The Pringle area of South Dakota provides convenient access to natural attractions throughout the Black Hills at elevations averaging 4,500 feet. Located between Hot Springs and Custer, the area serves as a strategic base for exploring Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and other regional landmarks. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with cool evenings even during peak season.
What to do
Hiking Black Elk Peak: Access South Dakota's highest point (7,242 ft) from nearby Sylvan Lake Campground. "Between the kayaking at Sylvan Lake, the resort amenities, hiking in Black Elk Wilderness, Black Elk Peak, this area is great. Needles Eye, Rushmore, nearby," notes James M. from Sylvan Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort provides opportunities for spotting native animals. "The wildlife is everywhere. I have had deer, turkey, and rabbit within 50 feet. Awesome place!" shares Trevor A. who stayed at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort.
Cycling the Mickelson Trail: This 109-mile converted railway path runs through the heart of the Black Hills with multiple access points. "The Mickelson trail runs right near camp. Hop on your bike and ride 6 miles up to Crazy Horse!" recommends Kim H. from Horse Thief Campground.
Swimming at Center Lake: The nearby lake offers refreshing swimming during summer months. "There is a hot shower located at the lake up the road," mentions Molly A. from Center Lake Campground, providing insight into facilities beyond just swimming.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Fort Welikit Campground offers more spacious accommodations than typical commercial campgrounds. "Lots of space between sites for a private campground," notes Christy W., who appreciated the Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park layout.
Clean facilities: Luxury glamping in Pringle, South Dakota, often comes with premium amenities. "The bathrooms were immaculate! The grounds and the bathrooms and the laundry room are looked after all day long!" writes Kimberly S. about Heritage Village Campground.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The open area is great for night sky watching," shares Kathie O. from Horse Thief Campground, highlighting a natural feature that draws many astronomy enthusiasts to the region.
Budget-friendly options: For those seeking alternatives to luxury glamping near Pringle, South Dakota, more affordable sites exist. "The sites are only $10 a night and there is no camp host. However, the bathrooms do get regularly cleaned and the sites are well maintained," explains Hayley K. from Cold Brook Lake Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak summer months. "Reservations for this campground open at 6AM mountain time... Get your first night online. It'll be your site fee plus $7 reservation fee," advises Molly A. from Center Lake Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the area. "There is no service at the campground but they do have a reservation phone," notes Molly A. about Center Lake Campground, offering essential information for those needing to stay connected.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The only reason for a 4 is that it is not as near to Mt. Rushmore as others," explains Larry M. from Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA, noting location tradeoffs that affect the experience.
Weather variability: The Black Hills region experiences dramatic weather changes. "SD gets some pretty epic storms and two nights were slightly scary being in a canvas tent with wind gusts of 50 plus mph," shares Rhoads F. who stayed in a glamping tent at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort offers water recreation options. "The pool.....there is a kid side and adult side which was awesome! The kid pool was super gross so I was glad to have a spot to go with crystal clear water!" advises Rhoads F. about Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds provide chances to observe native species. "Watch out for marmots and buffalo when driving!" warns Katie S. from Sylvan Lake Campground, highlighting an important safety consideration while also noting wildlife viewing opportunities.
Walk-in camping options: For families seeking more seclusion, consider specialized sites. "My family camped at a walk in site. It was about .15 miles uphill to the site. A bit of work to get everything up the hill but it was worth it. The views and seclusion were amazing," recommends Daniel S. from Sylvan Lake Campground.
Gold panning activities: Some campgrounds offer recreational mining. "Kids loved the on-site 'gold mining' activity!" reports Kim B. from Horse Thief Campground, noting an engaging activity that entertains younger visitors.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain throughout the region. "Spots were a little tight and is not as close to Rushmore as others hense the 4 but it has 2 rr buildings and wife says the best laundry room yet clean bathrooms and great staff," shares Larry M. about Rafter J Bar Ranch.
Utility arrangements: Some RV sites have unusual hookup configurations. "Electric only at our site, very unlevel, hard to get into. Recommend a small rig than us, we were at 25 ft with two slides," cautions Jennifer O. about Sylvan Lake Campground.
Road conditions: Access routes may present challenges for larger rigs. "The wooden bridge over the bike trail from Hwy 385 gave me pause. I was wondering what the weight limit might be," notes Susan L. about Heritage Village Campground, pointing out an important consideration for RVers with heavier vehicles.
Campground navigation: Some facilities provide special assistance. "There were a ton of RV's the night we stayed, and they have an employee that leads you to your site using a golf cart, which is always a nice touch," explains Kari T. from Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort.
