Camping near Reva, South Dakota offers free to low-cost options across the surrounding buttes and grasslands. The Slim Buttes area sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation with dramatic sandstone formations rising from the prairie. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F during day, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions with strong winds common throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking the Castles formation: Reva Gap Campground provides access to the distinctive Castles geological formation in the Slim Buttes. "A not difficult path leads you upward to a beautiful view of The Castles formation in the Slim Buttes," notes camper Donna E., who stayed midweek before the Fourth of July holiday.
Wildlife viewing: Picnic Spring Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "There is an abundance of wild life along with some great bluff views," according to one review. Another camper reported: "While I was here in May I saw deer and elk."
Swimming in reservoirs: The sandy bottom near the boat launch at Hugh Glass Campground makes for good swimming. One camper noted: "There isn't a designated swim area but there is a nice sandy bottom close to the boat launch."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the spacing between sites at Reva Gap Campground. "The campsites are spread out so you get tons of privacy," explains Matthew S., adding that "the geological formations around us are beautiful, and this place is isolated."
Clean facilities: Bowman Lions Park maintains well-kept restrooms despite being free. "There is a separate ladies and men's restroom with toilet and sink that are very clean. Also pet clean up bags are provided as well as garbage cans," reports Jamie P.
Abundant firewood: Free wood is available at Picnic Spring Campground for those willing to split it. "Several piles of wood available for firewood (resulted from clearing trees); you will need to split it, however," notes Leslie B., who visited during the July 4th holiday when the campground remained largely empty.
What you should know
Remote location planning: Most campgrounds in the area require significant planning as stores are distant. For Picnic Spring Campground, "Note the nearest groceries or any store for that matter is 25 miles away in either direction on Route 85."
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on dirt or gravel roads. Picnic Spring Campground is "around 7 miles of gravel road to go up. But we were on street motorcycles and had no problem."
Cell service variations: Service can be spotty but varies by campground. At Picnic Spring, visitors report "Good internet service phone service on Verizon and T-Mobile and AT&T."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Shadehill Recreation Area offers family-friendly amenities including a playground. One visitor notes it has "well maintained electric hookup sites along the shore. Cabins also available. Playground and a couple beaches around the area."
Museum opportunities: Towns near rv parks in Reva, South Dakota offer educational experiences. Regarding Twin Butte Campground, one reviewer mentioned "Town has 1 grocery store- nice! And also a neat museum."
Less crowded weekdays: For quieter family camping, visit midweek. At Reva Gap Campground, Leslie B. reported: "Stayed Wednesday and Thursday nights before the 4th of July. It's a beautiful, well kept no fee campground."
Tips from RVers
Donation-based options: Experienced RVers appreciate the affordable camping in the region. At Bowman Lions Park, "This campground is absolutely FREE with a suggested donation of $12 that we happily gave."
Water source reliability: RV campers should plan water usage carefully. At Reva Gap Campground, Abby M. found "There's also an electric outlet up front if you need to charge something, with a donation box."
Site alignment considerations: For bigger rigs at rv campgrounds near Reva, South Dakota, site positioning matters. At Butte View Campground, Kevin H. noted "We found internal sites in loops a little weird (in alignment), but we stayed on outer loop and had a bit more room."
