Best Campgrounds near Lead, SD

Camping near Lead, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're into tent camping or RVing, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking and Exploring: The area around Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park is known for its stunning views and great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite."
• Fishing and Boating: At Pactola Reservoir Campground, many enjoy fishing and renting boats. A reviewer said, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."
• Family Activities: Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch has playgrounds and activities for kids. One visitor noted, "Big, super clean and nice, all you can eat pancakes for $3.50 and playgrounds for the kids."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for Rapid City KOA stated, "Very clean bathrooms and showers. Sites well maintained."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Horsethief Lake Campground. One camper shared, "The attendant was very friendly and helpful. He gave me a last-minute booking which was very nice of him."
• Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the views. A visitor at RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest said, "The views were incredible, and it was secluded from other sites."

What you should know:

• Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A review for Sylvan Lake Campground mentioned, "It’s busy and loud here. Although there aren’t that many sites, they are quite close together and not much privacy."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Pactola Reservoir Campground has no electric hookups or showers, as noted by a camper: "The vault toilets are clean and water is available from the many spigots."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Horsethief Lake Campground shared, "Saw deer in the morning and cattle roaming in the evening."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, which offers activities for kids. One parent said, "Great place highly recommend! The showers are great and hot."
• Plan for Crowds: If you want a quieter experience, try to visit during weekdays. A camper at Sylvan Lake Campground noted, "Thursday and Friday were better in terms of crowds."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you time and money. A reviewer at Rapid City KOA mentioned, "Only complaint are sites a little close."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at South Dakota Spearfish Campground said, "Very unlevel, site 20 had to raise front 8 inches from hitch position."
• Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Rapid City KOA. One RVer mentioned, "Sites were clean but very close to one another."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A reviewer at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch shared, "The first time we came we got a pull through and it was really tight for our 42 footer."

Camping near Lead, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the crowds and enjoy the beautiful scenery!