Best Campgrounds near Custer, SD

Camping near Custer, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and explore the Black Hills.

What to do:

• Hiking and exploring: There are many trails around Custer State Park. One camper mentioned, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite" at Sylvan Lake Campground.
• Wildlife viewing: Custer State Park is known for its wildlife. A visitor at Game Lodge Campground said, "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice, once late morning and saw about 1000 buffalo blocking the road."
• Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds are near lakes. One happy camper at Pactola Reservoir Campground 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. A reviewer at Stockade North Campground noted, "The restrooms... are all extremely clean and nice, and the showers were the best I've ever used at a campground."
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground mentioned, "The site itself had lots of shade, elevated tent pads, and aluminum picnic tables."
• Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful hosts. One camper at Elk Mountain Campground said, "Camp hosts were great... they came through to warn us on tents that a huge thunderstorm was heading our way."

What you should know:

• Crowded during peak season: Many campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Sylvan Lake Campground said, "It’s busy and loud here... Lots of folks coming and going."
• Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty reception. A camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch noted, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
• Reservations are recommended: Many sites book up quickly. A camper at Blue Bell Campground mentioned, "Reservations for this campground open at 6 AM mountain time."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."
• Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have restaurants nearby. A visitor at Game Lodge Campground mentioned, "There is also a nice paved bike path that runs along Coolidge Creek."
• Bring outdoor games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for activities. A reviewer at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground said, "Fishing was great just a walk down to the backwaters and kids can catch bluegills all day."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch noted, "The first time we came we got a pull-through and it was really tight for our 42 footer."
• Look for amenities: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups and dump stations. A visitor at Stockade North Campground said, "The north campground is quiet. The bathhouse was clean and ok to use."
• Plan for weather: Be ready for sudden changes. A camper at Elk Mountain Campground mentioned, "It was a long and intense storm."

Camping near Custer, South Dakota, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.