Looking for the best options for tent camping near Wind Cave National Park? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota's most popular destinations.
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information.
General rules:
Camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Motorized vehicles allowed 300 feet off of roads as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (dots) for dispersed camping on the Black Hills National Forest. Around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Can camp for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. No open campfires in South Dakota portions of the national forest. Open campfires are permitted in Wyoming portions of the national forest, unless a special order prohibiting such is in effect. Check with the closest Forest Service office for more specific information about dispersed camping.
The Fall River Ranger District is located in Hot Springs, South Dakota, which is known as the Southern Gateway to the Black Hills! Hot Springs has been well known for many years for it’s large, natural, warm water springs. With easy access to great attractions; soothing, natural, warm water springs; great year-round weather; distinctive sandstone architecture; and multiple opportunities for outdoor activities and experiences. Spread out over a wide geographic area, a current visitors map is strongly recommended. Watch wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy the wide open spaces. The Fall River area is also known as an important geological resource included in the well-known Fossil Freeway, covering western Nebraska and stretching into western South Dakota, http://www.fossilfreeway.net/. For more information about the community of Hot Springs, please visit the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Legend
This is a nice little campground to get away from the hussle of the city. The tent sites are level and great for tent camping. The is a little creek in the park and at the time we were there it was flowing big. Nice area, would go back.
Ranger
Nice camp ground, well maintained, clean, quite, nice showers and bathrooms. Staff were wonderful and helpful, very nice and family oriented. We stayed in a tent site. Water was close by and we did not need electric. They run a little coffee shop too and it was amazing, the kids loved the smoothies that they made. Pool was cold, but clean and looked inviting, but it was the end of may so that is normal. Laundry room was clean and easy access. They have everything you might need in the main office. Close location to get to anything. Loved Custer state park, visited spearfish canyon, bear mountain look out, wind cave national park, so many things to see. We would definitely stay again. And 25$ a night was a good price.
Ranger
This campground is EXCELLENT! We spent a week in our RV and enjoyed watching the sunset in the hammock after a day of venturing out in the Black Hills. We went to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Spearfish Canyon, Badlands National Park, Wall (for Wall Drug), and several other adventures. We hiked around lakes and had picnics by the water, drove through canyons and small towns trying different local fare and ended the night by our fire pit. The owners brought us firewood and were so accommodating to everyone. They enjoy working on their property and this is very well-groomed. I can’t say anything bad about it. Although I didn’t stay in the tent campground, you can walk out the back of it and take your dog down some of the trails. LOVED this campground !
Legend
As a Ranger on The Dyrt, I sometimes receive compensation for reviews like this one. We received a coupon code for The Dyrt's online product store in exchange for trying out the new online camping reservation system to make a reservation for Plenty Star Ranch.
We reserved a campsite for Plenty Star Ranch through The Dyrt, and it was a breeze to go through the process. We were emailed the reservation information, payment was taken via bank card, and it all made the check-in process very fast upon arrival. We needed to change our camping date and all the contact information was in the email, so we called and owner Isa was more than understanding (it was going to storm, then snow, then get really windy for the night we reserved).
This campground is actually a small, working ranch located right next to a bison ranch, which had just had about four bison calves born in the previous week. They were fun to watch run and play in the field next door. Plenty Star Ranch itself allows you to bring your own horses (for a small fee) and there is plenty of room for them to enjoy. There are cabins, campsites, and RV hook-ups, all conveniently located along the rural Highway 385 north of Pringle, SD.
We planned to pitch a tent for the night, but the weather has been pretty harsh in the Black Hills this spring, and temperatures were going to be well below freezing overnight. We are hearty campers and planned to tough it out, but owner Isa insisted that we take one of their two cabins instead and upgraded our stay for no additional cost. My boys (8 and 12) and I stayed in their 3-person cabin which has a queen bed and a pull-out twin. They provided all the linens (though we used our own pillows by choice) and the cabin was nicely heated with electric heat. We definitely stayed much warmer that night than we would have been in a tent! It was super cozy and quiet in the cabin!
