Top RV Parks & Campgrounds in South Dakota
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Discover Top RV Parks & Campgrounds in South Dakota
Named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes, South Dakota is a sparsely populated state in the Midwest. It's blanketed by rolling prairies and the rugged Black Hills National Forest, which is famously home to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
European-American settlement accelerated in the region following a late-19th-century gold rush, which was followed by a period of intense dust storms known as the Dust Bowl. While ranching dominates the west of the state, eastern South Dakota is home to the majority of the state's population around the city of Sioux Falls.
The state's topography ranges from rolling hills to rugged buttes, expansive prairies, and densely wooded forests. Its continental climate is divided into four distinct seasons, with RV campgrounds in South Dakota offering something for campers no matter what time of the year you visit.
RV Camping in South Dakota
If you're visiting the Black Hills National Forest in the western region of the state, you can book a campsite at the Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins on its northern edge. It's on the doorstep of historic Deadwood and the city of Sturgis (where the long-running Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes place), with a heated swimming pool, sports courts, and multiple hot tubs among the facilities.
The central hub in the region is Rapid City, which is home to several fine museums and the Rapid City RV Park & Campground. This South Dakota RV park is close to restaurants and grocery stores while featuring full-hookup RV sites, modern laundry facilities, and a dump station. Also nearby is the Rush No More RV Resort, which offers both back-in and pull-through sites with concrete patios, barbecue grills, and even private hot tubs. If you want to be in the heart of Sturgis, you can go camping at Sturgis RV Park, which is just two blocks from the downtown area.
If you drive south from Rapid City, you'll eventually arrive at the Heartland RV Park & Cabins, which makes a good base for visiting Custer State Park and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. There are plenty of modern amenities that include free Wi-Fi and cable television, as well as a hot tub and a children's play area. If you're traveling with kids, the Fort Welikit Family Campground & RV Park in Custer is another popular option, with a unique playground and wild deer roaming the grounds.
Drive east to explore Badlands National Park while staying at the Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park, a pet-friendly South Dakota RV campground. There are 59 full hookups, a swimming pool, and a volleyball court, all just minutes from the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.
In the southeast region of the state is Sioux Falls. The city's outstanding museums and historical sites can be visited while camping at the Sioux Falls KOA. Take advantage of its children's play area and heated swimming pool before driving northeast to Palisades State Park. Full-hookup sites are available at the Sanpitch Campground and Wakara Campground within the park, and there's an 18-hole desert canyon golf course where you can practice your swing.
Whether you want to photograph Mount Rushmore or discover the rich history of Sioux Falls, book a camper rental in South Dakota and start planning your adventure.
Bismarck Lake Campground, SD
Overview
Bismarck Lake Campground is set amidst a scattering of aspen groves and Ponderosa pine on the southeast edge of Bismarck Lake at 5,000 feet. This is a great place for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the Black Hills National Forest. Acess to this campground is through Custer State Park near the West Highway 16A entrance. Sites in the campground are widely spaced and open up to views of lakes, providing adequate privacy for visitors.Recreation
The forest offers accessible recreation for all ages and abilities. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. At the campground, a short foot trail traverses the forested shoreline, offering …Location info
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Comanche Park Campground, SD
Overview
Situated in an open Ponderosa pine forest 6.5 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, Comanche Park Campground is a centrally loacted campground for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the southern Black Hills National Forest. The campsites are spacious. Towering pine trees provide shade. This is the closest campground to Jewel Cave National Monument.Recreation
The forest offers highly accessible recreation for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. For those seeking higher elevations, a trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the …Location info
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Dutchman Campground, SD
Overview
Dutchman Campground, located in a shady Ponderosa pine forested area on the northeast edge of Deerfield Reservoir at 5,000 feet. This camp is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Sites in the campground are widely spaced, but do not have views of the lake. Of the 3 campgrounds in the Deerfield Recreation Area, this one is the most RV-friendly.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain.Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline. …
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Horsethief Lake Campground, SD
Overview
Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. This campground is 2 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial and adjacent to Horsethief Lake. Sites are tucked into a forest of towering ponderosa and lodgepole pine.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads offer a variety of terrain for mountain bikers. Hikers and bikers can access the nearby George S. …Location info
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Oreville Campground, SD
Overview
Located 4 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Oreville Campground is a delightful setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. The sites are nestled on a hillside among aspen groves, towering ponderosa pines, and grassy areas. Many of the campsites are spacious, offering guests a sense of privacy. The campground is centrally located along Highway 16/385 just north of Crazy Horse Monument with easy access to most Black Hills attractions.Recreation
The forest offers recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. Hundreds of miles of trails and roads offer a variety of …Location info
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Whitetail Campground, SD
Overview
Whitetail Campground is located above Deerfield Reservoir at 6,000 feet, an ideal setting for guests seeking summer climate relief, recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Sites in this campground are widely spaced. Several have lake views, while others are more secluded and tucked into ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. The 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. It encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline and offering fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking. Nearby Deerfield Trail connects …Location info
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Willow Creek Horse Camp, SD
Overview
This horse camp is nestled at the confluence of Willow Creek and Palmer Creek near the Black Elk Wilderness area of the Black Hills National Forest. From this campground, hikers and horseback riders can access a network of trails into the backcountry. The campground is within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Recently renovated by Forest Service and our Partners, Backcountry Horsemen of America, Willow Creek Campground is a good choice for horse campers.Recreation
Hikers and horseback riders can access the trailhead for the Willow Creek Loop, which provides scenic views of the Black Elk Wilderness. There is also easy access to the Lost Cabin Trail, which offers many views of Black Elk Peak on its descent. Willow Creek Horse …Location info
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Pactola Reservoir Campground, SD
Overview
This campground is nestled in the pine trees along the south shore of Pactola Reservoir, offering guests lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water. Pactola Visitor Center is located in close proximity to the campground, providing opportunities for conservation education and information to visitors.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. From Pactola Reservoir, hikers can access the 2.2-mile Osprey Trail which includes two loop trails and a spur trail to an overlook. The trail is named for the ospreys that are often seen in the …Location info
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Sheridan Lake Campground, SD
Overview
This campground is situated in a forest of ponderosa pine along the south shore of Sheridan Lake, offering lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail.
