t
tom S.
Scout
ScoutArmour Lions Park
Stopped for the night
This park is very nice. The showers were among the best I’ve seen in a park.
Best Campgrounds in South Dakota
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping and The Wall Boondocking Dispersed provide free camping options in South Dakota, with both located near Badlands National Park. South Dakota campgrounds range from primitive dispersed sites on public lands to fully developed private campgrounds with cabin rentals and RV hookups. Several established campgrounds in the Badlands region offer toilets and picnic tables at free or low-cost sites, while campgrounds near Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park provide more amenities including electric hookups and shower facilities.
The Black Hills region contains numerous campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation requirements. Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park offers electric hookups and water but prohibits fires, while Sylvan Lake Campground in Custer State Park provides full amenities including showers and firewood. Dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities but allow pets and alcohol. Several campgrounds close seasonally, with most operating between May and October. A camper noted, "This is our third time here and this time there are markers for where to park to camp. The Forest service is managing the area so people cannot park right at the edge of the cliff like in times past."
National grasslands and forest service roads provide numerous opportunities for dispersed camping throughout South Dakota. Campers report particularly scenic experiences at overlooks within Buffalo Gap National Grassland. According to one review, "Beautiful overlook of the Cheyenne River on FS land. Gorgeous colorful landscape. Large turnaround with plenty of room." Established campgrounds in the Mount Rushmore area feature concrete pads, landscaped grounds, and resort amenities like pools and recreation facilities. Private campgrounds often include cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV camping options. Seasonal variations affect road conditions, especially for accessing dispersed camping areas, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles after rainfall. Many campgrounds implement fire restrictions during dry periods, particularly in the Badlands region.
Best Camping Sites in South Dakota (562)
1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
136 ReviewsWall, SDWebsite+1 (605) 279-2125"I camped on the ridge in the South Dakota grasslands. I was able to look out my front door and see the badlands or or see the grasslands out my rear window."
"The site is about 6-8 miles from the town of Wall, so while you are in a remote area, you still have ready access to food, shopping, and gas if you need it."
2. Sage Creek Campground
123 ReviewsWall, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5361"Definitely pay your park entrance fee! BUT it’s true - this spot is completely free. Lots of people dig this spot. Doesn’t feel too crowded though."
"Great views, prairie dogs were so cool to see running around the camp site. Bison everywhere on the drive in and a few even walking around the camp site. Super close to badlands park entrance."
3. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
121 ReviewsInterior, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5460$37 - $47 / night
"Stayed one night in a converted Sprinter while traveling through South Dakota, we needed a place with showers. The showers and restrooms were pay to use, with a single curtain as privacy."
"Despite some not so positive reviews, we enjoyed our one-night stay at Cedar Pass. Yes, the campground layout is not well designed."
4. Badlands Hotel & Campground
63 ReviewsInterior, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5335$24 - $174 / night
"We liked: tent sites on the outskirts, trail / dog-hiking area, proximity to Badlands. Showers and price were ok. To earn 5 stars it needs more seclusion and trees for tent sites."
"The campground was great and super close to the Badlands park entrance. The owners were very nice and helpful."
5. Badlands / White River KOA
60 ReviewsInterior, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5337"Although the camp ground is outside the park, the views from the areas surrounding the campground are great."
"v=hoIu_r-fQ5E) Product Review:
During our road trip around the US, I was able to try out the GO camper from SylvanSport."
6. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
56 ReviewsHill City, SDWebsite"Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."
"The location is amazing and so beautiful. There are tons of amenities and fun activities. The staff are very nice and very helpful."
7. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
48 ReviewsPringle, SDWebsite+1 (605) 745-4600$24 - $45 / night
"Close to many South Dakota tourist sites."
"This campground is centrally locates to some great activities in South Dakota. We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore."
8. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
44 ReviewsWall, SDWebsite+1 (605) 279-2126"I spent a couple of weeks in the Badlands area of South Dakota this past summer. I camped for 5 night along The Wall. "
"Arrived past dark, could determine where to go so parked along roadside. In AM found The Wall well populated with overnight campers. We can see why!"
9. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
40 ReviewsCuster, SDWebsite+1 (605) 255-4515"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."
"We had one of the spots that was more out in the open and close to our neighbors, but the sites on the outside of the middle loop were much more private."
10. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
41 ReviewsBrandon, SDWebsite+1 (605) 582-7243"South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."
"They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."
Recent Camping Photos in South Dakota
930 Photos of 562 South Dakota Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Stockade South Campground — Custer State Park
Three Forks Campground
Sawtooth RV Park and Cabins
Black Hills RV Park
Bear Butte State Park Campground
Mount Rushmore Under Canvas
Cloud Nine Camping
Wickiup Village Cabins
Custer Crazy Horse Campground & Cabin 13 Coffee Shoph
Chief White Crane Recreation AreaS
Wild Bill's Campground
Recent Reviews in South Dakota
3474 Reviews of 562 South Dakota Campgrounds
Derek P.
TravelerCOE Lake Francis Case West Chamberlain Recreation Area
Good stop
Great spot. Beautiful view. Pit toilets at a public boat ramp 150 yards away. Gravel entry road a bit difficult to spot but fine. You could access from the paved boat ramp entry if you know.
- BBrandon L.
GuideHeartland RV Park
Full Service Campground
The campground has full hook, ups, a restaurant, a pool, laundry everything you could possibly need and it’s extremely clean. The staff was extremely friendly and very, very helpful.
- HHoward P.Scout
Crystal Park
Stayed when damselflies were doing their job crystal park used to have turtles
Weather cooling down State Fsir almost over super quiet I like the fountain colors
Taylor M.TravelerSage Creek Campground
Tent camping
Pretty windy although you have some calm days I stayed for 3 nights winds got up to 20mph but as long as you stake down your tent ur all good. There’s a ton of prarire dogs right in the camping area along with bison one walked right past our tent! Theres pit toilets on both side of the campground and it is pretty busy and fills up fast I reccommend arriving before dinner time.
- TTyler D.Guide
Kadoka Lake
Nice over night spot
This is a great spot for when needing a spot to sleep overnight. You can definitely see where people got stuck in the mud but if it’s dry it’s no problem to get around though I still wouldn’t recommend taking any kind of rig out here. Not really sure how this spot got signed up as a dispersed spot as there’s a large house 500 yards or so away, but it’s a nice open area with a great sunset. We didn’t have any issues. There are a lot of flies and cow manure as a heads up. We did see cows on the other side of the fence.
- JasonGuide
Badlands Boondocking Dispersed Camping Area
Amazing Sunrises
10 minutes to Wall, 10 to Badlands. Love this spot. Right on small cliffs facing the East. Lots of spots to pick. Roads are kind of rutted out but not that bad that tall vehicles can only make it.
- BBrandt L.Traveler
Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
Nice spot
There are 3 spots at this specific location. There are more spots further down the road. We stayed here 10 days while exploring Deadwood, Spearfish, Lead, and Sturgis. I gave this spot 4 stars instead 5 for the following reasons:
- The gravel road is narrow with some very tight blind curves, which was a little sketch in our 32ft RV.
- Over the course of our stay, several people really tried to encroach on our space driving right up to our RV. Rude.
Joey T.ScoutBig Pine Campground
Really nice stay
Had a really nice stay at Big Pine Campground. The setting is beautiful, with plenty of trees and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it easy to relax. The sites are spacious, the bathrooms and showers were clean, and the staff was genuinely friendly and helpful. It’s also in a great location for exploring Custer, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the other Black Hills attractions. After a day of sightseeing, it was nice to come back, sit around the fire, and just enjoy the quiet. Overall, a comfortable and welcoming campground that I’d happily stay at again. Definitely worth considering if you’re visiting the Black Hills. https://luckpub.org/
Guide to South Dakota
Camping in South Dakota offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From serene lakes to sprawling grasslands, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags.
