J W.
Guide
GuideRod & Gun Campground
Very nice and well kept
Tucked down in a beautiful Gulch type area. Beautiful views of rock and tree covered cliffs around the campground.
Camping near Whitewood, SD
243 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options around Whitewood, South Dakota range from developed RV resorts to primitive dispersed sites in the Black Hills. Located between Spearfish and Deadwood, the area features established facilities like Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins and Days End Campground, which provide full hookups, concrete pads, and amenities such as showers and laundry. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles with tent and RV sites alongside cabin rentals. For those seeking free camping, Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite and Camp 5 Dispersed offer more primitive experiences within a short drive of town.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with some dispersed areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April or May through September or October, though Elkhorn Ridge remains open year-round. "The road in is very rough and steep. High clearance and four wheel drive recommended but I have seen compact cars make it in and out," noted one camper about Camp 5. Cell service is generally good near major campgrounds, with visitors reporting three bars of Verizon coverage even at dispersed sites. The 14-day stay limit applies to public land camping areas, while private campgrounds often require reservations during peak summer months and especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Campers report the Black Hills location provides convenient access to regional attractions. Sites near highways offer quick access to Deadwood's historic district and Spearfish Canyon but may experience some traffic noise. More remote camping areas provide greater solitude but fewer amenities. As one visitor mentioned about a local campground, "Located above Sturgis and only about a mile and a half from Main Street. Just far enough to escape the chaos but close enough to take in as much as you want." The diverse terrain supports various camping experiences, from premium resort-style accommodations to no-frills forest camping. OHV enthusiasts particularly appreciate the Camp 5 area for its trail access, though the associated noise during daytime hours may impact those seeking quieter experiences.
Best Campgrounds near Whitewood (243)
1. Spearfish KOA camp
"We picked a site near the back of the camp grounds located near the creek and close to a small parking lot (close by to the pet exercise area on the map - though it's labelled as an ice rink on grounds"
"Nice city campground along Spearfish Creek and super close to downtown and has easy access to Spearfish Canyon. We definitely took advantage of the creek and proximity to downtown during our stay."
2. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
"This is not a thru road there is only one entrance off of the CanAm Highway. Roughly about 10 sites depending on set-up. Bathroom close by the entrance/trailhead to Roosevelt Friendship Tower."
"Strongly recommend access from the north entrance via US Hwy 85 which is a MUCH smoother dirt road. Multiple flat parking places in this spot, so good for tents and trailers."
3. Chris' Campground
"Close to freeways and many day drive towns and memorial sites. Arrived weekend after Sturgis Rally… Pretty quite 😀🐐🦬🌄"
"They are close to Spearfish Canyon which has wonderful hiking trails and trout fishing. The area is beautiful.There are also close to Deadwood and Lead, both of which are worth exploring!"
from $23 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Days End Campground
"It has a beer garden, restroom facilities and it's right on the outskirts of town."
"Helpful convenient right next to freeway so noisy all else is great!"
from $0 - $800 / night
Check Availability5. Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins
"Easy access off I-90 and super close to Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and all this area of South Dakota has to offer."
"Campground is very clean and has quick and easy access to the highway. "
6. Spearfish KOA
"Right next to a nice walking trail by the river."
"Nice people, very clean bathrooms, close to highway so there’s some road noise. Nature trail with off leash dog area, and a small dog park in the middle for off leash doggy play time."
7. Deadwood KOA
"We have stayed at this location twice (have gotten the same cabin actually) when Deadwood is having events."
"Our initially reserved campground nearby was sketchy, so we called KOA Deadwood at 4:30 hoping for a last minute reservation (even though the app said they were full)."
8. Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park
"Location is quiet. There is a place to walk dogs. Deadwood trolley comes right to the CG to transport you downtown."
"They are really close to town, so it’s really convenient. We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too."
9. Wild Bill's Campground
"Easy to find, very close to Deadwood, clean showers and bathrooms and it has a bar a grill! Bar and grill was so good and I’m still dreaming about that burger."
"Our dogs loved the long walks around the campground, crossing over the creeks on the little bridges. There is an off leash dog park 10 minutes away in Lead, SD."
from $28 - $160 / night
Check Availability10. Bear Butte State Park Campground
"Just outside of Sturgis at the base of Bear Butte lies this small lake. Great for fishing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, access to the Centennial Trail, and minutes from the Black Hills."
"The only other folks we saw were there to enjoy the beautiful peaceful lake fishing. Very quiet. Bathrooms were very clean though door locks didn't seem to work. We camped at main site."
from $17 - $23 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 35 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 12 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 20 min from Bismarck, ND
- 4 hrs 32 min from Cheyenne, WY
Recent Camping Photos near Whitewood, SD
580 Photos of 243 Whitewood Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins
Brian B.
