Dog-Friendly Camping near Nemo, SD

195 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Boxelder Forks Campground charges a $2 pet fee per night in addition to the standard $24 camping rate, with half-price discounts available for America the Beautiful pass holders. This Black Hills National Forest site welcomes pets at all 14 first-come, first-served campsites, providing access to a beautiful creek that dogs particularly enjoy. West Nemo Dispersed Camping offers free primitive camping with pets allowed and no designated sites, making it ideal for those seeking budget-friendly options with their animals. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch features a designated dog park behind some campsites, though reviews note this proximity can create noise issues for adjacent sites. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less, with Elk Mountain Campground specifically enforcing this policy for all dogs.

    The dog-friendly trail system surrounding Nemo provides excellent exercise opportunities for pets, with the Michelson Trail approximately one mile from Fort Welikit Family Campground offering 114 miles of pet-accessible pathways through the mountains. Many campgrounds feature fenced dog parks, including Fort Welikit which recently added a second area specifically for smaller dogs. Wildlife encounters require vigilance when camping with pets as deer and wild turkeys frequently wander through campsites throughout the Black Hills region. The small town of Nemo, located about three miles from Boxelder Forks Campground, offers limited services including restaurants, bars and a convenience store. Campers needing veterinary care can find the nearest hospital approximately one mile from some campgrounds. Summer temperatures in the Black Hills can fluctuate significantly, requiring pet owners to ensure adequate shade and water access throughout their stay.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Nemo (195)

      1. Pactola Reservoir Campground

      4.4(31)8mi from Nemo79 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "A tent-only area, which I appreciate- those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities- tables, fire pits, bathrooms."

      "A tent-only area, which I appreciate - those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities - tables, fire pits, bathrooms."

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

      4.4(31)15mi from Nemo111 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This campground offers over 90 sites along the shores of a lovely reservoir in the vacation wonderland of the Black Hills of South Dakota."

      "So close to so many places to visit, which we never did (we loved every minute being disconnected). The weather was mostly perfect, besides some hail and rain a couple nights."

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

      4.2(55)20mi from NemoRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it."

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

      4. Boxelder Forks Campground — Black Hills National Forest

      4.8(9)2mi from Nemo14 sitesRVs, Tents

      "24  a night (half price with America the beautiful pass) + $2 for pets.  Hand cranked water well and two vault toilets.  Beautiful creek right next to the campground. "

      "There is also a store nearby if you forget anything. A beautiful creek flows next to the campground for wading. I would love to go back! My children still talk about it."

      from $24 / night

      5. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

      4.8(32)20mi from NemoTents

      "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."

      "Camping area near Mount Rushmore. I was able to find a camping area without a problem. The road does have some bumps in it but overall you do not need a four-wheel drive."

      6. West Nemo - Dispersed Camping

      3.9(7)1mi from Nemo

      "It is a bit noisy because of the trails used by off-road vehicles."

      "This spot is at the end of a forest road that runs west of Nemo, SD. There are other dispersed camping sites along the way as well."

      7. Roubaix Lake

      4.5(8)8mi from Nemo59 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "It's a nice location. Not too far from town, so you can easily drive into deadwood, for the day/night if you want. Beautiful spot, I recently stayed in a site just a short walk away from the water."

      "This campground is very quiet and serene, the lake is great for fishing, floating or just swimming. Our spot I was worried about cause our tent is gigantic."

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Horsethief Lake Campground

      4.6(31)21mi from Nemo42 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Situated on a small lake, you can cliff-dive here, fish or visit the needles hiking trail. The campsites are nice, but fill up quickly."

      "If you're touring the Black Hills, and hitting all of the outdoor attractions, Horsethief Lake is perfectly placed to access it all."

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Wild Bill's Campground

      4.5(10)12mi from Nemo99 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Nestled between 2 streams and the tall pines of the Black Hills, we stayed 3 nights with our 3 dogs. It has everything you need, though the 50 amp sites are back-in, not pull thru."

      "Easy to find, very close to Deadwood, clean showers and bathrooms and it has a bar a grill! Bar and grill was so good and I’m still dreaming about that burger."

      from $28 - $160 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Three Flags RV Park

      4.5(8)9mi from NemoRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The location is super convenient, right off I-90 with easy access to Sturgis, Mount Rushmore, and Deadwood."

      "Negs, close to highway, train. Short dirt road. Pos, nice folks, easy in/out, very clean."

