South Dakota doesn’t exactly have the reputation that more popular travel destinations like California and Colorado do, but it’s actually full of gems and natural beauty. In fact, when you take a look at all the fantastic RV road trips in South Dakota you’ll see that it’s easily one of the most underrated destinations for RV campers in the country.
Even though it does get overlooked as a state, South Dakota is home to one of America’s favorite attractions and memorials: Mount Rushmore. Located in the town of Keystone, South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is visited by over 2 million tourists every single year.
Established in 1925, this great memorial depicts the faces of four of America’s most beloved presidents carved into the side of a magnificent granite mountain. The memorial features historic markers and informative tours as well as fun and festive events. Independence Day is a particularly festive day for visiting the site.
There’s plenty more to see in this area of South Dakota. Mount Rushmore sits within the Black Hills National Forest, which offers beautiful scenic drives and great hiking through ponderosa pine forests. The Crazy Horse Memorial is not far from here, which is a monument in the Black Hills that is being carved to depict Crazy Horse, or Oglala Lakota, a Lakota Sioux warrior. When complete, the Crazy Horse Memorial will be the largest mountain carving in the world. Finally, the nearby Custer State Park is also a great place to take the whole family, offering access to both the Black Hills and the Badlands, as well as a beautiful lake, great hiking trails, and other opportunities for outdoor recreation.
If you’re looking to rent an RV near Keystone, SD there are plenty of options. There are also dozens of campgrounds near Mount Rushmore with everything from basic amenities to full-blown family fun centers. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re guaranteed to find it in this area. We’ve put together a list of the best campgrounds and RV parks in the area, and all of them are within 30 minutes of Mount Rushmore. Keep reading to find the best campground or RV park near Mount Rushmore for you and your family.
Image Source:
-
If you’re looking for proximity, the Rushmore Shadows RV Resort is only 20 minutes from the Mount Rushmore National Park entrance. The campground is right off of US-16, right down the street from the small town of Rockerville, where you’ll find a bar and restaurant as well as the Coon Hollow Trailhead. Just a couple minutes down the road in the other direction, there’s a great reptile garden and mini golf center.
For family fun and a trip to Mount Rushmore, Rushmore Shadows RV Resort is right down the street and offers plenty of amenities and activities at a great price. Whether the kids prefer to hang out by the pool or play a game of mini golf, they’ll easily stay entertained. The RV resort also organizes bus tours of Mount Rushmore, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
Just minutes down the street from the visitor’s center for Mount Rushmore tiol Park, the Grizzly Creek Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to Mount Rushmore. In the small town of Hill City, you’re next to a few convenient amenities, including a museum, a market, a cafe, and a diner. Major Lake and Spring Creek are great places to spend a sunny day.
Grizzly Creek Campground is rustic and basic but beautifully scenic and convenient to Mount Rushmore. Just one mile southeast of Mount Rushmore tiol Park on Highway 16, this campground is as close to Mount Rushmore as you can get. The surrounding area offers great hiking and biking trails as well fantastic viewpoints.
Image Source:
https://www.kempskamp.com/
Just 10 minutes north of Mount Rushmore on Highway 16, Kemp’s Kamp is extremely close to nearby attractions and very conveniently located. The town of Keystone is only 5 minutes away, and you’ll find any major amenities you could need. The area is lovely and wooded and right next to Battle Creek, offering great scenery around your campsite.
Nestled in Battle Creek Canyon and surrounded by majestic ponderosa pines, the area around Kemp’s Kamp is not only convenient to Mount Rushmore but also stunning. It’s also a great jumping off point for exploring the greater Black Hills tiol Forest, and the camp hosts are welcoming and willing to offer plenty of hiking and activity information. Rapid City is just a short drive away, and The Badlands, another favorite South Dakota attraction, isn’t much farther.
You’ll find Mystery Mountain Resort only 20 minutes northeast of Mount Rushmore National Park on the way to Rapid City. It’s right off of Highway 16, making it convenient to access. If you drive 10 minutes farther, you’ll reach Rapid City, which is filled with things to do, places to eat, and shopping. Mystery Mountain Resort is also right down the road from mini-golf and a reptile garden.
