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Equestrian Camping near Keystone, SD

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    Broken Arrow Horse and RV Campground features immaculate horse stalls alongside spacious RV sites 4 miles from downtown Custer. The campground provides individual stalls for horses with pristine conditions that campers consistently note in reviews. Full hookup RV sites accommodate horse trailers with ample parking space, while tent camping areas remain available for equestrians without large rigs. The property maintains a peaceful atmosphere away from highway noise, creating a serene environment for both horses and riders. Campers have access to clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities after trail rides. The campground's location offers convenient access to Custer State Park and Black Hills attractions while maintaining distance from busy roads. Horse owners appreciate the well-maintained grounds where the only occasional sounds are horses whinnying across the property.

    Horse camping near Keystone ranges from full-service equestrian campgrounds with stalls and stables to primitive sites with hitching posts along the Black Hills trails. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch offers daily trail rides with approximately 30 horses brought to the corral each morning and returned to pasture in the evening. Rafter J Bar Ranch provides horse-friendly accommodations centrally positioned for access to Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Blue Bell Campground in Custer State Park features horse stables and trail rides directly from the campground entrance. Riders encounter wildlife including bison, deer, and prairie dogs along trails throughout the area. French Creek Camping Area offers primitive horse camping with hitching posts but no water access for horses. Most equestrian campgrounds in the region require reservations well in advance, particularly during summer months and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when accommodations fill quickly.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Keystone (25)

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      1. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      4.2(55)5mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."

      "UTV rentals with State Park trails adjacent to the campground were a lot of fun (and reasonably priced). "

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      2. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

      4.7(40)8mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."

      "Pricey (entrance fee plus campground fee) but worth it. Beautiful lake with great access to hiking trails, and just a short drive to Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse."

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      3. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

      4.5(36)13mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "Horse stables and trail rides onsite.Walking distance to store and excellent restaurant. Wildlife includes bison, deer, birds..."

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      4. Rafter J Bar Ranch

      4.9(21)8mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Devil’s Tower. We had a beautiful campsite in the “Ranch” section that had lots of trees and was a fair distance away from our neighbors."

      "Mt Rushmore, Custer SP, Needles Highway, Crazy Horse Monument, Wind Cave NP & Badlands NP all within a short drive!"

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      5. Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      4.5(26)11mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

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      4.6

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      deer31

      mt. rushmore28

      custer state park27

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      "Campground Review: If you are looking for a family and pet friendly place to camp while visiting the Black Hills South Dakota area, look no further!!"

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      6. Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA

      4.6(19)15mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground is a short distance from Custer which has an Ace Hardware, grocery stores and friendly citizens. Crazy Horse and Mt Rushmore are 30 minutes away."

      "This campground is clean and comfortable, and the perfect jumping-off point for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Wind Cave State Park, and touring the Black Hills. "

      from $60 - $100 / night

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      7. Rapid City KOA

      4.0(26)18mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Close to Mount Rushmore and crazy horse! Pirates cove mini golf is a short drive away! Great facility with standard KOA amenities."

      "My parents were able to rent a deluxe cabin right next to our campsite. My parents don’t “camp,” so this was perfect for a family vacation."

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      8. Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road

      4.4(5)4mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents

      "Very 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."

      "After 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."

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      9. Broken Arrow Horse and RV Campground

      5.0(6)14mi from KeystoneRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There were lots of horses as Buffalo Roundup was occurring. Good WIFI, clean bathrooms, wide open mountain views and close to Custer State park."

      "One of my favorite parts of this campground was the location. You get a great view of the black hills, wide open sky for start gazing, and it’s close to Custer state park and Custer itself."

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      10. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

      4.3(3)8mi from KeystoneTents

      "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."

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Keystone, SD

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Keystone, SD

    283 Reviews of 25 Keystone Campgrounds

    • Leasa W.
      Jul. 30, 2016

      Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      Excellent tenting option for vacationing near Mt. Rushmore

      So you're going to Mount Rushmore.... I discovered during my trip to the area June 2015 that hotel rates in the area are very high for what you get & hard to find availability. The solution is to camp! Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time. Keep in mind though for those coming from other areas of the country, South Dakota does experience rain and thunderstorms. Pack and camp accordingly. This campground is nearby many SD attractions, within easy driving distance and minutes of Hill City, Custer, Keystone, Rapid City, Mount Rushmore. There are many options at the campground such as purchasing firewood to renting bikes. Check out KOA's campground map for campground layout. RV hookups, tent sites, heated pools, splash pad, and much more to keep everyone entertained. Remember that this area of South Dakota hosts high volumes of tourists each season, especially summer and during Sturgis Motorcyle Rally. I highly recommend making reservations far in advance!

