Looking for an adventure where you can explore Lead and then fall asleep in your tent? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Lead's most popular destinations.
*Camping Area open only for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Strawberry is located approximately five miles south of Lead and Deadwood, SD off US Highway 385. This recreation area has picnic and tent camping sites. (Tent camping is allowed at four out of the five picnic sites here). A paved sidewalk takes you to a nearby small pond with fishing platforms. Restroom facilities are available, however there is no potable water.
$17 / night
The Northern Hills Ranger District covers the northern portion of the Black Hills on the South Dakota side. Spearfish has nearby access to over 300 miles of snowmobile trails, groomed and ungroomed cross-country ski trails, a 100 mile long hiking trail (Centennial Trail) and many other trails, a 110 mile long biking, hiking and horseback trail (Mickelson Trail), and 2 downhill ski areas (ski areas are near Deadwood, SD - 15 miles away).
Legend
This is a nice little campground to get away from the hussle of the city. The tent sites are level and great for tent camping. The is a little creek in the park and at the time we were there it was flowing big. Nice area, would go back.
Traveler
We tent camped here for a night. All tent sites are given out on a first come first serve basis. We got a quiet spot along the Spearfish River for $25/night. This campground has an awesome bathroom and shower which require a code to access. Definitely will stay here again.
Traveler
Overall the campground was great. Showers, washing machines, places for kids to play, pool area, kind neighbors. We did run into a couple problems when it came to tent camping here. The bathroom closest to us had 2 toilets and 2 showers which were nearly always full and we had to walk across the campground to another bathroom. Another thing, some of the tent sites are slanted. The blood was either rushing to my head or I was sliding down the bottom of the tent. It is a little bit awkward and not ideal. Having a campfire was a nice plus though (they even had water to put it out with).
RangerVery friendly staff. All the amenities needed. Clean bathrooms and showers. Ample laundry facilities! Don’t forget your roll of quarters! (They have change too) We tent camped in 106 (closest to bathhouse so you can hear air hand dryer but quickest bathroom access). All the tent sites appeared to be very nice. They are drive up! Surrounded by mountains and deer walk right through campground. Location was perfect and within miles of all attractions! We saw some of the other campgrounds in the area and are more than pleased we chose this one! RV sites in the front appeared a little more crowded than those towards the back. Also, had some small cabins and there was ample room for the tent in front of it. We would choose this campground at our next visit! Kids loved the on-site “gold mining” activity!
Scout
Beautiful camp sites. They are mostly gravel so pack a nice sleeping pad or blow up mattress. The pit toilets were very clean and the water spouts were plentiful. Many of the sites have natural rock formations as natural boundaries of the site. Many tent camp sites have raised platforms to pitch your tent. There is a small trail around the lake that was lovely in the evenings. The lake is very quiet and great for fishing or kayaking.
Traveler
Small but quiet and set among the Black Hills of South Dakota, this RV and Tent camping site has clean bathrooms with showers, WiFi, a great cafe, lots of shade, and friendly service. We stayed at the KOA first, but wish our first night had been here!
Scout
This campground is open year round and is located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Features cabin, camper, and tent sites. Also has very nice bathroom facilities that includes showers. A nice little creek runs along the back of the campground and the wildlife are abundant, especially Buffalo and deer that roam directly next to the campsite.
Scout
We thought we had found a great place to stay. Made a reservation. Paid the $25 deposit did some research and looked at the reviews. Let me tell you how let down we were.
We were driving up to where it was and we could see from the main road our tent site. We thought hey maybe it's one further back and not right next to the road. So we go and check In and we are right next to the road.andnot even just a road to get to the place but like a main road right off the town houses across the street busy road. Also there little plots are small, like very small. Big enough for our 6 person tent & SUV? yes. After that however, not much room for anything else. Super small fire pit and our neighbors were right next to us. Like so close we could hear them chatting. Maybe if you have an RV go for it. If you are tent camping though I wouldn't recommend. We paid the $100.00 cause they are very strict about refund and well let's get honest they do give them even though there was a ton of tent spots left. Even after we knew we weren't getting out money back decided to forfeit the $100.00 and find a different camp site. So many better camp sites. More space, and not right off the main road where you can listen to cars all night and have lights shining in at you. If you really need a place that has a shower, play ground for kids and a dog run then go for it. However if you are like us and like to camp and don't really need a playground or a dog run and would like some space fr ol m your neighbor camper then please find somewhere else. They have so many just take a drive or Google other sites. Your inner Camper will thank you. In the photo, the trees right there are after a 2 lane road the fence is the edge of Ft. Welikit and other edge of that road. Way too close.
Guide
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!
Traveler
good campground with amenities - free showers! very few tent sites. mostly RV’s. Our tent site 21E was VERY close to the neighbors. close to stockade lake which was much more peaceful than sylvan lake.
Scout
Was fine is almost always full. Charge 18 a night to tent camp
Scout
The camp sites were very spread out and decently flat for tent camping
Scout
The view is pretty and just a decent place to spend the night. It's a little bit outside Custer and the the road goes about a 2 miles in before you get to the spot. I camped in a tent but there were others in a 5th wheel, a class A, and a subaru. No amenities but a nice quiet place to camp. It connects to other trails so there are occasionally other vehicles that drive by.
Ranger
Campground seems large but sites are pretty densely packed. I tent in back of my pickup so like a little more space. Mostly designed for RVs and trailers, but there are tent sites with and without electricity. Didn't use the shower house because of drenching rain. There is a small vault toilet near tent sites which was pretty deplorable for so early in the season. For the price, id rather stay at Rocky point state rec area campground.
Traveler
Maybe if your in an RV it’s better? Tent sites are all the way at the top of the hill. Not even in walking distance to bathrooms, showers or the pool. We felt remote up there, which I suppose isn’t a bad thing. Very uneven grassy spaces. They did have shuttle to town. Convenient to town deadwood and lead and to attractions.
Scout
Great campground! Have tent camped here many times and will be staying here in my RV in 2021! Everyone courteous and rates are great
Guide
I was tent camping and it was great how they have special sites to put the tents straight. So much wildlife to see! Very clean restrooms. Wildlife all arround...
Guide
Tent sites are packed in. Great showers and bathroom. Hot Tub was a plus.
Scout
Stayed mid August nice clean and friendly staff. Tent sites are good sized
Scout
Great value, friendly owners, tent site next to creek and clean facilities.
GuideClean small and private campground, the campsites here are perfect for tent camping and the area is absolutely gorgeous. Would definitely recommend and forsure coming back. 10/10
Traveler
Not many tent sites, but decent amount of space. Some shade. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Nice pool area. Convenient off the interstate. Good location.
ScoutThere are some tent sites with a weather protecting pergola with electricity. The highway is visible but more good than not about this camp.
GuideThis is a beautiful campground. The grounds are just about spotless. The RV sites are pretty small with maybe 6 ft between campers. The tent sites are quite spacious.
Guide
Tent site no hookups. A little expensive but a couple miles from devils tower. Cook lake offers fishing, kayaking, etc. no pets on devil tower trails.
Scout
The tent sites are gorgeous! You may have to move some pinecones, needles, and large sticks, but the grass is quite soft. Bathrooms is clean, but there is only one.
TravelerTent sites are in an open field with a handful of trees. The trade off is the wide open skies and STARS. Bathrooms and Showers are Awesome!
Tent camping near Lead, South Dakota, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lead, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lead, SD is Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lead, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Lead, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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