This well-shaded RV resort surrounded by lovely pine forests is peaceful and scenic while still offering easy access to both Mount Rushmore and Rapid City. Visitors rave about the staff, stating in reviews that they’re incredibly friendly and helpful. The amenities are also great, especially for the price. Wi-fi is fast and reliable, mini-golf and the pool area are fun for the whole family, and the campground even offers a pancake breakfast for guests.
Image Source:
http://U.S. Government
This campground is only 25 minutes from Mount Rushmore, but they also offer the unique option of getting to Mount Rushmore on horseback on a 4-hour horseback tour. It’s also right on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest as well, giving you immediate access to open wilderness and excellent hiking trails.
Elk Haven Horse Camp has been around since 1941, offering a beautiful place to camp amidst the Black Hills forests and scenic horseback rides to Mount Rushmore. This is a brilliant and authentic way to discover South Dakota. The campground itself is home to ample horse trails for RVers with an equine in tow, and they offer great, clean facilities and ample amenities considering the cost. Custer State Park is also right next door to Elk Haven Horse Camp, so you could easily spend several days here exploring the outdoors.
Image Source:
http://NA
About 10 minutes up US-244 you’ll find the Mount Rushmore KOA, tucked away into the Black Hills yet easy to access. The area does offer Palmer Creek and horse stables, but there’s not much else in the immediate vicinity. That being said, it makes for a peaceful stay surrounded by nature. Hill City is only 10 minutes away, and you’ll find everything you need there.
This KOA is a paradise for hikers and people who love the great outdoors. It’s right next to three beautiful peaks – St. Elmo Peak, Black Elk Peak, and Sylvan Peak. The sites are surrounded by ponderosa pines of South Dakota’s black hills, and Mount Rushmore is just down the road. On top of the natural beauty, the campground itself offers great family-friendly amenities such as guided horseback rides, a splash pad, crafts, pancake breakfasts, and live entertainment. You’ll keep the whole family entertained for days here.
Just outside of Rapid City, Lake Park Campground is about 35 minutes from Mount Rushmore and 10 minutes from downtown Rapid City. It’s part of Canyon Lake Park, and the campground offers waterfront campsites. It’s also only 30 minutes from Custer State Park, and it’s under an hour from the Crazy Horse Monument, Historic Deadwood, and the Sturgis Rally and Races.
Situated in a picturesque park along a lake, just 4 miles from the charming downtown area of Rapid City, Lake Park Campground is a great getaway in South Dakota. Because it’s also only 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Custer State Park, there’s plenty to do and see nearby. The campground offers ample amenities, including miles of walking and biking trails and great wifi.
Image Source:
-
This popular state-run campground is only two miles from Mount Rushmore, making it one of the closest campgrounds in the area. It’s right along the popular Horsethief Lake, which offers great views and recreational activities. You’re also near the Needles Scenic Road and Custer State Park, so there’s no shortage of things to see. The aerial adventure park down the street is a great option for adventurous kids.
This beautiful campground sits right along the shores of Horsethief Lake, offering scenic waterfront campsites just a couple miles down the road from one of America’s greatest treasures, Mount Rushmore. While the campground is simple, it’s filled with great trails and outdoor recreational opportunities. It’s one of the closest campgrounds to Mount Rushmore and also one of the most picturesque.
Twenty minutes north of Mount Rushmore on Highway 385, you’ll encounter 3 Forks Campground in Hill City, South Dakota. This is a great option for people also exploring the Black Hills, as 3 Forks Campground is nestled right in the middle of them. You’ve got Hill City, with some dining and shopping, just a few minutes in one direction and the lovely Sheridan Lake a few minutes in the other direction.
This is a basic but well-liked campground very close to Mount Rushmore. But the views here are absolutely incredible, and it’s what brings in visitor after visitor. There are plenty of campsites on offer and they are private, clean, and well shaded. Facilities are well maintained, and the wi-fi is fast and reliable. Plus, the scenery in this area is hard to beat.
Image Source:
https://www.roverpass.com
Located very close to Custer State Park in South Dakota, Wheels West Campground is in a beautiful location for those seeking a quiet spot to relax. There is often live music in the evenings to get your feet tapping after exploring nearby Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Challenge your crew to a family duel by playing yard games or go for a family hike. This campground offers spacious RV sites and a bunkhouse.
