springs Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

    Nice spot for where I was

    I couldn’t get to the actual spot because the fence was closed but stopped right before the fence. There was one other camper at a spot a little further down. Quiet, fluctuating service between SOS and one bar. About 2 miles from the wind cave entrance. Maybe no biting bugs as other reviews have stated but about a billion conifer seed bugs. Keep your windows rolled up! Plenty of sun and shade for your preferences.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Auto-Inn Motel and RV Park

    Absurd fee for water!

    The lady charged $25 for 30 gallons of water. Ridiculous.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Hart Ranch RV Resort

    It is a RV Resort

    This place has everything, gas station, golf course, roaming security, paved roads, concrete pads, pet and non pet areas, 10mins to town if you need to, and more. Their rules say $50 fine for speeding which is ok cause there is alot of people walking. Met a nice couple who stays there often, if it was closer to home for me I would too. I should give it 5 stars but I grade tuff.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

    Quiet paradise in the pines

    This is my second time here in the same spot. The bathrooms are clean and staff is friendly. The crowd is quiet and respectful. There is laundry on site, firewood for sale, and I believe they sell propane. The wildlife is everywhere. I have had deer, turkey, and rabbit within 50 feet. Awesome place!

  • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    Road to Mackinac and back

    This is a lovely campground in Wind Cave National Park. Surrounded by a Ponderosa Pine forest, with a fence and cattle guard to keep the Bison out! Seasonally there are flush toilets and water, off season pit toilets and no water. No RV hookups, no generators allowed (though a couple campers violated that rule, which was annoying for 5 min). It's very quiet here, heard coyotes on several nights. 62 sites, some tent only, the sites ok for RVs held a couple that were quite large. Our trailer is only 20ft. Sites were generally roomy. There is wifi, which was surprising!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Balsar Gulch Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful & big rig friendly

    Gorgeous spot right off the paved Sheridan Lake Road. We stayed for a week while hiking & UTV-ing. Several spots available (maybe 8 if with a group?) and two other campers came and went while we were there. We were all far enough away that it didn't disturb the solitude. Cows visited on the last day! :-D We camped by the stream. 1 caution = if driving a long rig, it's a sharp right hand turn off Sheridan Lake Road coming from Rapid City. Very doable --just be ready.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice open & quiet

    2 miles of gravel to get up to this ridge area but very possible with 32' TT Space trees, nice and open, plenty of room

  • TF The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Custer Trail

    Established Campground

    Smallest campground on the lake from what I saw. There are 4-5 RV sites and a handful of walk-in tent sites. Trailhead is marked no camping. Staying in mid September, there was no camping/fee signage so I stayed for free. Was the only one there. Super duper quiet, and right on the water for a quick morning paddle.


Guide to Hot Springs

Dispersed camping options around Hot Springs, South Dakota range from national park sites to state recreation areas within the Black Hills region. The area sits at approximately 3,400 feet elevation and experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer months. Most campgrounds near Hot Springs open from April through October, though several maintain year-round operations with reduced amenities during winter.

What to do

Hike directly from camp: At Elk Mountain Campground, visitors can access hiking trails right from their sites. "Try hiking in the park, unlike many parks which only allow trail hiking this park encourages you to explore fully," shares one camper, who also warns to "keep your distance from wildlife. Wildlife is wild here even if it looks tame they are not!"

Fish at stocked lakes: The lakes around Hot Springs offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Cold Brook Lake Campground, "the lake has a large and beautiful swim beach and is perfect for a day on the water. It is a great lake for fishing. We were snagging them left and right," reports one visitor who enjoyed multiple recreational activities during their stay.

Explore caves and monuments: Within 30 minutes of Hot Springs, you can visit several national landmarks. "We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore," notes one Elk Mountain camper who appreciated the central location for exploring regional attractions.

What campers like

Natural water features: Many campsites feature creeks or lakes that enhance the camping experience. At Allen Ranch Campground, "The Fall River is fed by hot springs so the water stays nice and just slightly chilled. Almost feels like getting into a heated pool," according to one visitor. The campground also provides "inner tubes FREE for the guests" for river floating.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently mention animal sightings as highlights. "We heard lots of animals through the night and loved it," shares one Elk Mountain visitor. Another camper at Hidden Lake Campground notes "a flock of wild turkeys that wander around the campground plus mule deer here and there," creating an immersive natural experience.

Peaceful surroundings: Many campgrounds offer quiet settings despite their accessibility. "Very scenic location. Had all the necessary hook ups. Very friendly employees that actually escorted us to our camping spot," reports one visitor to Hot Springs KOA, highlighting the balance of amenities and natural setting.

What you should know

Weather variability: The Black Hills region experiences rapid weather changes. "We visited cascade falls while we were camped there as well as kidney springs. Felt very close to nature. Bugs were bad but incense sticks and Citronella coils did the job," shares a camper at Angostura Recreation Area, noting both natural attractions and practical challenges.

Seasonal limitations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, amenities vary by season. "We paid for full hookup but electricity cut off at 8 in all campgrounds. Probably a glitch," notes one Angostura visitor who camped in early October when most facilities were closed for the season.

Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer. "Tent, RV sites as well as camping cabins. Horse stables and trail rides onsite. Walking distance to store and excellent restaurant," explains a Blue Bell Campground visitor, describing amenities worth booking ahead for.

Tips for camping with families

Look for water recreation: Kids particularly enjoy campgrounds with swimming and boating options. "The lake is great for boats if you prefer to bring one," notes an Angostura camper, adding "I love that the marina isn't too far from the tent sites and they do have lots of trees to help keep your tent well shaded during the heat of the day."

Consider educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs. "The jr. Ranger programs were great for our girls and we enjoyed the learning," shares a visitor to Blue Bell Campground, recommending the educational activities available for children at certain sites.

Select sites with play spaces: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds or recreation areas. "What did I love about this KOA? It was quiet. I read and roamed around watching birds and picking up rocks while the kids were occupied with the pool and playing free putt-putt," explains one family camper at Hot Springs KOA.

Tips from RVers

Consider site leveling needs: Many campgrounds in the Black Hills region have uneven terrain. "The sites were gravel, open with some ponderosa pines," notes one camper at Blue Bell Campground, while another RVer at Cottonwood Springs adds, "If you are in an RV, levelers are a must."

Check for size restrictions: Some campground roads have limitations. "Our site was a bit unlevel, but very scenic and shady. Only one other site was close to ours, and luckily, no one was in it over that weekend," explains a Stockade Lake visitor, adding that "we did watch two large rigs struggle to back in their vehicles due to the narrow, curved campground roads."

Verify dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer dump stations. "There is a dump station about a mile down the road in town that was free (donation appreciated)," notes an Allen Ranch camper who found the on-site station inaccessible due to overhanging trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hot Springs, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hot Springs, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 169 campgrounds and RV parks near Hot Springs, SD and 27 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hot Springs, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hot Springs, SD is Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 45 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hot Springs, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Hot Springs, SD.

What parks are near Hot Springs, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Hot Springs, SD that allow camping, notably Wind Cave National Park and Black Hills National Forest.