At 11 miles (plus a 3-mile loop), the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of …
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Bear Gulch Campground, SD
Overview
This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir. Great for group events with up to 60 people, there are eight individual tent sites around a central parking area. The summers are pleasant, and the bay provides a great way to cool off on sunny days (summer temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s, to lows in the mid-50s). It can be reserved from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Recreation
Pactola Reservoir is an 800-acre lake, great for water skiing, swimming, fishing and even scuba diving. There is no boat ramp at the campground, but there is a separate marina where you can rent a …Location info
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Roubaix Lake Campground, SD
Overview
Roubaix Campground is tucked into a grove of Ponderosa pines along its namesake lake. With a popular swim beach and opportunities for non motorized boating and paddling, campsites are dispersed among four loops, and many offer lake views. At an elevation of 5,500 feet, this camp remains comfortable on hot summer days, and sites are spaced far enough apart to offer ample privacy. This popular camp makes a great base for exploring all the activities and attractions at the lake and in the surrounding area.Recreation
Robaix Lake is ideal for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for brook and rainbow trout. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders have access to a 1-mile multi-use trail that leads to …Location info
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Cottonwood Recreation Area, SD
Overview
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains. Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan.
For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project website .
Recreation
Cottonwood Recreation Area is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark …
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Sheridan North Cove Grp Cg Campground, SD
Overview
Sheridan North Cove Group Campground, in a forest of Ponderosa pine is along the north shore of Sheridan Lake. This is an ideal setting for large groups and gatherings. Lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water draw guests to this part of Black Hills National Forest.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the …
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Reva Gap Campground, SD
A campground with 8 sites located in the Slim Buttes Unit near the Castles National Natural Landmark, one of two on the Sioux Ranger District. The campground is within commuting distance to Buffalo, SD.
Camp sites: 8
Accessible Facilities:
Toilet
Trash Pickup: No
Firewood: No
No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14 day stay limit.
Information:
Sioux District Office
Box 37, Main & First
Camp Crook, SD 57724
(605) 797-4432
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Picnic Spring Campground, SD
A campground with 8 sites located in the North Cave Hills Unit, Sioux Ranger District near Ludlow, SD.
Camp sites: 8
Accessible Facilities:
Toilet
Trash Pickup: No
Firewood: No
No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a 14 day stay limit.
Information:
Sioux District Office
Box 37, Main & First
Camp Crook, SD 57724
(605) 797-4432
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Elk Mountain Campground, SD
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Black Fox Campground, SD
The Black Fox Campground has nine camp sites. Restroom facilities are available. The campground is in a remote location within a spruce forest on South Fork Rapid Creek. The Black Fox Botanical Area is adjacent to the campground. A snowmobile trail with a warming hut is available. The campground is popular on weekends.
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Rod & Gun Campground, SD
The Rod and Gun Campground has seven camp sites. Restroom facilities are available. One of the "Dances with Wolves" film sites is nearby. The campground is located adjacent to Little Spearfish Creek.
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Left Tailrace Campground, SD
Overview
Left Tailrace Campgound at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Big Bend Project, sits on the shore of Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River below Big Bend Dam. Just upstream of Left Tailrace, Lake Sharpe, a popular recreation destination in the Great Plains,was created by the completion of Big Bend Dam in 1966.
Today, approximately 80,000 acres of public lands and water provide a variety of benefits to the public including flood control, recreation, conservation of our natural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and hydropower production.
It is possible to view many types of wildlife on the Missouri River at Lake Sharpe. Tribal bison herds can be seen grazing the lake area's grasslands north of the …
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Cedar Pass Campground, SD
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