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Nemo, SD

    1556 Reviews of 195 Nemo Campgrounds


    • Wendy
      Aug. 31, 2020

      Chris' Campground

      quiet place, but a few fyi's

      They advertise that they have Wi-Fi but it's almost like they shut it off at 10 o'clock at night when quiet time starts which is a great time for looking up directions or places to see, we could never connect for long and streaming- which means no Netflix its against the rules(which we never saw only overheard). They allow fires but make sure you get a metal ring because it's illegal to have a fire in south Dakota if you don't have one they have them but they don't leave them at the sites or let you know they are available. Also no petting zoo we specifically came here thinking they had one because they advertised and after we arrived they informed us it was turned into a dog park i have no pictures but there's not much to see here

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 20, 2025

      Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins

      A True Resort

      We wanted to spend a couple of days in the Black Hills and also needed full hookups and laundry after about a week of boondocking - Elk Horn Ridge gave us that and more. Easy access off I-90 and super close to Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and all this area of South Dakota has to offer. The campground is a true resort with concrete pad sites with modern full hookup connections, beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the Frawley Ranch, and a wonderful pool, a pool-side bar, dog park, basketball and pickleball courts, coffee bar and laundry. Our rig was a dirty mess from the boondocking and Elk Horn Ridge even has local mobile companies that come to your site and clean your rig. Ours was cleaned while we hiked the Spearfish Canyon!Loved our time here and special kudos to Ellee and Jordan for their welcome at check in and drinks after dinner!

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 28, 2022

      Spearfish KOA

      One of the Nicer KOAs

      The KOA was very easy to find right off I 90 and US 85. Check-in was quick and easy and we were guided to pull in site 65 with FHUs. The utilities are smartly placed in the middle of the pad. Our pad was plenty long enough for our 39 fifth wheel and F450 truck. The staff was super nice and helpful and the campground(CG) was well-maintained. We used their laundry room with 6 washers and 6 dryers for$2 a wash and$2 to dry. A bonus was that the dryers actually dried the clothes in 30 minutes. We were right across from their small fenced dog park. We were also close to the 7.5-mile nature trail entrance from the park to the river, which was great for walking our dogs. The CG has curbside trash pick-up plus firewood& ice for sale. The WiFi was above average for a park this size. We got two bars on Verizon. There are trees in the CG, but not enough to prevent you from getting a satellite shot into the sky. Guests with dogs here do not pick up after their dogs in the dog park and especially along the back side of the CG where we were staying. We saw dog poops all over the place and witnessed several times out our back window, and in the dog park, people not picking up after their dogs. The CG doesn't seem to enforce picking up after your pet. There is a lot to see and do in the area. As we were here in October, the leaves were changing in Spearfish Canyon and we enjoyed a really nice leaf peeper drive, and then visited Deadwood, which was having its Octoberfest.

    • B
      Sep. 4, 2021

      Heartland RV Park And Cabins

      Tidy, Clean, Friendly, Attractions

      This is a great place to stay. Not far from Rapid City but close to all the attractions in South Dakota. The heated pool was NOT heated and the hot tub was NOT hot. That is why I gave the CG four stars. I was really looking forward to using them. Also, both seemed overloaded with chemicals. I have owned lots of pools with blue colored bottoms, but these looked like there was “Ty-d-bowl” added. Brilliant, stark blue. I just don’t believe it can be just the basic treatment. See what you think. ???The laundry areas (3 of them) were clean and tidy, too. $2.00 for each, but 45 minutes on the dryer, so that’s fair. 😀 Our spot was a bit difficult for us to level our rig on because the rocks kept slipping. We had to go purchase extra Xchocks. There is a nice store for basic needs, and alcohol, and an event schedule for evening entertainment. The event center serves wings (no celery or carrot sticks), pizza, etc. There is a playground for kids and they said a dog park. —-I did find a big area there, but no fence around it. ???

    • Jan S.
      Aug. 22, 2021

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Great location for Custer State Park and surrounding area

      Very friendly owners. Gravel pads, most have some grassy areas. Turkey and deer walk thru. Has small clean dogpark. Town of Custer has large clean dog park within 2 mile drive. Stayed in 53 FHU 3 nights then moved to 45 W/E as we made reservations late. Both faced away from the center of the campground which was nice. Nice laundry . Okay bath/ shower..didn't use but looked ok. Great campground for folks with dogs and for super easy access to town of Custer and the State Park.

    • Jon M.
      May. 20, 2020

      Spearfish KOA

      Very nice campground

      Nice people, very clean bathrooms, close to highway so there’s some road noise. Nature trail with off leash dog area, and a small dog park in the middle for off leash doggy play time.