    • Joe C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 20, 2025

      Sheps Canyon Recreation Area

      Spacious Sites

      Nice spacious 50 amp campsites. We camped about 50 feet from the bathhouse which had four separate toilet/shower rooms which were very spacious and very clean. We were able to make the trek further down the reservoir and discovered the off grid sites. These off grid sites were very spacious and waterfront. Further down were equestrian sites with large gravel sites and private horse stalls. There was water available to fill our fifth wheel at the front of the camp where we entered along with a dump site that is not supposed to use this freshwater. We were one minute from the boat ramps. Just be aware that there is an additional fee for state parks in South Dakota. We paid $60 for a nonresident one year pass otherwise it would have been $15 per day park entry fee.

    • Billy B.
      Aug. 30, 2016

      Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

      Best campground in Custer State park

      This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water. Some of the hikes are pretty steep and South Dakota in notorious for fast changing weather. The lake itself can be pretty busy, especially during the weekend. Lot of people swimming and kayaking. Needles highway is a must if your in the area

    • Hope H.
      May. 30, 2018

      Black Fox Campground

      Quaint and Cozy Campground!

      Nestled up in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Black Fox is our 'go to' campground because of how small it is. 8-10 sites that are spread out so you're not right beside other campers. Black Fox has 1 vaulted toilet and every camp site has its own fire pit and picnic table. There is a small creek that runs right behind many of the camp sites so if you feel like doing a little rainbow trout fishing, you can. If your not into fishing, just hop on to your ATV and go explore the many trails that are situated right around the campground. Not only will you be able to enjoy nature, but you will see elk, deer, turkey and if your lucky, a mountain lion!

    • E
      Oct. 21, 2023

      Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

      Solo female kicked out in the middle of the night

      I 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.

    • N
      Jul. 8, 2021

      Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      Nice KOA but be prepared for NO cell and useless Wi-Fi

      The Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch was our first experience at KOA and really set the bar for activities and organization. From what I can tell, this is a very large KOA with a wide variety of sites. 

      Upon arrival, you can tell right away that they operate the campground well. We were directed to a staging area while we checked in. The buildings are all well maintained, and there is plenty of staff on hand throughout the campground.

      One recommendation is to look for the horses when they are brought to the corral in the morning (usually between 6:10 and 6:30 am) and then returned to where they bed down for the night (usually around 6:30 pm). It's quite the site to see roughly 30 horses running free and being guided by two people on horseback!

      The only issue that we had was with our connectivity to the outside world. We had NO cell connectivity anywhere in the campground (Verizon) and their Wi-Fi was essentially useless unless you were right next to the bathrooms. Even at the main building, there was no connectivity through Wi-Fi. Trying to connect to work was impossible, and we ended up leaving a day early because of it.

      Clearly, if you can be disconnected for your time there or are fine with trekking to Grapes & Grinds in nearby Keystone, then this is a fabulous campground. 

      3 stars only because of the Wi-Fi (cell coverage is out of their control) and only until Starlink goes live for us RVers.

    • Danielle R.
      Sep. 16, 2018

      Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

      Amazing View

      Exceptionally large park. 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. We had easy access to the West exit and had a great dining experience as well as quick access to all the local monuments. The campground was very peaceful. The showers and bathrooms were very clean. There is a centrally located atrium for events that we didn't see used. We ended up next to a group of young college age people who were spread out and noisier than most, but that was just our luck. We had a break in the tree line to see stars from our tent. There is a gas station and store right at the campground. We didn't plan enough time to give the hiking trails a chance. This campground does have horse trails.

    • J
      Aug. 30, 2018

      Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      AWESOME campground near Mount Rushmore

      We had a blast at this KOA!!  UTV rentals with State Park trails adjacent to the campground were a lot of fun (and reasonably priced).  TONS of things to do at the campground from bike rentals, pools, waterslides, sports, shopping, restaurants, trail rides, chuck wagon dinner rides, neat shops for ice cream, coffee, etc.  Just a really neat place with a big store in case you need anything.  We ended up staying another night as we were having so much fun.  Very close to Mount Rushmore and Keystone (which is a cool town too).  Check out the excursion train!!

