Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Hot Springs? Camping with your horse in Hot Springs just got easier. You're sure to find the perfect site for your South Dakota horse camping excursion.
Anyone who has camped at Sylvan Lake campground in South Dakota’s Custer State Park knows that Black Hills camping doesn’t get much better than this. Sylvan Lake Campground is one of eight designated campgrounds in Custer State Park, and one of the best public land destinations for camping in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. The region’s expanse of dense forests, rolling prairies and granite mountain peaks (the very same peaks that were used to form Mount Rushmore) offer photo-snapping tourists and laced-up explorers alike a chance to dive into the ecology of the American West. For campers looking for a comfortable and convenient basecamp for diving into the region’s scenery and activities, Sylvan Lake campground is the place to be for many reasons. First, the 40-site campground offers access to the popular swimming spot of Sylvan Lake, where campers might feel inclined to spend their entire stay on the rocky beach of this scenic body of water. There’s also access to multiple hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels, including a trail that takes you to the curious and beautiful Black Elk Peak, the highest summit-able point east of the Rocky Mountains. Both a family-friendly spot and a hardcore adventurer’s playground, Sylvan Lake is Black Hills camping for everyone.
Located on the scenic Norbeck Byway away from the areas busy highways yet just one mile North of the historic city of Custer as you enter the heart of the Black Hills. Your adventure begins the minute you leave our gates. Just minutes from Crazy Horse, Sylvan Lake, The Needles, Jewel Cave, and Custer State Park. Easy access to Mt. Rushmore, Deadwood, Sturgis, and all the Black Hills Area attractions. 100 unique sites situated in the tall, cool pines that make camping in the Black Hills an experience not soon forgotten. Sites range from full service to rustic and from private to group and family friendly, so that everyone can have the camping or RV experience they desire. All the amenities with the cozy feeling of camping in a National Forest campground.
You should see the Hills from here! Custer/Mt. Rushmore KOA is your central location for visiting all of the Black Hills. We are in the center of all five major Black Hills attractions: Mt. Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park, within 6 to 23 miles of the campground. You can arrange tours with a local tour company that picks you up at your site. After a day of sightseeing, unwind at our tranquil campground among the ponderosa pines, just 3 miles west of Custer. Eat breakfast or dinner at the Buffalo Cafe, located inside the store.The kids will love our jumping pillow and playground. Seasonal activities (Memorial Day to Labor Day) include a heated pool (weather permitting). We offer 1 and 2-room camping cabins (No Air Conditioning), a Fully equipped deluxe cabin, 30 & 50-amp pull-thru and back-in sites, deluxe patio sites, and several types of tent sites, from primitive to upgraded. Free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, an on-site store, laundry ($), dump station, firewood ($), picnic tables, and propane ($) are available. Rates are higher on June 30-July 7 and August 6-15 (Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Custer Cruisin' dates). No television service is provided; some sites can receive satellite reception.
$60 - $100 / night
Broken Arrow Horse Camp is a full service campground that accommodates our guest's horses in safe covered stalls. Our campground is surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and all the activities it has to offer. Visit our website and plan that long awaited getaway. We look forward to seeing you! Happy Trails!
$22 - $26 / night
Opulent Acres is a private 63 acre forested campground offering 4 luxury glamping rooms, 9 RV sites, 4 tent sites with electricity as well as primitive tent camping. We are located in the Black Hills of South Dakota between Custer and Hot Springs.
$49 - $149 / night
This small developed campground is a quiet area with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. This site is popular for rockhounding. Adjacent to the campground is a barren hill with a layer of exposed rocks, including the occassional agate. Please recreate with respect.
Scout
Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities. The campground offers easy access to scenic trails, wildlife viewing, and nearby attractions like Sylvan Lake and Needles Highway, making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure. Plus, amenities like clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits add convenience without taking away from the rustic charm. Whether you're there to hike, uno online spot wildlife, or just unwind by the campfire, it’s a wonderful spot to connect with nature in Custer State Park.
Scout
Beautiful scenery with loads to do. The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible
play uno online there with my friends too.
Traveler
Lots of cool spots if you can get to them. Once you leave the gravel the roads are hit and miss. You’re not taking a trailer down most of them if any.
Scout
Several spots along the Bob Marshall camp road to pull off and camp. 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. No camp fires when we were there due to dry conditions. The road after the turn off was in rough shape. I wouldn’t take a trailer up it, but we were in a large SUV and it was just fine. A great place to disperse camp in the state park. We stayed two nights.
TravelerHowever, there is a spot on outlaw ranch rd you see before outlaw ranch road the gps takes you to that is nice and enough back for more privacy. Others know of it too, and 2 more cars tried to pull in after dark. I turned on a light and they were cool about backing out. Sorry to be unable to be more specific, want to say this spot really nice.
Guide
Stayed 7-30-24
If you like KOAs, you will love this place. Big, super clean and nice, all you can eat pancakes for $3.50 and play grounds for the kids (big kids also)
If you don't like KOAs because you want to camp by a quiet lake back 20 miles back on a dirt road, that's great but you don't want to stay here.
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TravelerDispersed Camping off the main road thru Custer State Park that is National Forest. Turn on the road that marks the Bob Marshall Camp. You pass a water treatment area and go thru the gate. 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. There are several areas to set up camp but pack in and pack out! No water sources spotted so bring enough in with you (didn't even see any water for filtering). Saw a preexisting stone fire pit from past campers too. Super quiet and near all the great things of Custer. We did experience biting flies. Coordinates: 43.7851324, -103.5041771
Scout
We reserved a spot and paid online. When we got here the place was literally deserted. Other than a couple of cars at the trailhead just before the campsite we haven’t seen anyone.
TravelerThe ruts become somewhat steep once the entrance road terminates. There are plenty of spots to set up beforehand, but you might be able to drive around them. Only one other camper on the main road, so it's really peaceful. Great day hikes and exploration opportunities abound on this undulating landscape.
Legend
Very nice KOA. Great staff. Nice sites under pine trees. Pool, cafe, and laundry facilities are well maintained. Will stay here again.
RangerVery close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Rapid City and Hill City. Lake Sheridan was a great place to go cool off. Very dispersed camping. Pack in Pack out. No cell service. At first we didn’t think there was a spot to pull off and then found a perfect circular area for us in our travel trailer and our friends car camping. No fires allowed when we were there. We stayed 2 nights and planned to sight see so left our stuff and was never bothered.
Ranger
Friendly staff. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Sites well maintained. Lots of amenities. Only complaint are sites a little close.
Guide
Wow! The beauty! We stayed here midweek in June - the place was empty. There are at least 40 sites, including 2 group sites, & equestrian sites a little further down the road. The rest of the sites are pull-in & pull-through sites. All the sites have a fire ring & picnic table. There are 2 outhouses, 1 large trash collection, & a group “day use” area with a beach & swimming! I cannot recommend this spot enough, & at $11/night!? What a steal! You can pay at the pay station upon arrival.
GuideTo me with our RV this is a luxury camping for us! Anything you can imagine, right here and if not there is something close by! The pools, activities, all around people.... Great place highly recommend! The showers are great and hot however they all need new curtains and a 1 store stool and hooks on the wall would be great
ScoutI am a solo, female, camping alone. The site-hosts came banging on my car & yelling, and kicked me out in the middle of the night, stating that I canceled my reservation. I did NOT cancel my reservation. I have a credit card receipt for payment of my reservation. The host refused to look at any of my proving evidence that I paid for a site. 15E. They just kept yelling for me to “Get out!” And kicked me out at 9:30 PM, and leaving me stranded/homeless in South Dakota. I do not live in the state and had no idea what to do. They have endangered my safety. Do not stay here! They can kick you out whenever they want.
GuideWe were in a camper van and the road wasn’t bad, we didn’t need 4WD. There were a few other cars that went by that were camping too, but it was very quiet and peaceful other than that. There were a lot of places to pull off that were flat for a tent or camper, I’d definitely recommend!
RangerWe booked as it appeared I might have to leave town for work. Kept reservation as work got cancelled. Sites are very close to one another.
Staff very helpful and friendly.
Sites were clean but very close to one another.
An ok stay but too many people too close together.
Scout
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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
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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