What to do
- Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Richland Reservoir Dispersed Camping, are great for fishing. One camper mentioned, “Lake is full of small Crappie. Lots of wildlife. Deer, antelope, pheasants.”
- Hiking and Biking: Trails abound in places like Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “Good walking paths for humans and dogs and saw many folks cycling.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot bald eagles and other wildlife. One review noted, “There was a bald eagle hunting the reservoir.”
What campers like
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility. One reviewer said, “Great quiet camping spot. Only one other camper while here for 4 days.”
- Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Farm Island State Recreation Area are well-maintained. A visitor remarked, “The bathrooms/showers are clean as is the campgrounds.”
- Affordable Rates: Campers enjoy the low costs. One camper mentioned, “$15 for water, electric and dump station.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fort Pierre National Grassland, have few facilities. A reviewer noted, “No fees No water No open fires.”
- Weather Considerations: Be prepared for wind and storms. One camper at Richland Reservoir said, “The wind howled all night!!!”
- Road Conditions: Some access roads can be tricky. A visitor shared, “The road is clay and when it gets wet it becomes very difficult to travel on.”
Tips for camping with families
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water access. One review of Farm Island State Recreation Area mentioned, “Great for kids. Kayak rentals. Playground and beach area.”
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper advised, “Hubby could walk out of the camper and fish,” highlighting the need for supervision.
- Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can make family outings smoother. One camper noted, “They brought us ice,” showing that some campgrounds offer helpful services.
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at River View RV Park said, “Campsites are close together with full hookups.”
- Be Prepared for Cold: If camping in cooler months, be ready for freezing conditions. One camper mentioned, “Our water hookup was frozen so they moved us to a spot where they had a heated cover on water pipe.”
- Explore Nearby Towns: Don’t miss local attractions. A reviewer at Griffin City Park said, “There is a marina with a boat launch that is right next door.”
Camping in South Dakota is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in South Dakota for families?
What are the best campgrounds in South Dakota for families?
South Dakota offers excellent family camping destinations with activities for all ages. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park provides spacious, clean facilities perfect for families with young children, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from city life. Another great option is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux, which features large sites that back up to bike paths and the river. The area has a new bathhouse, very clean facilities, and plenty of recreational activities. It's only a half-hour drive to Sioux Falls, making it convenient for day trips. Both locations offer the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make family camping in South Dakota memorable.
What are the top tent camping locations in South Dakota's national parks?
What are the top tent camping locations in South Dakota's national parks?
South Dakota's national parks offer exceptional tent camping experiences. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park is renowned for its beautiful lake setting and network of hiking trails within easy walking distance. The stunning scenery makes it one of the most popular spots in the Black Hills region, though hikers should be prepared for sometimes steep terrain and South Dakota's changeable weather. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park provides a more rugged experience with iconic badlands views. For a more primitive option, Sage Creek Campground in Badlands offers free camping with basic facilities. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park is another excellent choice for tent campers seeking access to underground and above-ground wonders.
Where can I find private campgrounds in South Dakota with full amenities?
Where can I find private campgrounds in South Dakota with full amenities?
South Dakota has several private campgrounds offering comprehensive amenities. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch provides an excellent alternative to expensive hotels near Mount Rushmore, with full facilities for both tent and RV camping. This is an ideal base for exploring the area's attractions. Kennebec KOA is another well-maintained private option with clean bathrooms and showers, some shaded sites, and friendly owners. It's conveniently located just a short drive from the highway, making it perfect for travelers passing through. While there's minimal road noise, the campground remains quiet and comfortable. Many private campgrounds in South Dakota offer hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and camp stores for a comfortable outdoor experience.
Keep Exploring