Camping sites near Hot Springs, South Dakota offer convenient access to attractions throughout the Black Hills region, with most facilities positioned at elevations between 3,400 and 4,200 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with nightly temperatures often dropping below 50°F even during summer months. Area campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through mid-October, with limited year-round options available.
What to do
Proximity to Custer State Park: From Fort Welikit Family Campground, visitors can reach park highlights easily. "5 miles from Sylvan Lake, minute to Custer, 30 minutes to Wind Cave National Park. Full hookups, level site, good cell phone reception," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Black Hills region supports diverse wildlife populations. At Fort Welikit, campers report that "the wildlife is everywhere. I have had deer, turkey, and rabbit within 50 feet. Awesome place!"
Convenient base for exploration: Heartland RV Park And Cabins provides central access to regional attractions. "Heartland RV Park is located relatively close to Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore and many other tourist sites," according to a visitor. Many campgrounds provide printed guides showing distances to major attractions.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Restroom and shower quality rates highly at most rv sites near Hot Springs, South Dakota. At Custers Gulch RV Park, visitors appreciate the maintenance: "Spacious and lush with centralized location to many activities/attractions. They had lush green yards in between each site with gravel, level pads and plenty of yard or forest behind each RV too."
Campground entertainment: Many parks offer on-site activities. One camper at Heartland noted: "Fun old fashioned RV PARK. This place is fun with unique flare. On site restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music each night."
Shade coverage: Mature trees provide relief at many locations. At Horse Thief Campground, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "It is bordered by the Black Hills Natl. Forest. It has site for tent camper, pop-ups and bigger RV's and cabins. Due to the topography you will have to do some leveling."
What you should know
Weather variability: Black Hills camping weather changes rapidly year-round. Always pack layers and rain gear. Temperature drops of 30°F between day and night are common.
Reservation timing: Book 6-12 months ahead for peak summer visits. Most campgrounds fill completely from late June through August.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Holy Smoke Resort near Keystone, one camper noted: "It's out of the way, and situated so there's little highway noise. It provides easy access to all of the fun sights: downtown Keystone, SD, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and surrounding areas."
Small-town proximity: Some campgrounds offer walking access to nearby communities. At French Creek RV Camp, visitors appreciate "being able to walk to shops, breweries, and restaurants in downtown Custer from here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. One camper noted at Heartland RV Park: "The staff is so friendly, easy check in, very well kept, clean bathrooms and private showers. Pool and hot tub, close to everything. Campers observed quiet hours."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning into your visit. Ranger programs at Wind Cave National Park run multiple times daily during summer.
Daily routines: Plan morning activities when temperatures and crowds are lowest. A camper at Fort Welikit appreciated the quiet atmosphere: "The crowd is quiet and respectful. There is laundry on site, firewood for sale, and I believe they sell propane."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many Black Hills rv campsites require leveling equipment. One camper at Horse Thief noted: "Due to the topography you will have to do some leveling. It is off a major highway so nighttime is quiet. There's a mix and tree and open areas."
Water management: Several parks have limited water availability. At Custers Last Chance RV Park, "There is not a dump at this location or electric hook ups. It is right off the highway so depending on the time of year, it could be noisy."
Site size considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size throughout the region. A camper at Gold Valley Camp reported: "This campground has recently been remodeled with all new pads, electric and water. Only a couple miles to the west entrance of Custer SP."
Utility reliability: Power availability can fluctuate during peak season. At Holy Smoke Resort, one visitor noted it "offers spacious pull-through sites, with giant trees and full hook ups. There's no frills but we didn't need any."