The cabin is located about 50 yards from the public bathroom, which is also heated, well-lit, and attached to their garage. Parking is right next to the cabin, making it a breeze to unpack. There is a picnic table on the porch in front of the cabin, where we could cook and eat, as well as a table inside. In the morning I set up my Primus stove and made coffee, which I sat on the porch and enjoyed while watching whitetail deer and Canada geese stroll past. There is a goose nest right on the island in their pond, and I am sure it is neat to watch the goslings grow all summer!
Tent camping sites are located in one of their former pastures, and we saw plenty of level, gravel RV sites with hook-ups around the main living area. There are two shower stalls next to the cabins that are ready for your solar shower bag to be attached (we thought that would be really fun), and in the off-season they allow guests to use their shower inside the main house. We didn't need to take them up on that since we were only staying one night, but they also invited us up in the morning for coffee and cocoa (usually out on the porch, but it was about 35 degrees that next morning- brr!).
Isa and Jack (the owners) are very friendly, and were a lot of fun to chat with, I would definitely return to Plenty Star Ranch for another getaway evening or weekend in the future. They currently have plans to move their smaller 2-person cabin up into the canyon behind the main house and put it completely off-grid. It would be a perfect getaway for a couple, and what a gorgeous setting back in the hills!
If you are looking for a quieter place to camp in the Black Hills, you should definitely consider Plenty Star Ranch, as it is only about 8 minutes south of Custer, but greatly removes you from the hustle and bustle of the tourist towns. It is just minutes from Wind Cave National Park as well, which is a must-do when you are in the area!
One more thing to note: the only cell service in the immediate area of the ranch is AT&T. We knew that going into the weekend, so planned on not having service (we have Verizon), which for us is no big deal - after all, we were camping! :)
Traveler
Overall the campground was great. Showers, washing machines, places for kids to play, pool area, kind neighbors. We did run into a couple problems when it came to tent camping here. The bathroom closest to us had 2 toilets and 2 showers which were nearly always full and we had to walk across the campground to another bathroom. Another thing, some of the tent sites are slanted. The blood was either rushing to my head or I was sliding down the bottom of the tent. It is a little bit awkward and not ideal. Having a campfire was a nice plus though (they even had water to put it out with).
RangerVery friendly staff. All the amenities needed. Clean bathrooms and showers. Ample laundry facilities! Don’t forget your roll of quarters! (They have change too) We tent camped in 106 (closest to bathhouse so you can hear air hand dryer but quickest bathroom access). All the tent sites appeared to be very nice. They are drive up! Surrounded by mountains and deer walk right through campground. Location was perfect and within miles of all attractions! We saw some of the other campgrounds in the area and are more than pleased we chose this one! RV sites in the front appeared a little more crowded than those towards the back. Also, had some small cabins and there was ample room for the tent in front of it. We would choose this campground at our next visit! Kids loved the on-site “gold mining” activity!
Scout
Beautiful camp sites. They are mostly gravel so pack a nice sleeping pad or blow up mattress. The pit toilets were very clean and the water spouts were plentiful. Many of the sites have natural rock formations as natural boundaries of the site. Many tent camp sites have raised platforms to pitch your tent. There is a small trail around the lake that was lovely in the evenings. The lake is very quiet and great for fishing or kayaking.
Traveler
Small but quiet and set among the Black Hills of South Dakota, this RV and Tent camping site has clean bathrooms with showers, WiFi, a great cafe, lots of shade, and friendly service. We stayed at the KOA first, but wish our first night had been here!
Scout
This campground is open year round and is located in Custer State Park, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Features cabin, camper, and tent sites. Also has very nice bathroom facilities that includes showers. A nice little creek runs along the back of the campground and the wildlife are abundant, especially Buffalo and deer that roam directly next to the campsite.
Traveler
In the off season, you get bare bones ie a pit toilet. Lots of space for tents and rvs. The RV sites do have water. You check in by filling out a slip and using the envelope provided. There is a beautiful open expanse to hike a buffalo literally right outside the camp ground. Take a tour of Wind Cave National Park while you’re there too.
Legend
Loved being able to walk to shops, breweries, and restaurants in downtown Custer from here.
Also had good WiFi and a nice bathroom facility.
