Best Campgrounds near Hill City, SD

Hill City is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Hill City camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Hill City, South Dakota (238)

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Showing results 1-10 of 238 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hill City, SD

1354 Reviews of 238 Hill City Campgrounds



Guide to Hill City

Camping near Hill City, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, this iconic landmark is a must-see. Campers often mention how close they are to the site, making it easy to visit. One camper noted, "The location is about 1/2 hour from 90 but close to Mount Rushmore."
  • Hiking and Biking: The area is filled with trails for hiking and biking. Many campers enjoy the scenic routes, with one reviewer saying, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Campgrounds like Pactola Reservoir Campground are perfect for fishing. A visitor shared, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "The showers are great and hot."
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "Big, super clean and nice, all you can eat pancakes for $3.50 and playgrounds for the kids."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Elk Mountain Campground said, "Lovely little campground in an underrated park that was fantastic!!!"

What you should know

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some popular spots can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Sylvan Lake Campground noted, "It’s busy and loud here. Although there aren’t that many sites, they are quite close together."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. One camper at Horsethief Lake Campground mentioned, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Stockade North Campground advised, "Sites for Custer start booking a year in advance, so snag one early."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for Kid-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have dining options. A visitor mentioned, "We ate at their restaurant sitting on a hill. The food was excellent."
  • Pack for Weather Changes: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A camper at Elk Mountain Campground noted, "Camp hosts were great... they came through to warn us on tents that a huge thunderstorm was heading our way."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch mentioned, "The first time we came we got a pull-through and it was really tight for our 42 footer."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations. A reviewer at Game Lodge Campground said, "All sites had a fire ring... and there are picnic tables at each site."
  • Plan for Activities: Many campgrounds offer rentals for fun activities. A visitor at Pactola Reservoir Campground shared, "I rented a fishing boat several times, and the marina staff was very helpful."

Camping near Hill City, South Dakota, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Hill City, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Hill City, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 238 campgrounds and RV parks near Hill City, SD and 31 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Hill City, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hill City, SD is Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch with a 4.2-star rating from 53 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Hill City, SD.

  • What parks are near Hill City, SD?

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