Dispersed camping sites around Pringle, South Dakota offer a range of options at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet in the southern Black Hills. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night even in spring and fall, with summer highs averaging in the 80s. Most dispersed sites have no amenities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste.
What to do
Hiking to Black Elk Peak: Access South Dakota's highest point (7,242 feet) from Sylvan Lake Campground where multiple trails offer routes of varying difficulty. "The lake is absolutely beautiful, the trails are well-maintained, and the fun feels endless," notes one visitor who wished they "could have stayed a few more nights."
Wildlife photography: Scout for bison herds throughout the area, particularly near Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park. "You can see the bison as you come into camp if you're lucky. There was also a wild turkey that was wandering around the whole time we were there," shares a camper who rated their experience highly.
Nighttime stargazing: The dark skies around North Pole Road dispersed camping area provide excellent star viewing with minimal light pollution. Bring red-light headlamps to protect night vision. One camper described their experience: "The place was very calm just some cars went on the road behind us. You can go to this place if you search a very calm place."
Fly fishing: Stockade Lake offers trout fishing opportunities accessible from nearby campgrounds. A visitor noted, "Passing through South Dakota rests a very unique park unlike any other you will find. From trout fishing to hiking to watching the herd of bison as well as nearby attractions of Sturgis, Deadwood, and Mount Rushmore, there's always something great to do."
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Stockade South Campground offers more private spots away from highway noise. "Quieter sites than Stockade N, because you are away from the highway (a plus during Bike Week). Grounds are clean," explains a tent camper who appreciated the quiet setting.
Natural soundscapes: Many campers value the natural sounds at Game Lodge Campground sites adjacent to the creek. "We were at Game Lodge campground site 36, which was right next to a little creek. At night, we could hear the water running and it was so calming," reports a family with young children.
Affordable pricing options: Free dispersed camping at North Pole Road provides cost-effective alternatives to developed sites. "During our stay, we toured Custer State Park, Jewel and Wind Cave, as well as Mt. Rushmore. We found the location to be very central. The views are breathtaking and remarkably peaceful," explains a camper who used the area as a base camp.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campgrounds offer regular wildlife sightings. "We heard lots of animals through the night and loved it," shares a visitor to Elk Mountain. Another camper at Game Lodge noted, "There was a male bison that was roaming near the other side of the fence which was neat."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in Custer State Park require advance booking, especially during summer. Stockade North campsites are "reservation-only, even on same-day arrival. In order to secure a campground, campers need to call the reservation number."
Winter camping limitations: While Game Lodge Campground remains open year-round, facilities may be limited. "Didn't see any notice that the bathroom we picked a spot near was closed for the season... that meant a really long cold walk to the pit toilet," cautions a November visitor who encountered unexpected challenges.
Site selection for tents: Many sites have sloped terrain that can be challenging for tent setups. At Stockade South, a camper noted "it was difficult to find a level spot for our tent - we slid downhill in our tent through the night."
Water availability seasonality: Most campgrounds shut off water during winter months. An October visitor to Elk Mountain observed: "Potable water available: yes, but currently turned off."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Fort Welikit Family Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. "The playground and dog park was available and was very cute. Bathhouse was clean and also nice," reports a family who stayed three nights while visiting Mount Rushmore.
Evening ranger programs: Elk Mountain hosts educational sessions ideal for children. "They also have a small ampitheater where rangers give talks every night during the summer at 9pm," shares a visitor who appreciated the educational opportunities.
Central locations for day trips: Many campgrounds provide strategic locations for exploring multiple attractions. "We stayed at Game Lodge campground... Loved that the bison were just outside our campground on the way in and the visitor center just across the road was beautiful!" notes a family with young children who used the campground as their base.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more through-traffic than others. A family at Elk Mountain advises: "Our only complaint was that the lights from the very simple bathrooms were so bright at night they ruined our night vision. Do not choose a site near the bathrooms."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. An RVer at Stockade North warned: "Our site was a bit unlevel, but very scenic and shady." Similarly, at Stockade South, a visitor advised coming "prepared with leveling blocks."
Hookup limitations: Mount Rushmore KOA offers various hookup configurations, but campers should verify what's available at their specific site. "There are lots of different site designations—some have water/electric but no waste," explains a visitor who stayed there.
Limited dump station availability: An RVer at Stockade South noted: "Only drawback is no dump station - there is only 1 in all of Custer." Plan accordingly if staying multiple nights.
Site selection for privacy: Choose carefully when booking RV sites. "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," advises a visitor to Mount Rushmore KOA.