    • TyAnn J.
      Aug. 7, 2017

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Ranger Review: OOFOS OOlala Slide Sandal at For Welikit Family Campground and RV Park in The Black Hills National Forest Custer, SD

      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!! We started planning our family trip 6 months ago, and booked the Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV park based on reviews we read online. We wanted to be in between Custer State Park (Kids choice) and The Badlands (Dad and Moms choice)

      There are 100 sites nestled in gorgeous tall pine trees. The tent sites are located on the south two loops, and the Tipi and Cabins sites are mixed in with the RV sites. We stayed 9 days in site 20 that is a RV 50 Amp Pull through site. Check in time is 1:00pm, and check out time is 11:00am. **Very important to know: The trees are fighting the Pine Beetle, so they DO NOT allow you to hang anything like clothes line or hammocks on them. ALSO they DO NOT allow you to bring in out of the area firewood. They do sell approved firewood at the office for $4.50 for a small bundle. The family style bathrooms were located just behind our site, and were cleaned daily. (If we ever stayed there again we would ask for a space on a further loop, as this was a high traffic area!!) The offer a laundry room with washers and dryers as well, but bring our quarters as a wash cycle was $1.75 a load, and the dryer is .25 for a 6 minute cycle. The added kids old time fort play area and the dog park area were well kept and there was plenty of room to play ladder ball and washer toss. We would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking for a family/pet friendly area. If you are looking for solitude, this would not be the place for you.

      ...................................................

      Product Review:

      As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. I tested the OOlala Slide Sandal from OOFOS Footwear https://www.oofos.com/ that I won in the West North Central Review Contest in June. Let me begin by saying I was a little nervous when I thought about what size to order (I am an 8 & 1/2 Wide ladies) I went to the website, and immediately drawn to the OOlala Slide Sandal. When I went into the description, under the "pick your size" button is a handy little "sizing" tab. When you click the tab it reads "If you normally wear a whole size: order the same whole size OOFOS. If you normally wear a half size: Order a half size UP for best fit. (MEN: Order a half size DOWN for best fit) Problem solved!! I ordered the sandals on July 1st and they were delivered on my doorstep on July 5th. Talk about FAST shipping for a holiday week to boot!!

      When I took the sandals out of the package I was very impressed with the shape and styling of the shoe. I put them on and know that this was no ordinary pair of slip on sandals!! The arch support immediately took pressure off the ball of my foot, and the cushion put a springy bounce in every single step I took. I couldn't wait to take them on our 10 day family vacation to see how they performed!!

      Day #1 we hiked the Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). It is the highest summit in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. After our 7 mile hike, I couldn't wait to put my OOFOS sandals on and let the recovery begin!! I wore them while showering and walking back to the campsite. My feet did not slip or slide in them, and they were dry within minutes!! The next day we headed to The Bad Lands, and I wore them all day long. They kept my feet comfortable and energized while putting on another 7 miles of walking!! After returning home from our vacation I have worn my OOFOS gardening, fishing, and even washing my SUV. I am 100% hooked on OOFOS!!

    • Tammy B.
      Oct. 6, 2023

      Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park

      Best campground in the Black Hills SD

      Photos

      Reviews

      Camping

      Prices

      Trails

      About

      Main Results

      Google review summary

      4.6

      (369)

      Reviews

      All

      deer31

      mt. rushmore28

      custer state park27

      crazy horse memorial18

      +6

      Sort by

      Most relevant

      Newest

      Highest

      Lowest

      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

      

      

      RV LIFE Campground Reviews

      https://campgrounds.rvlife.com › fo...

      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) · $$$

      Campendium

      https://www.campendium.com › for...

      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 ...

      Reservations

      Site Map

      RV

      Locate / Contact Us

      Photos

      Tent

      Cabins

      Grand Design Owners Forum

      https://www.mygrandrv.com › forum

      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 ...

      The Dyrt

      App installed

      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) · $

      Facebook

      https://m.facebook.com › FortWelikit

      Fort Welikit Family Campground | Custer SD

      Fort Welikit Family Campground · Page · Campground · (605) 673-3600 · blackhillsrv.com · Rating · 4.4 (388 Reviews).

      4.4(133)

      Airforums

      https://www.airforums.com › forums

      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

      Good Sam

      https://www.goodsam.com › details

      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 ...

      Related searches

      Fort welikit family campground reviews yelp

      Fort welikit family campground reviews tripadvisor

      Fort welikit map

      Custer's Gulch campground reviews

      Big Pine Campground Custer reviews

      Custer Crazy Horse Campground reviews

      Big Pine Campground map

      Best RV Campground in Custer State Park

      Page Navigation

      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.