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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) · $$$

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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
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.

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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).

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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

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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.
RangerWe stayed here twice on our trip out west during August 2023. The first time we ate at their restaurant sitting on a hill. The staff was more concerned with talking to our friends while we waited to see our waitress. It got to the point where I had to go over and ask how to place and order and she totally forgot about us (although we were like 10 feet away). We did the chuck wagon. I took the wagon and the rest of my family rode the horses. It was a good experience. The food was excellent but the entertainment was eh . It really wasn’t long or anything special. But I would say it was worth it for the food and the ride. I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and t mobile. The first time we came we got a pull through and it was really tight for our 42 footer. The second time we got the patio pull through and it is a little better. We were nervous the first time about the space to pull out but we were ok. The second visit we rented the side by side. We did the 3 hour rental. Because everything is so far apart here we could have easily had it for the whole day. The location is about 1/2 hour from 90 but close to Mount Rushmore.
RangerI wasn’t expecting the crowds but the trails and views made it worthwhile. Thursday and Friday were better in terms of crowds but most were there for the lake.
GuideMore 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.
ScoutThis KOA is set in beautiful surroundings. Sites are amongst trees, easy in/out. I arrived in the middle of a downpour, but that did not deter the hosts from showing me the site. Restrooms were clean, very nice area for dogs.
TravelerAfter the entrance road ends, the ruts are a bit steep. May be able to maneuver around them in a car, however there are plenty of places to set up before that. Very quiet, one other camper on the main road. The undulating terrain makes for great day hikes and exploration
GuideI had high hopes for this campground, but out of the 3 I stayed at in Custer State Park, Blue Bell was my least favorite. Bathrooms were conveniently located and clean, but there is very little privacy or space between sites and everyone feels very packed in. There was also a lot of construction happening due to the new dump site being added—which will ultimately be a great addition as the only other site in Custer SP is pretty far away, but it was a bit of a bummer to listen to it while it was ongoing. I imagine it should be wrapped up by the end of July if it’s not already.
My other big complaint was the location of the electrical box at my site. While it’s listed as a tent site, it fits small RVs, but the electrical box was SO far away (on the very far site of the tent pad) that I would have needed at least a 50ft cord to reach it. So I ultimately paid for an electric site but got a site without anything. Just a heads up!
What redeemed this site for me was the hike to the river—a bad storm rolled through late in the afternoon, but created an absolutely magical setting for an early evening hike to the river afterward. Go out the back past the cabins toward the horse trails and there’s something of a dirt road that leads to a river—you won’t regret it!
Scout
We picked Broken Arrow for our stay on our way home. I am so happy we stayed 2 nights. It is so beautiful and the sunsets were amazing!!! I think we had one of the best sites!!! We will definitely stay again on our way to Montana and on our way back!!!
TravelerStayed here in late May, it was freezing so be prepared but some of the best views I’ve seen. The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite. Sylvan Lake is also gorgeous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hot Springs, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hot Springs, SD is Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hot Springs, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Hot Springs, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
