Best Cabin Camping in South Dakota

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.

Best Cabin Sites in South Dakota (175)

    1. Badlands Hotel & Campground

    58 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5335

    $24 - $174 / night

    "Perfect location for visiting Badlands National Park. Jussstttt outside the park entrance and the Ben Reifel visitor center. Could not ask for a better location."

    "We were visiting the badlands and decided to stay at a place close by and this place was perfect!"

    2. Badlands / White River KOA

    58 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5337

    "As I drove through the Badlands today and saw people setting up their tents in the totally exposed Park campgrounds I was sad for them . The KOA has great shade at every tent site ."

    "Amenities: General store, water, electric (30/20 amps), showers, flush toilets, laundry mat, basketball court, swimming pool, mini golf.

    See what I mean."

    3. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch

    53 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    Website

    "This is a huge campground with tons of options which is nice, it also is in a great Central location for Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Windcave National Park and Mammouth"

    "We desperately needed showers and a place to park for the night. We knew what KOAs had/have to offer, so we had the right mindset."

    4. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park

    40 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."

    "Our family stayed in a walk-in primitive tent site located on a woodsy hill at the top of Custer. Campsites have a decent amount of privacy, but you are still aware of your neighbors."

    5. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park

    42 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-4600

    $24 - $45 / night

    "Passing through South Dakota rests a very unique park unlike any other you will find.    "

    "This 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."

    6. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    33 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

    "Easy access from 90W, not much road noise and close to the town of Brandon for supplies. "

    "Located in Brandon not far from Sioux Falls. Clean bathrooms with showers. Firewood available to purchase. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy."

    7. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    31 Reviews
    Canistota, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 296-3643

    $15 - $55 / night

    "There are only 4 strictly dedicated tent sites. you park across the street and walk a very short distance, maybe 200 feet to the site. The bathroom is in the parking lot along with a water source."

    "South Dakota charges a day use fee ($6) plus a fee for tent camping ($17); I opted to pay for an Annual Pass of $30 since I plan on doing more SD camping this year."

    8. Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park

    29 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 255-4515

    "Located in Custer State Park, just a couple miles away from the entrance to the wildlife loop. Lots of great hiking, cycling, and horseback riding in the area, as well as Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Mt."

    "Blue Bell Campground truly captures the essence of a classic camping experience, with its beautiful surroundings and well-maintained facilities."

    9. Palisades State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Garretson, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 594-3824

    "The park is not very big so there are not many campsites. Some have electric hook up, others are just for tent camping. All of them provide a picnic table and a fire pit."

    "We passed through Palisades State Park earlier this year and spent some time in the day-use area so we knew it was a good place to camp as we passed through South Dakota on another trip."

    10. Sleepy Hollow Campground

    30 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2100

    "free showers, on site laundry for $1.25 wash and same to dry, swimming pool, little kids playground. we stayed in a cabin, primitive, but super clean and comfy. nice beds, you provide linens."

    "They have a camp store, pool, laundry, showers and clean restrooms. The pool was nice but got crowed because it was smaller."

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Showing results 1-10 of 175 campgrounds

Cabin Reviews in South Dakota

1336 Reviews of 175 South Dakota Campgrounds



Guide to South Dakota

Cabin camping in South Dakota offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cozy accommodations, perfect for those looking to explore the stunning landscapes of the region.

Some prices for cabin camping range from $65 to $150

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Custer State Park

  • The Blue Bell Campground offers easy access to scenic trails and wildlife viewing, making it a great base for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Stay at the Sylvan Lake Campground to enjoy stunning views and a variety of hiking options right at your doorstep.
  • The Elk Mountain Campground is perfect for those looking to explore Wind Cave National Park, with its unique geological features and diverse wildlife.

Enjoy local attractions and activities