Best Tent Camping near Hot Springs, SD

The Black Hills region surrounding Hot Springs, South Dakota offers diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites. North Pole Road Dispersed Camping and Black Hills Dispersed Site along Highway 89 provide free tent camping with minimal facilities, while Wrinkled Rock offers designated tent pads closer to Mount Rushmore. Several camping areas sit within the Black Hills National Forest, providing access to hiking trails and natural attractions like Wind Cave National Park, all within 30 minutes of Hot Springs.

Most primitive tent setups require visitors to pack in all necessary supplies. "Pack in and pack out" applies to all dispersed camping sites near Hot Springs, with no trash facilities available. Sites typically feature uneven terrain on dirt or forest floor with minimal site preparation. A recent review noted, "No water sources spotted so bring enough in with you (didn't even see any water for filtering)." Many areas prohibit campfires despite previous use, particularly during dry seasons, with rangers actively enforcing these restrictions. Road conditions vary significantly, with several sites requiring high-clearance vehicles to access more remote tent locations.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer greater privacy and wilderness immersion than developed campgrounds. The terrain features primarily pine forest settings with opportunities to camp near rock formations. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "There are several areas to set up camp but pack in and pack out! Super quiet and near all the great things of Custer." Tent campers frequently report wildlife sightings including deer and coyotes, particularly at dawn and dusk. Most dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit. During summer weekends, early arrival is essential as primitive tent camping locations fill quickly, with one visitor reporting "people were cruising looking for spots everyday." Spring Creek Road Spur and RD 356 Dispersed Site offer tent campers flatter terrain options with fewer crowds compared to campgrounds closer to tourist attractions.

Best Tent Sites Near Hot Springs, South Dakota (15)

    1. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    26 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."

    2. Black Hills Dispersed Site - Hwy 89

    5 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "Pitch black nights, and pure solitude. Love this spot"

    "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."

    3. Hot Springs, South Dakota

    1 Review
    Hot Springs, SD
    0 miles

    "Hot Springs is a quaint little town with lots of natural cool and warm springs. Several wading and sitting areas in the local springs."

    4. Rifle Pit

    3 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    12 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"

    5. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    33 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    32 miles
    Website

    "A perfect location. Plenty of spots on the bumpy main road, use 4wd/high clearance vehicles to go off some of the side routes for more privacy. Nice tree covered spots and very quiet."

    "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."

    6. Wrinkled Rock

    23 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    31 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."

    7. French Creek Horse Camp — Custer State Park

    2 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    21 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."

    8. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    24 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."

    9. Bear Den Cabins and Camp

    2 Reviews
    Hermosa, SD
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 484-1645

    $20 - $80 / night

    "Not an RV location. Fresh water, clean showers, LAUNDRY, coffee. Just a great place."

    10. Spring Creek Road Spur

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    31 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hot Springs, SD

1115 Reviews of 15 Hot Springs Campgrounds



Guide to Hot Springs

Tent camping near Hot Springs, South Dakota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Local Activities to Enjoy While Tent Camping

  • Experience the tranquility of nature at Rifle Pit, where you can hear elk rutting at night and explore nearby Wind Cave.
  • Discover the stunning landscapes and wildlife at Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed, perfect for hiking and observing local fauna like coyotes.
  • Enjoy the scenic views and trails at North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, where you can find secluded spots away from crowded campgrounds.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Hot Springs

Prices for Tent Camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hot Springs, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hot Springs, SD is North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hot Springs, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Hot Springs, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.