Black Hills campgrounds near Keystone, South Dakota operate primarily between May and October, with most closing by mid-October due to winter weather conditions at elevations ranging from 4,400 to 5,200 feet. Temperatures can vary widely during camping season, with average highs from 70-85°F in summer but dropping below freezing at night by late September. Cell phone reception varies considerably throughout the area, with many campgrounds reporting stronger connections on ridgelines and weaker service in valleys.
What to do
Hiking at Sylvan Lake: Located just 5 miles from Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park, this popular area offers trails for all skill levels. "Perfect location for mt Rushmore and wind cave NP... It was 30 minutes to mt Rushmore and then 30 minutes to wind cave. The town of Custer was also quaint and had a grocery store and several shops and restaurants," reports Brenda L.
Biking the Mickelson Trail: Access this converted rail trail just 2 miles from Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort. "2 miles from Mickelson trail- hop on your bike and ride 6 miles up to Crazy Horse!" shares Kim H., making this perfect for family rides through the Black Hills.
Wildlife viewing in Custer State Park: Early morning and evening offer the best times to spot buffalo, elk, and pronghorn. "We spent 6 nights and had awesome day trips with wildlife experience the entire stay," notes Barbara F. from Heartland RV Park. The Wildlife Loop Road is particularly good for buffalo sightings at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds have upgraded their shower houses. "Bathhouse was clean and also nice. We used the laundry facilities and were very satisfied. They had both large and smaller washers," mentions Brenda L. about Fort Welikit Family Campground.
On-site dining options: Several campgrounds offer food service for campers who don't want to cook. "The small restaurant with limited menu and a bar is a big plus. They are located in the Event Center which hosts live music on many evenings," says Duncan G. about Heartland RV Park and Cabins.
Proximity to downtown areas: Walking access to restaurants and shops is valued by many campers. "Loved being able to walk to shops, breweries, and restaurants in downtown Custer from here. Also had good WiFi and a nice bathroom facility," writes Tucker B. about French Creek RV Camp.
What you should know
Limited water availability: Some campgrounds don't offer full hookups or have water restrictions. At Custer's Last Chance RV Park, "There is not a dump at this location or electric hook ups... They will deliver water to you to fill up your fresh water tank," explains Clint G. Water quality can also vary by location.
Highway noise levels: Proximity to roads impacts some campgrounds more than others. "This park is situated right on a four-lane highway. We were almost as far from the highway as was possible and the highway noise is unreal," notes Sam from Heartland RV Park and Cabins.
Site spacing differences: RV parks vary widely in how close together they place units. At Custer's Gulch RV Park, "They had lush green yards in between each site with gravel, level pads and plenty of yard or forest behind each RV too. After driving around, we're convinced this park was the best choice in Custer," mentions Love4travel T.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer designated pet areas. "Fenced in dog park. Restaurant and bar on site with live music. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean restrooms and laundry facilities," notes Roger M. about Heartland RV Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreation areas. At Rapid City RV Park & Campground, "A pool and playground for the kids to relax when the vacationing takes a toll and you need a day off," says Cassandra I.
Off-site veterinary care: If traveling with pets, know where to find emergency care. "We also visited a vet for our pup while there and would definitely recommend Southern Hills animal clinic. They were awesome! And very affordable," shares Brenda L.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Black Hills rv sites near Keystone, South Dakota require some effort to level rigs. "Sites are graded but location is on a hill making getting around a pain. The weather was very, very hot when we were there and there wasn't any shade at our spot," reports Vincent B. about Rapid City RV Park.
Dump station access: Plan your sanitation needs carefully. At some campgrounds like Custer's Last Chance, "You have to pull in slide outs to dump and then return to your sight," explains Nancy W., which can be inconvenient for larger RVs.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds have mineral-rich well water. At Rushmore View RV, one camper noted, "The water quality is awful! We went to the next site possible and flushed all water systems due to the bad quality." Consider bringing filtration systems when camping in this area.
