Rafter J Bar Ranch

This campground was absolutely gorgeous and a great place to stay while visiting the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Devil’s Tower. We had a beautiful campsite in the “Ranch” section that had lots of trees and was a fair distance away from our neighbors. Showers/restrooms were clean and the laundry facilities and camp store were handy. Kids loved the pool, hot tub, basketball, and volleyball court. I loved the wide open feel of the campground and would definitely recommend to others visiting the area.

Great location in the Black Hills!

Stayed in one of the cabins over the weekend, while family stayed in their camper at the Ranch site. Wow, the cabin exceeded my expectations! It was one of the larger cabins with a separate bedroom. It was so clean, I thought it was newly built. Large patio overlooking streams, great views, quiet. Outdoor grill, kitchen with fridge and coffee maker. Comfy beds and tv with satellite. Clean, spacious bathroom. Must bring your own towels, linens, toiletries, etc. Plenty of space throughout the camp. Within minutes of Mr Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Sylvan Lake, Hill City, and Custer.

Beautiful, Great Location!

Centrally located! Just across the street from access to Mt. Rushmore and the Needles Highway and down the road from Crazy Horse. 
Beautiful view of the hills. Most campsites are spread out (the island, ranch area are spread out well), but some can be a little more packed (in the base camp area). Polite and helpful staff. Water, sewer, and electric. Security present. Very family friendly. Big open spaces for kids and dogs to play and playgrounds, volleyball court, basketball court, and a nice pool. Quiet camping. Flat parking. Nice showers and cute cabins. First time through we stayed in a cabin (no running water) and the next in a campsite. Both times we had a great experience. Thank you to Rafter J Bar for a fun family experience! 

Wonderful  

This was in a beautiful area off the beaten path. Close to Rushmore. Big open area. Nice sites. 

Close to Rushmore!

This was a wonderful campsite. It’s situated right in between Mt. Rushmore and The Crazy Horse Memorial. Plus it’s 5 minutes down the road from Hill City, SD with the normal amenities (grocery, fuel, restaurants, etc) plus wineries and breweries. 

The property is absolutely massive with great views all around. We were in the Lower Ranch Camp which we enjoyed. The site was gravel and deep with 50/30/20 amp electric, water and sewer and lots of space. There are laundry facilities in the bathhouses scattered around the property. The pool is heated with a hot tub and there was a small general store. 

This was a historic ranch and a stop for the stagecoaches. 

We will definitely stay here again the next time we pass through the Black Hills. 

Lives up to its reputation 

I now understand why this is the most recommended campground in The Black Hills when the question is posed on social media.  There is a site here for everyone.  Small spaces, long space, shaded spaces, wide open spaces for you Starlinkers.  Back ins, pull throughs.  The sites are well spaced, so you don’t feel like you are in a big parking lot.  The pool and playground for the kiddos are brand new.  The office/store has basic necessities and ice cream.  Bath houses are close and clean.  And it is ridiculously well located.  My site is easily over 100 ft long, back up to a wooded hill and leaves me lots of space from neighbors.  All the full hookup connections are logically placed.

Best Campground in The Black Hills

Great place to stay with a little something for everyone. Tough to get reservations and a little spendy, but the staff was great, lots of space and tree cover, great activities, and amenities. We will stay here again, no doubt.