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Best Campgrounds in South Dakota

3,156 Reviews

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 (544)

    1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    135 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    Website
    +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

    116 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    Website
    +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

    115 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    Website
    +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."

    "Relatively private site as most sites are behind you. Beautiful view of prairie ans badlands in the distance. Picnic table shelter is positioned so you have shade in the afternoon."

    4. Badlands Hotel & Campground

    61 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    Website
    +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

    59 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    Website
    +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

    55 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    Website

    "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

    45 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-4600

    $24 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "Passing through South Dakota rests a very unique park unlike any other you will find.    "

    8. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    40 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    Website
    +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."

    9. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

    39 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    Website
    +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!"

    10. Spearfish KOA camp

    41 Reviews
    Spearfish, SD
    +1 (605) 642-1340

    "Nice city campground along Spearfish Creek and super close to downtown and has easy access to Spearfish Canyon. We definitely took advantage of the creek and proximity to downtown during our stay."

    "We picked a site near the back of the camp grounds located near the creek and close to a small parking lot (close by to the pet exercise area on the map - though it's labelled as an ice rink on grounds"

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Recent Reviews in South Dakota

3156 Reviews of 544 South Dakota Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    Minneconjou Recreation Area

    Bit off the radar, windy, popular with local fisherman

    Access via highway 1806. Road turns to gravel about 20 miles out, was in good shape as of date of posting did not need 4x4 after rains to get back up rather steep access road. Very beautiful area and drive, passed large herd of bison livestock. Seemed like a popular spot for local fisherman, there were a few other people camping and two 5th wheel campers. $16.91 for 1 night with a pay box 14 day limit. 5 or so sites have fire rings in a large gravel lot with no separation. Its unclear if dispersed camping is technically allowed here but nobody bothered me for camping away from the main gravel camp lot. There is one site at the top of a hill along the shore and a 2nd pit toilet away from the main camp lot where a former launch ramp was abandoned due to low water both were very clean. Would not recommend 2wd go to shore line if muddy, someone had gotten stuck recently with deep ruts everywhere.

    Very peaceful and quiet great spot to hike the shoreline. Windy, no shade, no potable water.

  • SagebrushVagabond F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    Badlands Dispersed Camping

    Designated dispersed camping

    Boondocking sites with beautiful Badlands scenery. Very windy. Easy access.

  • SagebrushVagabond F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    Stickney City Park

    Small Town City Park

    Nice quiet place. There are six sites. There are two short sites suitable for cars/vans and four bigger sites suitable for large rigs. There is water and electricity at each site. There is a restroom and showers located at the swimming pool. $20 per night. No dump station.

  • SagebrushVagabond F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    North Point Recreation Area

    Nice place

    Well maintained campground. The staff are very friendly. The sites are well spaced. There is a dump station with drinking water. All sites have electricity. $30/night plus $15 park entrance fee. There are restrooms with showers.

  • Cheyanne P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2026

    Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

    Serene Stay

    Open campgrounds and spacious camping areas. Quiet, not a lot of other campers, good for rock hunting, some wildlife.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    Elk Point City Park Campground

    Another city park gem

    We have grown fond of the city parks we have discovered in our travels - this is no exception. It has the added bonus of being an historical landmark for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Great looking park, walking paths, ball fields and an electrical hook up. Only $15. Total bargain.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2026

    General Sibley Park

    What a Gem!

    Must because this park is managed by the Bismarck Parks dept, don’t think of it a city! This place is filled with trees, cut grass and paved roads. Very calm, wide open spaces between many sites, and big sites. Dont miss it!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Lake Thompson Recreation Area

    Expensive for non-electric non-resident

    Came to 41 bucks for a tent/non-electric site next to a pit toilet. One of the shower facilities was still closed for winter in mid May. Cold only showers not heated. Very clean facilities, well maintained. Had the tent loop completely to myself during the week. Was unstaffed at entrance. Poor signage at entrance it wasn't clear if you have to pay the entrance fee if you camp, which you do. It also wasn't clear if you can car/van/pickup camp in the tent area as the booking system doesn't allow anything other then tent as a selection. Camp host did a drive by and wave but didnt interact. Peaceful and quiet in mid may.

  • Joni P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Dude Ranch

    What a gem!

    Rolled in at 8:30 with our 25' class c towing a Tacoma. Easy dirt road in. Plenty of turnaround space. Just in time for a gorgeous sunset on the water. Price is now $16.91, but compared to everything else, that's a deal!

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?

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?

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?

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.

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