If you do not feel like preparing your meals, eat at the 7th Calvary Café. The breakfast is delicious, and you will love the top-notch service. There is often a wait for a table, so be sure to leave plenty of time to enjoy the fluffy pancakes, delicious omelets, and fresh coffee.
“Very nice (new) owner. He's working on cleaning it up. Sites are a bit small but our 32-foot class C fit fine. Full hookups were nice.” - Carrie S., Google Review
Image Source:
https://www.roverpass.com
The beautiful mountainous views of Hill City make Creekside Mountain RV Park an excellent location for a taste of nature. This campground overlooks the Black Hills National Forest and is in the vicinity of several places to explore like Spring Creek, Wind Cave National Park, and Custer State Park. If you feel like staying on-site instead of exploring, have a picnic on the provided picnic tables! You can even explore some of the historic sites in Hot Springs and Rabid City, both less than an hour away.
This campground is close to many attractions that will fill your days with wonder, like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. This area is pet-friendly and even has a special spot where your dogs can play. Creekside Mountain Resort includes 30- and 50-amp hookups and Wi-Fi access with picnic tables on-site. All of the hiking, sightseeing, and biking you can do in the city makes this place a must-visit campground.
Image Source:
http://www.gocampingamerica.c...
South Dakota beauty surrounds the campsites of this RV park in the town of Custer. The tall pines of the Black Hills create a shady, peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing camping trip. Fort Welikit provides a rustic feel, but with the bonus of modern amenities for an unbeatable camping experience.
There’s something for the entire family at Fort Welikit! You can throw a barbecue at the pavilion and enjoy growing closer to your family and friends. Kids will have a blast climbing and playing on the unique fort playground and play area. While you’re keeping an eye on your little ones, you may even get a glimpse of some wild deer! Even your four-legged friends have an area dedicated to them, with a spacious dog park that lets them stretch their legs and play till they’re exhausted!
“Very nice campground, nice location to some beautiful country, they help you get into your site, woodsy. I would definitely stay here again.” – Robert, Google reviews
Image Source:
https://www.roverpass.com
Edelweiss Mountain Lodging is located near the city of Rapid City, South Dakota. Its proximity to popular Black Hills attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Hill City, Deadwood, and more makes it a great place to enjoy some of the state's finest sights. Located right near Lake Pactola, Edelweiss Mountain Lodging is a gated community that makes for an ideal option for families looking for a quiet place to stay.
Edelweiss Mountain Lodging offers UTV and ATV tours on some of their back trails so that visitors can explore the Black Hills. You can even get discounts on rentals during this guided tour. Units come equipped with water, sewer, and TV hookups, and RV sites offer 20 amps for power. Some sites also have a fire pit to enjoy during cold weather.
Image Source:
https://bookoutdoors.com/prop...
If you’re looking for a simple park to have a camping trip that will help you connect with nature, Echo Valley Park is the place for you. Located next to Crazy Horse Mountain near Custer, South Dakota, this park is surrounded by breathtaking mountainous landscapes and stunning forests. Echo Valley Park is a hidden paradise that’s ready to show you all that the area has to offer!
The surrounding area of Echo Valley Park is an adventurer’s goldmine. Countless hiking trails, fishing spots, horseback riding trails, and caves are waiting for you to explore them! If you’re looking to get the most out of a trip to South Dakota, this is one of the best RV parks to help you map out an exciting itinerary! When you’ve finished your exploring for the day, you can head back to the campground to take advantage of the clean shower house and laundry facilities.
“Loved this campground! So cheap and the owners are super friendly. $5 wood bundles and if you go fishing you can cook what you catch! Highly recommend this camp!” – Mady, Google reviews
Image Source:
http://www.tipstripsandpics.c...
Pactola Reservoir Campground is located in the Black Hills National Forest along Pactola Lake and provides access to a wealth of activities. Rent a pontoon boat and cruise around the lake, or kayak or canoe around the shore. For those who like more extreme activities, cliff diving and scuba are also available.
This park has something for everyone just off Highway 385 west of downtown Rapid City. What the campground itself lacks in amenities, the nearby Pactola Marina provides. Guests have full access to the marina including a general store, showers, Wi-Fi, boat rentals and fishing gear. The marina is just steps from the main campground and picturesque Pactola Lake. The lake itself is full of activities including jet skiing, stand up paddle boarding and tubing. If you like to camp near water, Pactola Reservoir Campground is your destination.