Also enjoyed a quick drive south to explore Wind Cave National Park!
GuideKept our camper there while we did a night of backcountry camping in Wind Cave National Park and we really liked how private and quiet it was. We felt safe leaving the camper there overnight. Definitely recommend!
Scout
We thought we had found a great place to stay. Made a reservation. Paid the $25 deposit did some research and looked at the reviews. Let me tell you how let down we were.
We were driving up to where it was and we could see from the main road our tent site. We thought hey maybe it's one further back and not right next to the road. So we go and check In and we are right next to the road.andnot even just a road to get to the place but like a main road right off the town houses across the street busy road. Also there little plots are small, like very small. Big enough for our 6 person tent & SUV? yes. After that however, not much room for anything else. Super small fire pit and our neighbors were right next to us. Like so close we could hear them chatting. Maybe if you have an RV go for it. If you are tent camping though I wouldn't recommend. We paid the $100.00 cause they are very strict about refund and well let's get honest they do give them even though there was a ton of tent spots left. Even after we knew we weren't getting out money back decided to forfeit the $100.00 and find a different camp site. So many better camp sites. More space, and not right off the main road where you can listen to cars all night and have lights shining in at you. If you really need a place that has a shower, play ground for kids and a dog run then go for it. However if you are like us and like to camp and don't really need a playground or a dog run and would like some space fr ol m your neighbor camper then please find somewhere else. They have so many just take a drive or Google other sites. Your inner Camper will thank you. In the photo, the trees right there are after a 2 lane road the fence is the edge of Ft. Welikit and other edge of that road. Way too close.
Legend
This camp is under new management and is now called Sunrise. It’s a GREAT spot for going to Hot Springs and Wind Cave National Park.
There’s a great dog park on this campground with a doggie clean up station. Plenty of sites and shade. We stayed just one night but would be back for sure.
Ranger
The sites were decent, our fire ring didn’t have any flat spots to put chairs around. The were lots of vault toilets bathrooms, they were a little smelly but not as bad as some. Most of the campground was empty on a May week night. We could hear the cars from the road. The camp host was a nice lady. Convenient to Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park.
Guide
So you're going to Mount Rushmore.... I discovered during my trip to the area June 2015 that hotel rates in the area are very high for what you get & hard to find availability. The solution is to camp! Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time. Keep in mind though for those coming from other areas of the country, South Dakota does experience rain and thunderstorms. Pack and camp accordingly. This campground is nearby many SD attractions, within easy driving distance and minutes of Hill City, Custer, Keystone, Rapid City, Mount Rushmore. There are many options at the campground such as purchasing firewood to renting bikes. Check out KOA's campground map for campground layout. RV hookups, tent sites, heated pools, splash pad, and much more to keep everyone entertained. Remember that this area of South Dakota hosts high volumes of tourists each season, especially summer and during Sturgis Motorcyle Rally. I highly recommend making reservations far in advance!
Legend
This is a dispersed site that is near the entrance to Wind Cave National Park. The road in is wide and smoothly graveled. This spot has room for a small camper - our bus backed in fine. The trees hug you keeping you shaded. We didn’t have much Verizon signal. It fluctuates between sos and just text. This was a great discovery. The Dyrt entry says cold springs road but the road sign said rifle pit road.
Legend
This is very nice privately owned campground. The staff was simply incredible! We were originally setting up on the sunny side of the creek in our tent. When they saw that we were going through great lengths to maximize our shade, they offered to switch our site to the shady side, and even helped us move. Note: The creek sites closest to the road get the afternoon shade. The campsites have have adequate space but are not particularly private. The campground is situated in an open, grassy field with a creek running through it. The only shade and trees are directly on the creek. Looking across the creek from my tent up front in the photo provides a good idea of creek-side campsite spacing. There is a shower house (Although very clean, 3 out of 5 for overall feel--I've seen better and I've seen worse). There is a small pool, playground, store, diner, and a dishwashing sink. There is laundry in both the men's and women's restrooms.