Sturgis View Campground
The Dyrt
Days End Campground
The Dyrt
Black Hills Vista RV Park
Misty B.
Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
Taz G.
Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping
Jennifer P.
Hidden Valley Campground
Danae P.
Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park
Dylan M.
Bear Butte State Park Campground
Steve D.
Chris' Campground
Carl B.
Spearfish KOA camp
The Dyrt
No Name City Luxury Cabins & RV
Recent Reviews near Whitewood, SD
1550 Reviews of 243 Whitewood Campgrounds
David L.GuideFort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park
Nice established campground
This campground has shady sites, friendly staff, clean individual restrooms, a dog park, & is very convenient to town of Custer & State Park.
- BBRIAN F.
TravelerDeadwood KOA
Near Deadwood
Campground is carved out of a narrow niche in the hills. The campground has two tiers with very small spots which feels crowded. Steep slope up to second tier. Despite claims, no views. A couple of small dog runs but no other place to walk dog. Bathrooms/showers were fine. But campground is near Deadwood (2 miles)
- AArielGuide
Grace Coolidge Campground — Custer State Park
Nice central location in Custer Park
We stayed one night at this campground, as we could not get two consecutive nights in the same campground. The spaces have dappled light, under a canopy of oak and ponderosa pine. There is zero privacy. It is a small campground next to the road with tent sites on one side, and camper sites on the other. Sites have electricity only, with a water spigot on the front of the bathroom building. Road noise can get pretty loud with motorcycles and other vehicles, especially as they drive by fast at night. We attempted to reach the camp host about an issue, but no one answered when we knocked on their door. Bathrooms are clean and newly renovated. Zero phone reception for AT&T here.
- BBrandt L.
Scoutnorth pole rd dispersed camping
Good boondocking, excellent views, tons of wildlife
Great place but not alot of usable sites. Black Hills Forest
- AArielGuide
Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park
Nice for a large campground
We stayed one night, the campground was totally full. Slots are large, but have no privacy. Each site has electricity, but no water. Water is available from a tap near the rest rooms. Rest rooms and showers are clean and newly renovated. There is a playground and small pond at the campground. There is a large fence between the campground and the clear creek trail. I didn’t know why until the next morning, when a large herd of bison was grazing through the field on the other side of the fence. Cell reception was available at night, but nothing the next day.
H. S.ScoutCusters Last Chance RV Park and Campground
Review of 2026
In the summer of 2026 they had everything on the big sites : full hook ups! The road was not to bad and all the other private campgrounds are also along the road. But this place is way cheaper!
- Thomas G.Traveler
Custer-Mt. Rushmore KOA
Nice campground good people
Very helpful and make sure you get setup and have everything you need. Clean showers and flush toilets
- GGordon S.Scout
Creekside Campground Deadwood
Better than in town
Super nice small campground. Really clean. Easy access to Deadwood.
Guide to Whitewood
Camping near Whitewood, South Dakota offers options ranging from National Forest dispersed sites to full-service RV resorts within a 20-mile radius. At an elevation around 3,600 feet, the Black Hills camping season typically runs from late April through October, though winter camping is available at select locations. Visitors report mild summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F with occasional afternoon thunderstorms during July and August.
What to do
Hike Spearfish Canyon trails: The scenic byway offers multiple trail options within 15 minutes of Whitewood camping areas. "Spend a day driving Spearfish canyon and hiking to waterfalls," notes a visitor at Spearfish City Campground, which provides access to "beautiful, peaceful trails everywhere" and allows campers to "hop your bike and go down the canyon and have brunch at Latchstring Restaurant."
Visit Roosevelt Friendship Tower: This short hike near dispersed camping areas provides panoramic views. A camper at Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite reports: "Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended. Tons of bees in the wildflowers but they never bothered us."
Fish at Bear Butte Lake: Located about 30 minutes east of Whitewood. "Beautiful lake you can walk completely around. Seems like a good spot to go fishing/kayaking/SUP/boating," comments a visitor to Bear Butte State Park Campground. The lake is accessible for small watercraft with tent sites near the shore.
Explore historic Deadwood: Gaming and historic attractions are minutes away from several campgrounds. Some camps offer direct shuttles—"The trolley to town runs on the hour, it cost $1. Best deal in town," notes a camper at Deadwood KOA.
What campers like
Direct access to OHV trails: Some campgrounds provide immediate access to forest service trails. "We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too," explained a guest at Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park.
Swimming pools during hot days: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer relief. According to a camper at Chris' Campground: "They have 3 heated pools, a basketball court, recreation room, playground, & petting zoo for the kids, as well as a camp store, laundry facility, free WiFi and fire pits."