“We spent a weekend camping here in our fifth wheel; there were no hookups and generators could be used until 10 p.m. The site and views were spectacular, and we were well positioned to access our boat from our site…” – Jamie, TripAdvisor
Image Source:
https://www.roverpass.com
The managers of Broken Arrow Horse Campground live on site and are always willing to help. You can borrow a wheelbarrow or golf cart and use the separate bathhouses for men and women. A large outdoor pavilion is available for groups and is close to the playground. There is also a large camp store that has a library where you can borrow DVDs after picking up any supplies that you need.
No matter which of the spacious sites you choose, you'll have a fire pit and picnic table along with free Wi-Fi. The campground has a separate equestrian area for those with horses and sells horse supplies. Custer State Park is only four miles away while Crazy Horse Mountain is just nine miles from the campground.
“Everything from our first interaction to our last was nothing short of incredible. They were always so willing to help. This is where we will be staying!” - Callie, Google Review
Image Source:
https://www.roverpass.com/c/h...
Lying directly in between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Happy Holidays Resort is in the middle of it all: six national parks or monuments are within 30 minutes. Even closer are the top attractions in the city including Reptile Gardens, Bear Country and Fort Hays. Happy Holidays Resort is a perfect location to begin your adventures.
One of the top Good Sam RV Parks in Rapid City, South Dakota, Happy Holidays Resort offers year-round service in a quiet, peaceful locale. Truly dedicated to service, the camp hosts will guide you to your location and give you direction to pull into your space.
“Good facilities, great showers and bathrooms, love the staff. The showers are cleaned daily, the staff is helpful and when we had packages delivered they brought them to the camper. I would recommend this place to family and friends.” – Allison, TripAdvisor Review
Image Source:
https://rcrvsouth.com
Rapid City South RV Park, formally The Tee Pee Campground, offers hospitality and comfort to guests. Large, mature trees and lush patches of grass line each of the sites at this Rapid City campground. Rapid City South is not far from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial or the Black Hills National Forest.
Providing fantastic service is the mission of Rapid City South RV Park. The staff goes out of their way to make you and your guests feel comfortable. There are many things to do in the immediate area, and it can be difficult to plan out your day. The camp host acts as a concierge to travelers and can help narrow down the perfect vacation activities. This personal touch is why Rapid City South RV Park is a great choice for RV camping in Rapid City.
“By far the best service we have ever experienced at a campground. Bob (the campground owner) went above and beyond to ensure our week-long stay was comfortable, fun and safe! Our original plan was to stay at a new campground each night, but once we met Bob, we couldn’t leave! Thanks for the great service!” – Shane, TripAdvisor
Image Source:
https://www.hipcamp.com/south...
You’ll never want to leave your campsite once you’ve set up at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground. Crystal blue waters, mature pine trees and large spots are just waiting for you to call them home. If you do decide to leave your spot for the day, Jewel Cave National Monument is just minutes away, providing tours of the third-longest cave in the world.
Bird watching is a hobby that is not only rewarding but can also provide an amazing travel experience. At Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground, this hobby takes on new levels of excitement. Grab your binoculars to scope out hawks, osprey, bald eagles and, if you’re lucky, peregrine falcons.
“The staff was super friendly and accommodating. The amenities gave us everything we needed for the necessities. The park was well maintained, and everything was always clean. The facilities were nice and immaculate. I liked the location as there were so many beautiful scenic areas.” – Milly, RoverPass Review
Beaver Lake Campground in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota invites you to enjoy our pine treed acres of serenity and amenities. Small town atmosphere with world class attractions minutes away including Mt.Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Bear Country, 4000 miles of area trails, and much more.
Guests say Beaver Lake Campground feels like places their families went camping when they were kids, lots of space, beautiful big trees but with the addition of amenities. Very close to world class attractions yet quiet. calm and friendly.
“Beautiful campground with pool. The bathrooms are so amazingly clean. The whole campground is very well kept. The staff are so nice and the greeting dog is the sweetest. We will definitely be back!
Image Source:
https://www.hartranchresort.com/
This five-star RV resort is situated next to Spring Creek, on over 195 acres of fantastic nature and wildlife. These family-oriented park hosts many events, such as their summertime Legendary Hart Ranch Rodeo and Hart Ranch themed weekends. The park also offers unique amenities including a Sunday morning church service and dance lessons.
