The Black Hills, also known as “Paha sapa” (in Lakota), is a sacred place for the Lakota and other tribes throughout the Great Plains. The Black Hills is a sacred area for many tribes in the Great Plains, including the Lakota. In the 1800s, they also attracted many white settlers because of their rich wildlife and natural resources. The black hills campgrounds in SD offer a rich history, culture, and recreation.
Top 10 Black Hills Campgrounds & RV Parks
The Black Hills National Forest is located primarily in western South Dakota but also extends into northeastern Wyoming. The public land covers an area of 125 miles by 65 miles. Forested hills, granite peaks, canyons, and lakes in brilliant blue are all part of the land. Black Hills camping is a great way to enjoy the forest’s 11 lakes, 30 campgrounds, and scenic byways. There are also 1,300 miles of streams, 13,605 acres of wilderness, 450 miles of trails, and two scenic byways.
These 10 Black Hills camping spots are perfect for those who travel through the area.
1. Black Hawk Creek RV Park
Black Hawk Creek RV Park stands out as an exceptional choice for visitors traveling to Mt. Rushmore. Accommodation choices at this campground range from comfortable RV sites and charming cabins. Furthermore, Black Hawk Stables provides horse enthusiasts with their ideal facility nearby to meet all their horseback riding needs – making Black Hawk Creek RV Park truly outstanding.
Black Hawk Creek RV Park’s proximity to several attractions enhances its allure making it one of the best campgrounds in Black Hills, SD. Soak in the splendor of its surroundings while taking advantage of being so near many exciting destinations – including:
- Mount Rushmore
- Crazy Horse
- Custer State Park
- Badlands National Park
- Devils Tower
- Native American History
- Historic Wild West gambling town in Deadwood, South Dakota
- The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
- Black Hills Harley Davidson (only 2 miles away from the RV Park)
2. Horsethief Lake Campground
Horsethief Lake Campground offers one of the nearest campsites to Mount Rushmore National Memorial – only a two-mile drive away! But this unique campsite stands out for more reasons than simply providing rest after devouring too much of Thomas Jefferson’s delicious vanilla ice cream recipe from 1780 which can be found there!
Horsethief Lake is a small and tranquil lake nestled among an idyllic pine forest, perfect for low-key kayaking or canoeing. Additionally, Horsethief connects to an extensive trail system including one spur leading directly onto the 111-mile Centennial Trail spanning across Black Hills National Forest.
3. Iron Creek Horse Camp
Iron Creek Horse Camp is a smaller campground offering nine sites to stay. Set in a remote location, two trails departing the campground allow you and your equine friend to easily gallop through the Black Hills’ beauty. There are toilets for both of you as well as manure disposal areas available at this campsite – however, there is no potable water available but stock water may still be found here.
4. Custer Trail Campground
Deerfield Reservoir lies 20 miles west of Hill City in South Dakota’s picturesque Black Hills region, and provides three campsites to experience Black Hills camping; Custer Trail Campground provides an off-the-beaten-path experience that ensures peace and serenity.
Custer Trail Campground provides potable water during its peak season only, and features separate tent and RV camping areas with 16 camping sites that cannot be reserved ahead of time.
5. Roubaix Lake Campground
The Northern Black Hills offers an intriguing forest adventure. Famous for its scenic canyons and waterfalls, staying at Roubaix Lake Campground provides an ideal place to start exploring these treasures. Nearby Wonderland Cave, Lead’s historic mining town center, and Deadwood are all fun destinations perfect for family fun.
6. Pactola Reservoir Campground
Pactola Reservoir lies 15 miles west of Rapid City and is one of the Black Hills’ largest and deepest lakes, covering roughly 800 acres with 14 miles of shoreline, depths up to 150 feet, towering pines, and large granite boulders adorning its shores, record lake trout catches each year as well as large brown trout caught by anglers, full-service marina, gasoline/oil sales/service, grocery delivery services/supplies as well as shower/laundry services all make Pactola Reservoir an ideal camping spot if relaxing while swimming/fishing at its shorelines/lake!
7. Grizzly Bear Campground
Grizzly Bear Campground is situated on Iron Mountain Road. This scenic drive is a must when camping in the Black Hills. Iron Mountain Road has the famous pigtails bridges, where campers are able to see Mount Rushmore National Memorial in perfect frame as they travel through the mountainous tunnels. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is only about a two-mile drive away.
8. Comanche Park Campground
Comanche Park Campground can be found just off Highway 16 on the south side. It is only a 10-minute drive from the town of Custer. Custer’s reputation as the culinary capital of the Black Hills is well-known among the locals. Custer has many great restaurants to choose from if you’re not feeling like cooking. Make a reservation for something more fancy at Skogen Kitchen or Sage Creek Grille. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, try Black Hills Burger & Bun or Custer Wolf. You won’t regret it. The closest campground in Black Hills National Forest is Comanche Park Campground, which is home to Jewel Cave National Monument. This cave is the third longest in the world.
9. Wrinkled Rock Campground & Climbing Area
Wrinkled Rock Campground & Climbing Area, located in the Black Hills, is ideal for those who want to spend as much time climbing as possible. The campground is only 1.7 miles away from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Although climbing the Mount Rushmore statue is not permitted, there are plenty of climbing opportunities in the public land surrounding the memorial. Climbers may obtain information about routes from the Mount Rushmore Information Center or the Lincoln Borglum Museum.
10. Sheridan Lake Campground
Sheridan Lake, a warm, 375-acre lake located 30 minutes west of Rapid City, offers excellent fishing opportunities for trouts, northern pikes, perch, and bass. Campers can also take advantage of nearby trails, such as the Flume Trail or the Centennial Trail when they are not relaxing at the lake. Campers who are close to Rapid City can take day trips to popular attractions like Bear Country USA, Dinosaur Park, and Reptile Gardens.
Looking for a place to stay in Black Hills, SD?
For those journeying to the iconic Mount Rushmore, Black Hawk Creek RV Park emerges as one of the best campgrounds in Black Hills, SD. This exceptional campsite not only caters to those with RVs but also welcomes horse travelers, creating a distinctive opportunity to lodge alongside your equine companions. The proximity of Black Hawk Creek RV Park to various attractions further enhances its allure. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings while staying close to a range of captivating destinations, including:
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (coming up in early August)
- Black Hills Harley Davidson (only 2 miles away from our RV Park)
- Mount Rushmore
- Crazy Horse
- Custer State Park
- Badlands National Park
- Devils Tower
- Native American History
- Historic Wild West gambling town Deadwood, South Dakota