Free dispersed camping options: Forest Service roads offer no-cost alternatives. "Nice and quiet spot!" reports a camper about Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite, which features multiple pull-off areas along the road leading to the monument.
Private bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate upgraded shower areas. A visitor to Spearfish KOA mentioned: "Very clean bathrooms and showers. Nice pool area. Convenient off the interstate." Some resorts feature private shower/bathroom combinations rather than communal facilities.
What you should know
Rough roads at dispersed sites: High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for some free camping areas. A visitor to Mount Roosevelt Road noted: "Road was in good shape. Lots of deer and wild life so watch out. Nice views but not that many spots before the super bumpy road about a mile in so we didn't go further."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "We tent camped here once, which has a lot of space for it, and have also stayed with our camper trailer. This is a busy campground so reserving is the best way to get a spot especially if you want to bring an RV," advises a camper at Days End Campground.
Seasonal amenities: Pool facilities typically operate Memorial Day through Labor Day. A camper at Chris' Campground noted: "2 separate pools depending on if you want to listen to a bunch of screaming kids or not." Many campgrounds close entirely from October to April.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. "We got T mobile and we got 2 bars," reported a camper at Mount Roosevelt Road, while others note stronger Verizon coverage throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Several locations offer dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Spearfish City Campground shared: "Across the street is a fish pond hatchery (and aquarium like) and a big fun playground. Lots of bike/walking paths that go into the cute town."
Consider evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds organize activities. "The city of Spearfish had activities in the park (about 1/4 mile away) every evening (magician, concerts, etc). The hatchery was great as well," notes another Spearfish City Campground visitor.
Look for creek-side sites: Water features keep kids entertained. "There is a lovely creek you can sit by and enjoy. Facilities clean. Management is friendly and laid back," explained a Spearfish City Campground visitor, while another mentioned "it was nice going to sleep and waking up with the sound of the water."
Select campgrounds with wildlife viewing: Many kids enjoy animal sightings. "Woke up to deer munching on acorns right outside our rig," reported a visitor at Wild Bill's Campground, which features a creek running through the property.
Tips from RVers
Reserve pull-through sites when available: Backing into tight spots creates challenges. "The campground itself is wonderful. It is however not really set up for a 45' Class A, but it is navigable," noted a visitor to Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins. The reviewer advised: "Sites 1 and 30 are pull throughs. 31-34 easily accommodate large RVs."
Consider campground layout: Amenity proximity matters for large rigs. "Bathrooms and showers were nice but they need a path so you don't have to walk all the way around the campsite loop at night and in the rain," commented a Spearfish City Campground visitor.
Check site levelness: Many Black Hills campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Sites are very close and there were lots of unattended barking dogs in the morning and evenings we stayed as a rally going on," reported a Spearfish City Campground visitor who otherwise enjoyed the facilities.
Utility placement matters: Review site layouts before booking. "The utilities are smartly placed in the middle of the pad," mentioned a Spearfish KOA visitor, highlighting why some campgrounds work better for certain RV configurations than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities and facilities are available at Whitewood Campground?
What amenities and facilities are available at Whitewood Campground?
Whitewood Campground offers standard camping amenities similar to other Black Hills facilities. Like Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park, it provides clean bathroom facilities with showers. The campground features both tent and RV sites, each equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. Water access is available throughout the grounds. While not as secluded as Black Fox Campground, Whitewood maintains a comfortable balance between convenience and natural setting. Many sites offer shade, and the campground's layout accommodates various camping preferences. Additional amenities may include trash disposal stations, communal gathering areas, and access to nearby recreational opportunities.
Where is Whitewood Campground located and how do I access it?
Where is Whitewood Campground located and how do I access it?
Whitewood Campground is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, making it an excellent base for exploring the area's attractions. Similar to Spearfish City Campground, Whitewood offers convenient drive-in access. The campground sits within an hour's drive of major Black Hills destinations including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Most visitors access the campground via main highways in the region, with well-marked signs directing travelers to the entrance. For specific directions, it's recommended to check with the campground directly before your trip as seasonal road conditions in South Dakota can vary.
Are reservations required for Whitewood Campground and what are the fees?
Are reservations required for Whitewood Campground and what are the fees?
Reservations are highly recommended for Whitewood Campground, especially during peak summer season (May-September) when South Dakota tourism is at its highest. Similar to Happy Holiday RV Resort, Whitewood offers competitive pricing for the Black Hills region, with fees typically ranging from $20-35 per night depending on the site type and amenities required. While some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, securing a reservation ensures you won't be disappointed upon arrival. Pactola Reservoir Campground follows a similar seasonal operation schedule, generally open from May through September. Contact the campground directly or check their reservation system for current fees and availability.
Keep Exploring