    • Tom B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 13, 2025

      Boxelder Forks Campground — Black Hills National Forest

      Absolutely beautiful campground in the Black Hills National forest.

      First come/first served - 14 day limit.  $24  a night (half price with America the beautiful pass) + $2 for pets.  Hand cranked water well and two vault toilets.  Beautiful creek right next to the campground.  I stayed in a 24ft travel trailer. The little town of Nemo is about three miles away, with a couple of nice restaurants/bars and gas/convenience store.  There is an RV park in Nemo and you can use their dump station for $10.


    Guide to Nemo

    Camping options near Nemo, South Dakota range from small, primitive forest service campgrounds to larger sites with a variety of amenities. Located in the northern Black Hills at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, the Nemo area experiences temperature fluctuations between 40-85°F during summer months. The region sits at the intersection of several forest service roads, making it a popular access point for OHV trails and dispersed camping options.

    What to Do

    Explore OHV trails: West Nemo dispersed camping area connects to multiple off-road vehicle trails. "There are other dispersed camping sites along the way as well. This spot butts up right next to a cliff with the Boxelder Creek running below and gives good views of the Black Hills to the south," notes Jim H. about West Nemo - Dispersed Camping.

    Fish in mountain lakes: Several nearby lakes offer fishing opportunities within 20-30 minutes of Nemo. "There's a trailhead 'Black Elk Wilderness' nearby that takes you into the woods. The lake below is a popular fishing spot," explains Shelly S. about Horsethief Lake Campground.

    Enjoy water recreation: Sheridan Lake, about 25 minutes south of Nemo, offers swimming and fishing. "Reserved a site in the Chipper loop for a last minute trip to SD, worked out pretty well and snagged #86 by the lake. Great views, although it was a little close to other sites for my personal preference," shares Alexis R.

    What Campers Like

    Proximity to attractions: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Nemo provide easy access to regional attractions. "15 minutes from Deadwood and Lead, 1 hour from Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial (a must see!)," reports Angela M. about Wild Bill's Campground.

    Secluded forest sites: Smaller campgrounds provide privacy compared to larger facilities. "Clean 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," writes Conor P. about Boxelder Forks.

    Accessible water features: Campers value sites with easy water access. "Had private lake access from our site. Well kept primitive camp ground," mentions Kara S. about Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground. Many pet-friendly sites in the Nemo area feature creek or lake access.

    What You Should Know

    Seasonal availability: Many smaller campgrounds operate on limited seasonal schedules. "Hand cranked water well and two vault toilets. Beautiful creek right next to the campground. I stayed in a 24ft travel trailer," reports Tom B. about Boxelder Forks Campground.

    Bathroom facilities: Most forest service campgrounds have vault toilets with varying cleanliness levels. "The vault toilet was clean and spacious. It's quiet and private. You're surrounded by pine trees, and Box Elder Creek flows nearby," says Donna E.

    Reservation systems: Many campgrounds in the area work on a first-come, first-served basis. At Roubaix Lake, "This campground is very quiet and serene, the lake is great for fishing, floating or just swimming. Our spot I was worried about cause our tent is gigantic. It fit it, as well as everyone else's that we were with," says Rachael R.

    Tips for Camping with Families

    OHV rentals: For families with older children, several locations offer vehicle rentals. "This campground is very clean, well kept, and VERY Large! There are UTVs that you can rent to go out on the trails," recommends Lynn N. about Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch.

    Kid-friendly lakes: Select campgrounds with swimming beaches suitable for children. "The lake is small but still great," notes Shiloh D. about Roubaix Lake, which maintains a designated swimming area away from fishing zones.

    Scheduled activities: Some larger facilities offer organized events. "There's always an evening event and breakfast is available-do not miss out on the pancakes. Geared toward RVs but there are a few decent sites for small tent with trees for shade," explains AJ L. about Rapid City KOA.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited hookups: Most forest service campgrounds near Nemo have no hookups. "No electricity or running water but well worth it. We had a spot just above the lake and plenty of room to do whatever we wanted!" shares Ryan M. about Pactola Reservoir.

    Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "One of the largest KOAs in the US. It's basically a small town with two pools, a village of shops and restaurants, tons of activities, and a large horse stable with trail rides. 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," warns Zach H. about Palmer Gulch.

    Dump station access: Plan for waste management at commercial facilities. "There is an RV park in Nemo and you can use their dump station for $10," advises Tom B. about options near Boxelder Forks Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nemo, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nemo, SD is Pactola Reservoir Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nemo, SD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 195 dog-friendly camping locations near Nemo, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.