    • Tammy B.
      Oct. 6, 2023

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Best campground in the Black Hills SD

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      4.6

      (369)

      Reviews

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      deer31

      mt. rushmore28

      custer state park27

      crazy horse memorial18

      +6

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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

      1

      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

      https://www.blackhillsrv.com

      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.

      

      4.4(20) · $

      

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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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      Fort Welikit Family Campground site? - Airstream Forums

      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.

    Guide to Keystone

    Equestrian enthusiasts seeking horse campgrounds near Keystone, South Dakota can access multiple trails through Black Hills National Forest at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. The area receives approximately 18 inches of annual precipitation, creating moderate summer riding conditions with temperatures typically between 70-80°F during peak season. Winter snowfall often closes many horse trails and campgrounds from November through April.

    What to do

    Wildlife viewing on horseback: Riders at Sylvan Lake Campground frequently encounter local wildlife during trail excursions. "Between the kayaking at Sylvan Lake, the resort amenities, hiking in Black Elk Wilderness, Black Elk Peak, this area is great," notes James M. from Sylvan Lake Campground.

    Guided trail rides for non-horse owners: Palmer Gulch offers trail rides for visitors without their own horses. "There's a lot to do here—trail rides, cookouts, and lots of programs each day and evening geared towards the family," explains Sherri C. from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch.

    Off-site riding excursions: Access nearby state park riding trails from your horse camping base. "We LOVED Blue Bell and Custer State Park! The campgrounds were very clean and quiet," shares Kathy M. from Blue Bell Campground, mentioning how "evening programs offered every night were educational and entertaining."

    What campers like

    Clean stall facilities: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained horse facilities. "The entire property is pristine. Even the horse stalls are immaculate," notes Susan & Kevin W. at Broken Arrow Horse and RV Campground, adding "the only occasional sounds are the whinnying of horses. Which is a great sound."

    Morning equestrian activities: Some campgrounds create special experiences with their horse programs. "By far my favorite thing every morning was the 'cowgirl wake up call' when they rounded up the horses and herded them to the front of the campground along a channel near our campsite," shares Terrie M. about Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch.

    Private sites: Many equestrian campers value the space provided at certain campgrounds. "The campgrounds were very clean and quiet. Camp hosts were very knowledgeable and available if needed," explains Kathy M. about Blue Bell Campground. "Wild turkey, rabbit, and deer roam the grounds regularly."

    What you should know

    Horse camping planning required: Horse-friendly campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Our site was not the best for a 45' class A, but with the help of one of the camp hosts supplying a portable step our visit was enjoyable," explains Tom D. from Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park.

    Varying levels of horse amenities: Not all campgrounds offer the same level of equestrian services. "Horse stables and trail rides directly from the campground entrance" are available at some locations, while others provide only basic facilities like hitching posts.

    Weather impacts: Trail conditions can change rapidly based on weather. "South Dakota is notorious for fast changing weather," warns Billy B. about Sylvan Lake Campground. "Make sure you pack plenty of water. Some of the hikes are pretty steep."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground options: Children need activities between trail rides. "There's a great playground and plenty of room to run around. We don't have horses but seeing them come in and out of camp was a lot of fun," reports Rebekah S. about Broken Arrow Horse and RV Campground.

    Educational opportunities: Look for campgrounds offering programs focused on local wildlife and ecosystems. "The jr. Ranger programs were great for our girls and we enjoyed the learning," shares Joe W. from Blue Bell Campground.

    Off-site family adventures: Plan non-equestrian activities to balance your trip. "There are UTVs that you can rent to go out on the trails, there's a fun zone for the kids that has bouncy houses, the pools, Mini Golf and more!" recommends Lynn N. at Rafter J Bar Ranch.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for horse trailers: Choose sites specifically designed for equestrian needs. "Sites are gravel, open with some ponderosa pines," explains Kirby & Donna D. about Blue Bell Campground, noting the campground offers "electric hookups" essential for many horse owners.

    Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. "We had a nice back in site on the edge of a hill with plenty of privacy. However most the full hookup sites were really tight and had no shade," reports Zach H. about Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch.

    Road conditions: Access roads to some horse camps require careful navigation. "After 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," advises Wayne L. about dispersed camping options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Keystone, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Keystone, SD is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 55 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Keystone, SD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 25 equestrian camping locations near Keystone, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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