The campground is directly on the Iron Mountain Road and finding the time to drive through the tunnels and pig-tails is a must, but leave any trailers at the campground first. Driving the pigtail section of 16A toward the campground is recommended for that amazing view of a tunnel framing Mt. Rushmore. Nearby there is a treasure trove of outdoor activities including: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park. Privately owned parks boast daring alpine slides, and zip lines (so much fun). Wind Cave National Park boasts a thriving buffalo population--expect a buffalo jam if you drive that way (which is not required to access Keystone or Rushmore, etc.)
Legend
Love love love! Stunningly beautiful, breathtaking, rush to this place if you haven’t been. It’s AMAZING! Yes I am shouting but I am in awe of this place. Maybe it’s because I am from Louisiana and this is so very different from bayous and alligators but this is the sort of place that you leave wanting more! I highly recommend you visit. We barely scratched the surface of the wonders in this place during our visit. Also convenient to Wind Cave national park.
Travelergood campground with amenities - free showers! very few tent sites. mostly RV’s. Our tent site 21E was VERY close to the neighbors. close to stockade lake which was much more peaceful than sylvan lake.
RangerThis campground is located in Wind Cave National Park and hardly ever fills to capacity. It is first-come, first-serve and $9 a night until they turn the water on and it increases to $18, but it’s a nice serene area with bison just outside the gates! You are surrounded by wildlife, and they have wonderful trails, 2 of which are pet-friendly. I stayed overnight to camp and got in line early to get tickets to the Entrance Cave tour. The tour was wonderful!
Scout
This is a nice campground very close to Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park. The hosts are accommodating and friendly. The sites are basic with full hookups and will fit any size rig, they have clean water and perfect power. The location is less windy than most parks in the area and even though it's next to the highway we haven't heard any vehicle noise. Just a few blocks to beautiful downtown Custer. We had a fantastic stay and know you will too.
TravelerSimple campgrounds in Wind Cave National Park. The campground was well maintained and in great condition. The location can't be best as you're only 1 mile from the visitor's center and central to the park.
There is a hiking path nearby that gets you up so you can view the amazing area surrounding you. We heard lots of animals through the night and loved it.
Our only complaint was that the lights from the very simple bathrooms were so bright at night they ruined our night vision. Do not choose a site near the bathrooms.
Legend
First, the hosts were great. They came down and chatted with us about our Teardrop and then also shared their story of their campers. They suggested a couple places to visit. This is a campground that is made for 5th wheels and big RVs so they made us feel comfortable with our TD. The location can't be beat. We did Rushmore, CrazyHorse, Custer Park, Black Elk Peak, Wind Cave National park and some just piddling. It is right across the street from the lake. There may be better places, but this was perfectly located.
LegendDefinitely bringing the daughter and granddaughter next year! Beautiful area, awesome drive with scenery and WILDLIFE! I thought more about Teddy Roosevelt then Custer while here. Roosevelt was all about wildlife , etc. the park has the animals you relate to “the West”. The park had the feel of cowboys/covered wagon era. I enjoyed my visit so much, a surprise around every curve. Wind Cave National Park and the Badlands are an easy drive from here so you can continue the experience. Nice campground , well maintained and nice staff.
Traveler
This campground is one of the best . We snagged an awesome site that was large , wooded , secluded , and quiet . The area was beautiful with the Needles and the wildlife drives that were spectacular with buffalo , pronghorn ,and deer in your face. Very close to major attentions such as Mt Rushmore , Crazy Horse Monument , Wind Caves National Park , and the Badlands . The lake is a jewel with a great hike and granite spires bordering the end of the lake - postcard perfect . I also hooked 5 wild rainbows !! We will return
TravelerThis is a great campground within the wind Cave national Park. It has both tent and RV parking. The RV parking is somewhat limited and mostly the RVs park along the road. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and the bathrooms have running water and flushing toilets during the warm seasons. There are no showers available. The campground is in the middle of the national park and just outside of the campground there are hiking trails everywhere. You will see herds of Buffalo and herds of deer everywhere. The cave was not accessible due to a mechanical problem with the elevator. It has been an ongoing issue and I would check the website before you go. Not a big loss to see the cave as the hiking was fantastic
Tent camping near Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Black Hills. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wind Cave National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wind Cave National Park is North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wind Cave National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Wind Cave National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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