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Best Campgrounds near Rapid City, SD

1,704 Reviews

East of the Black Hills, South Dakota has a lot to offer. Near Rapid City, SD, and not too far from Mount Rushmore, you can take in the historic monument before heading off to camp and explore. Nearby Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park have plenty of adventures to offer. Spend the day exploring trails or rock climbing. It’s hard to beat exploring the Black Hills on horseback and there are several campgrounds that accommodate equestrians. Whether you stay in a tent or a spacious, multi-level cabin, Rapid City has some of the best camping spots in the area. There are also RV campsite options with half and full hookups.

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Best Camping Sites Near Rapid City, South Dakota (244)

    1. Rapid City KOA

    22 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (605) 348-2111

    "My parents were able to rent a deluxe cabin right next to our campsite. My parents don’t “camp,” so this was perfect for a family vacation."

    "Close to Mount Rushmore and crazy horse! Pirates cove mini golf is a short drive away! Great facility with standard KOA amenities."

    2. Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

    30 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $28 / night

    "Had a fun time at the south shore campground of Lake Sheridan. Hosts were great. Beach for the kids, quiet and peaceful. Camped in our 38’ motorhome. Reserved our site well in advance."

    "This campground offers over 90 sites along the shores of a lovely reservoir in the vacation wonderland of the Black Hills of South Dakota."

    3. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

    53 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    21 miles
    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."

    4. Pactola Reservoir Campground

    31 Reviews
    Silver City, SD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $28 / night

    "A tent-only area, which I appreciate- those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities- tables, fire pits, bathrooms."

    "A tent-only area, which I appreciate - those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities - tables, fire pits, bathrooms."

    5. HTR Black Hills

    13 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 342-5368

    "The site we were in was far enough from the Highway that we couldn’t hear traffic and it’s right on the outskirts of Rapids City. It’s very close to Bear Country and The Reptile Gardens."

    "The campground itself is fairly close to the local monuments and attractions (like Jewel Cave, Mt Rushmore, and Crazy Horse) and downtown Rapid City, and only about an hour from Wall, SD."

    6. Rapid City RV Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 342-2751

    $65 - $100 / night

    "Though some may not see it as a perk, being right off the highway allowed us quick access to everywhere we needed to go every morning and was a reason we chose it."

    "Sites are a little close to each other but there weren’t many other RV’s when we stayed so we had lots of space. Easy to find location as well.

    Would stay again."

    7. Horsethief Lake Campground

    30 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    $30 / night

    "If you're touring the Black Hills, and hitting all of the outdoor attractions, Horsethief Lake is perfectly placed to access it all."

    "We spent one night in one of the walk-in sites here. We were able to find an open site at 10 am with no reservation, although the drive-up sites looked all full."

    8. Lake Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 341-5320

    $97 / night

    "This campground is near downtown Rapid City SD and also within 30 minutes of all the attractions around Rushmore. It is a great launch point for your visit"

    "Quiet place for being located in town. Close to a city park and lake for fishing (no swimming). Full bathrooms open 23 hours (closed once a day for cleaning)."

    9. Hart Ranch RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Rapid City, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 399-2582

    "Tons of kids biking around and playing, so easy for kids to make friends. They also have cabin rentals and a few tent sites. There’s a weekly rodeo held onsite during peak season."

    "It’s got all the amenities and is situated in an actual ranch. The ranch also has a golf course and houses."

    10. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    26 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    20 miles
    Website

    "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions. There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most spots don't have a fire ring that I could see."

    "Camping area near Mount Rushmore. I was able to find a camping area without a problem. The road does have some bumps in it but overall you do not need a four-wheel drive."

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Showing results 1-10 of 244 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Rapid City, SD

658 Photos of 244 Rapid City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rapid City, SD

1704 Reviews of 244 Rapid City Campgrounds

Guide to Rapid City

Camping near Rapid City, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy tent site or a spacious RV spot, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Explore Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, this iconic landmark is a must-see. Campers love the proximity, with one reviewer from Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch saying, "If you like KOAs, you will love this place. Big, super clean and nice."
  • Hiking and Fishing: The trails around Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park offer breathtaking views and great fishing spots. A visitor noted, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Custer State Park is famous for its wildlife. One camper at Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park shared, "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice... it was beautiful up on the higher elevations."

What campers like:

  • Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Pactola Reservoir Campground, offer great facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The surrounding woods, the well-maintained sites and facilities, and the wonderful and helpful staff make this my most favorite by far."
  • Cleanliness: Campers appreciate clean facilities. One visitor at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground said, "New vault toilet! $28 a night has gone up in price for non-electric Federal forest camping."
  • Spacious Sites: Campgrounds like Horsethief Lake Campground offer plenty of space. A camper noted, "The attendant was very friendly and helpful... it was the most awesome spot to me in the whole camp!!!"

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A reviewer at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch mentioned, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants or markets nearby. A camper at Pactola Reservoir Campground raved about the "great prices and inventory at the marina store."
  • Bring Entertainment: With some campgrounds being busy, having games or activities can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground noted, "Great little lake, nearby hiking."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Rapid City, SD, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Rapid City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Rapid City, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Rapid City, SD and 40 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Rapid City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rapid City, SD is Rapid City KOA with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rapid City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 40 free dispersed camping spots near Rapid City, SD.

What parks are near Rapid City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Rapid City, SD that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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