The Mount Rushmore State is home to seven National Park Service sites that range from jewel-encrusted caves to ancient fossil beds. Black Hills National Forest in the western side of the state covers an additional 1.2 million acres that spill over the border into Wyoming and hold the highest peak east of the Rockies. At about 71,000 acres, nearby Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the country and home to an annual buffalo roundup that offers a true taste of the American West. The Black Hills, often referred to as the “island in the prairie,” is a perfect spot to start your South Dakota camping trip!


Travelers looking to lounge lakeside will be pleased with the many camping options available near the region’s 17 lakes. With stunning rock formations reaching out from the water, Sylvan Lake is one of the area’s most iconic places to take a dip and do some South Dakota camping. Nearby, Horsethief Lake is tucked into the surrounding ponderosa pines, yet only two miles away from the ultimate road trip stop, Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Those looking to pick up some speed can head north to Pactola Lake for a day of water skiing and a night of s’mores.


Prefer solitude? Strap on your backpack and hike the state’s 111-mile Centennial Trail, which provides a north to south taste of the Black Hills through prairie grasslands, dense forests, and high country terrain. Check with the different land management agencies along the way for specifics on where backcountry camping is allowed or where to find established campgrounds. Rather bike? The 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail runs parallel to the Centennial Trail and is a rails-to-trails, car-free dream.


South Dakota camping is for everyone, and whether you’re exploring by foot or by RV, you’ll be able to find the perfect place to rest your head. Private and public campgrounds near the town of Custer offer RV hookups, and are a quick drive to Crazy Horse Memorial, the world’s largest in-progress mountain carving. Begun in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski at the request of Oglala Lakota Chief, Henry Standing Bear, this memorial is more than a work of art. It is a mission to preserve and honor the culture and tradition of Native Americans. 


After camping on the island in the prairie, make sure to head east and watch the landscape roll into waves of grasslands before crashing into Badlands National Park. Head east farther still, and you’ll meet up with the mighty Missouri River. Use The Dyrt to find South Dakota camping options along the way that will open your eyes to the hidden beauties of the heartland.

South Dakota

The Best Camping in South Dakota | 100+ SD Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Vermillion, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Vermillion. Discover great camping spots near Vermillion, reviewed by campers like you.

Vermillion

The Best Camping Near Vermillion, South Dakota

Stand in the river where three stated come together! Rustic family-owned campground on the outskirts of South Sioux City, NE. Just off Interstate 29 in the tri state area of Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. Full hook-up and tent spots available at daily and weekly reasonable rates. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, playground, restroom/shower facility, dumpster, access to beach and river.



McGinty Sandbur Ranch & Recreation

Union Grove (Union County) State Park

Ponca State Park offers Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping. Turkey Ridge campground has 35 Electric Plus campsites that are first-come, first-served. Oak Bluff campground has 37 Electric Plus sites that reservable up to a year in advance. Riverfront Campground has 20 first-come, first-served campsites. Basic campsites are available for those that don’t need electricity. Basic campsites are first-come, first-served. Ponca State Park provides four group campsites perfect for scouting, or other group functions. Campgrounds include modern restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, nearby water spigots (not hookups), a dump and fill station and playground. Camping is available year-round; however modern facilities operate from April-October, weather permitting.

Camping reservations are available up to one year in advance of arrival in the electrical campsites of Oak Bluff campground. All other camping is first-come, first-served. Campers in first-come, first served sites can pay for their stay at one of the four black/metal iron ranges located in Turkey Ridge campground near the shower house, outside the Resource and Education Center, in the Riverfront campground near the restroom, or along the park roadway by the pop machines. Check or cash when paying at an iron ranger or debit/credit card payments can be made at the park office located inside the Resource and Education Center. Park maps and other detailed information are located on the bulletin boards in the campgrounds and outside the Resource and Education Center.
Situated in the picturesque Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska, Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to the 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River, one of two picturesque, unchannelized stretches of the river bordering Nebraska.

One of Nebraska’s most visited state parks, Ponca State Park is popular for its forested hills, scenic vistas, great wildlife watching, Missouri river access and beautiful and varied lodging options. During the spring months, the wetlands at Ponca State Park are a popular layover spot for many migrating bird species, and the park draws many bird watchers. The park offers many seasonal activities, including guided bird tours during the spring, naturalist events and family activities during the summer, haunted hayrack rides complete with local actors and impressive props during the fall and its nationally famous Fruitcake Fling each winter. Comfortable lodging, unique events and sweeping views of the river have made Ponca state park a popular destination for all types of family gatherings, from family vacations to weddings.