If you’re looking for southern hospitality with a dose of exciting adventure, Hart Ranch will be exactly what you need! With amazing amenities and activities such as a pool and multiple hot tubs, a golf course, and paintball, you’ll be able to spend your entire stay having fun. That’s not all the park offers though- there’s also a community garden, a soccer field, video games, bicycle rentals, and much much more!
“This was one of the nicest resorts we have ever stayed in. The shower facilities are amazing! There are lots of activities available plus a small store and a great little restaurant. Lots of cabins are available for rent and the paved RV spaces are wide and level with grass and trees between sites. Free wifi.” – Terri, TripAdvisor
Image Source:
http://heartlandcampground.com/
Heartland RV Park is located in beautiful Hermosa, South Dakota, and is one of the best campgrounds to let you explore the Black Hills. It’s only 20 minutes from one of the most popular landmarks of the county- breathtaking Mount Rushmore! This modern campground is the perfect home base for sightseeing and adventuring!
Not only does this park allow you to explore local attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, and Custer State Park, it also provides modern amenities to ensure you have fun while on the campgrounds! You can spend the day at the pool or relax in the hot tub, stay connected with free wireless internet and cable television, and watch your kids burn energy at the children’s play area. When your fun for the day is over, you can get ready to head to your RV with free, unlimited hot showers and clean restroom facilities. If you happen to start running low on supplies, you can stock up at the camp store, and fill up your vehicle at the gas station right next to the store. No matter what, all your needs will be cared for at Heartland!
“It’s a very nice place and close to all the attractions you want to see. The pool and hot tub are clean, and the staff is very friendly. The showers are nice and have locking doors.” – Michael, Google reviews
Image Source:
https://images.pexels.com/pho...
Elk Mountain Campground, situated on the fringes of a ponderosa pine forest and expansive prairie, presents a distinctive opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna thriving in the southern Black Hills. Featuring 62 campsites, this campground offers a mix of forested and open environments, catering to various preferences. The campground operates year-round, with online reservations accepted from late May through September, while the remaining months operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Two sites are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges, ensuring inclusivity within the campground. RVs and trailers are welcome, although drivers are advised to exercise care in selecting suitable sites.
Visitors to Elk Mountain Campground can revel in modern amenities, including flush toilets and drinking water available from late May to September. In the summer, the campground comes alive with nightly ranger programs conducted in the amphitheater, providing informative and entertaining experiences for campers seeking a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
Image Source:
Sacora Station Campground
You will find Sacora Station right off Interstate 90, surrounded by many outdoor activities and nearby attractions for the whole family to enjoy – bicycling, hiking, and fishing to name a few! Or you can enjoy Rapid City and other nearby towns where there are many delicious restaurants, art galleries, national parks, and museums.
Located in Piedmont, South Dakota, Sacora Station campground is surrounded by the Black Hills and is open year-round! Whether you’re in South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, visiting Mount Rushmore, or looking to reconnect with nature, this is a great place to stay!
Image Source:
https://koa.com/campgrounds/r...
Rapid City/Black Hills KOA offers some unique touches that other RV parks in the Rapid City, South Dakota, area simply do not. Tour companies pick up directly from the front office, an inviting vegetable and herb garden await guests, and the weekly pancake breakfast all provide what feels like an exclusive vacation. Centrally located to Rapid City, this KOA goes out of its way to compete with other attractions to keep you on the property.
If you want to vacation in luxury, Rapid City KOA offers patio sites in the RV area. Brand-new for 2018, these sites are extra wide and offer large swaths of grass with an outdoor sitting and eating area. A resort setting with all of the amenities one would expect to go along with them provide an experience in the Black Hills like no other.
“This KOA is in a much more urban setting than we are used to, but it is still one of the nicest ones we’ve been to. All of the facilities were clean and comfortable. The pool is huge and well maintained, and the all-you-can-eat pancakes were fluffy and delicious.” – Misti, Yelp Review
Mount Rushmore National Park is one of the most famous attractions in the United States, and it’s surrounded by accommodations for RV campers. Whether you prefer to go basic and stay in a dry park just outside of the entrance to Mount Rushmore or you’d like to stay in a KOA with full-blown amenities and family fun activities, there are options for everyone.
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.