Ponca State Park

Elk Point City Park Campground

Newcastle

The Lazy H Campground is a private campground where family and fun are a way of life. This new 235 acre campground is nestled between the Big Sioux River and the northern entrance of the scenic Loess Hills Byway in northwest Iowa. This picturesque campground features private cabins and spacious RV sites on Little Pearle Lake, a 50-acre fisherman’s haven stocked with freshwater fish, miles of hiking/biking trails, water activities and more.  

Lazy H Campground

Clay County Park

Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District Powder Creek Use Area

Lions Park

This farm property has lots of chickens and goats for a rustic and enjoyable experience. There are12 sites and up to 6 guests per site. You have access to a fire pit, tree swing and an adult teeter-totter for lots of on-site play opportunity. There is also a trailer available for rent in cases of bad weather. 

 You'll have a chance to take a free, guided tour of the property and free firewood is provided as well. 

 The nearby Missouri river, Swan Lake, and the Vermillion river offers opportunity for paddling, boating, swimming and fishing.



Wilson's Solace Farm

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Sioux Falls. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sioux Falls, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Sioux Falls, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Sioux Falls

The Best Camping Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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.

Rapid City

The Best Camping Near Rapid City, South Dakota

Aberdeen is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Aberdeen campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Aberdeen, SD. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Aberdeen

The Best Camping Near Aberdeen, South Dakota

Brookings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Brookings is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Brookings camping trip.

Brookings

The Best Camping Near Brookings, South Dakota

Are you in need of a campground near Watertown, SD? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Watertown campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Watertown. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Watertown

The Best Camping Near Watertown, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Mitchell, SD? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Mitchell, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Mitchell

The Best Camping Near Mitchell, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yankton, SD? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Yankton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Dakota camping adventure.

Yankton

The Best Camping Near Yankton, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pierre. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Pierre, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pierre

The Best Pierre, SD Camping | South Dakota Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Huron, SD? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Huron. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Huron

The Best Camping Near Huron, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Custer National Forest, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Custer National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Custer National Forest

The Best Camping Near Custer National Forest, South Dakota

Like all of South Dakota, Badlands National Park enjoys sunny summers and harsh winters. While you can go at any time, this park, like most, is crowded during the summer. While getting campsites in peak season isn’t impossible, it isn’t always easy.

With only one reservable campground, getting a camping spot in Badlands is tricky. That being said, with large amounts of federal land surrounding it, free camping is abundant. However, RV campers will appreciate the availability of sites in the park that can accommodate them. Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers the best camping near Badlands National Park if you can’t snag a camp spot. For campers and roadtrippers alike, a stop (or stay) in Wall, SD, is a must.

Badlands National Park

Are you in need of a campground near Badlands National Park, SD? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Badlands National Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Badlands National Park, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Badlands National Park, South Dakota

With views of the Black Hills, open prairies, and pine forests, some of the best camping spots are in Wind Cave National Park. Near Hot Springs, SD, campers can stock up on camping supplies before pitching their tents. Campgrounds around the South Dakota park accommodate RV drivers, and also offer cabins and yurts as additional sleeping options. Backpack through the park watching birds perch calmly on the backs of bison. Elk and pronghorn antelopes also roam the prairies and forests. Campsites by the cave are a prime opportunity to discover the underground marvels that include the famous Wind Cave, and the subterranean chambers known as the Post Office and Elk’s Room.

Wind Cave National Park

The Best Camping Near Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Black Hills National Forest, SD has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Hills National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Black Hills National Forest

The Best Camping Near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Searching for the best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Find the best campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jamestown Reservoir. Jamestown Reservoir is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jamestown Reservoir

The Best Camping Near Jamestown Reservoir, South Dakota

Pipestem Lake, SD is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Pipestem Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Pipestem Lake, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pipestem Lake

The Best Camping Near Pipestem Lake, South Dakota

Conestoga Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conestoga Lake and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Camping in Vermillion

Top Campgrounds in Vermillion (102)

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