Best RV Parks in Black Hills SD is a comprehensive resource for finding the perfect Black Hills campgrounds to park your RV so you can start enjoying one of the most scenic areas in the U.S.
There are many RV campgrounds to choose from in the Black Hills of South Dakota, but finding a great RV park that meets your criteria can sometimes be tricky! We've provided helpful tips and recommendations on which Black Hills RV park to choose from!
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You'll Love These Black Hills Camprounds
The Black Hills are one of our favorite places to visit. So much so, driven across the country twice to see it. It's gorgeous, and there are so many things to see and do.
To start there's, Mt Rushmore National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and Crazy Horse Memorial. Nearby are Devil's Tower and Badlands National Park. Towns worth visiting are Rapid City, Deadwood, Sturgis, and Spearhead.
Luckily there are many RV campgrounds! Choosing the RV park that works best for you can be time-consuming. Don't worry! We've done some of the leg work and found some parks for you!
All of our recommended campgrounds are located near important sites, or within an easy day trip drive.
We are not affiliated with any of these campground/RV parks (or paid). All opinions are our own 🙂
Why We Chose These RV Parks
It is worth mentioning that everyone has their own criteria for a perfect RV Campground. Our criteria may be different than yours, and that is totally fine! Each family has a different RV, other interests/hobbies, and unique needs.
Some people have kids and pets, and others have none. Either way, the RV parks below are on the list because I believe they will work for most everyone - maybe not all, but MOST.
If, after reading this, you are still undecided about where to stay, I have given you some 'Best Of' options at the end. This may help swing your decision. One way or another, we will find you the perfect RV Park in the Black Hills! Happy searching!
Tell us what you look for in a great RV campground? What are your criteria? Please share in the comment section below. We'd LOVE to hear from you!
Our Personal Criteria For A Good RV Park
All of the campgrounds we've recommended meet the following criteria:
- We would personally stay there
- Max 50 amp service
- Full hookups
- Wi-Fi
- Big RV accessible
- Pet-friendly
- Kid-friendly
- Close proximity to the important sites
Our Personal Criteria:
We have a 2020 40' toy hauler fifth wheel, as well as 3 teens and 2 dogs. Our RV is newer so we're hoping to keep it looking newer.
While we aren't necessarily looking for the luxury experience, we want to find a campground with an easily accessible road and a wide enough site (so trees can't scratch the outside finish). We hope it isn't too dusty or muddy, OR on top of our neighbors. Gravel and/or concrete pads are important but not a necessity.
We also need full hookups, a dog area (or at least a grassy patch for them to do their business), Wi-Fi (for work and our teens), and cable is a bonus. I think cable is optional - but my husband says it's mandatory!
While my husband and I prefer a quiet serene environment, our kids like action and things to do. We try and locate places that work for all of us, which is hard 'cause we seem to have opposite interests, right? We aren't asking too much, are we? 🙂 Does anyone with teens know what I am talking about? LOL
Our first trip to the Black Hills was with our teen boys. The second trip was just my husband and me, two dogs, and two motorcycles. Since our needs are ever-evolving over time, what works on one trip won't always work on another.
Helpful Tips
Reservations
- Call and make a reservation. This way, you can get a knowledgeable person who can help you select the perfect site. While making a reservation online is convenient, a computer does not always know best.
Getting There
- Ask the campground for the best driving route. Most will list this information on their site, but if not, ask them when you have them on the phone when making your reservations. Most of you know this already if you own a large RV - never rely on your GPS directions without confirming the route first. While most of the RV campgrounds listed below are easily accessible, double-check.
Recommended RV Parks
In alphabetical order (not by favorites), these are our top recommendations for the best RV Parks in the Black Hills of South Dakota. If you know of any more that deserve to be listed, be sure to let us know! 🙂
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
"Family fun. Clean RV park. Loads of Activities"
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort is quite possibly one of our favorite KOA's that we've ever been to. With that in mind, it's not for everyone.
It is large, and there are many families with kids that, depending upon if your site is located near the playground and activity center (like ours was), can be quite noisy. If you're a family with kids, you won't care because you and they will LOVE all the things they can do for fun.
The campground is clean and well maintained and offers massive selection of activities, a pool, playground, dog park, trampoline, bicycle rentals, horseback rides, ATV rentals, and much MUCH more.
They also have a grill and taproom, pizza and ice cream parlour, and pancake tend that offers free pancakes.
The resort has 30/50 amp, Wi-Fi, and cable at all sites. They also have level pull-through and back-in sites, and some sites are concrete padded.
Distance to the Sites:
- Mt Rushmore: 6 miles, 14 minutes
- Wind Cave National Park (visitor center): 34 miles, 41 minutes
- Custer State Park (visitor center): 28 miles, 42 minutes
- Devils Tower: 122 miles, 2 hr 13 min
- Badlands National Park: 1 hr 34 min, 81 miles
- Rapid City: 38 min, 29 miles
- Deadwood: 1 hr, 48 miles
Location:
12620 SD-244, Hill City, SD 57745
Contact/Reservations:
- Phone: (605) 574-2525
- Email: See website
- Online Reservations: Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
- Website: Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort
"A newer beautiful resort with larger sites. Golf, pool, and tennis."
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort is a newer resort with 185 paved sites. The resort itself is very clean and well-manicured. This resort has more of a "higher-end" feel with its golf course, tennis courts, pub, and its espresso and brew bar.
This park is the furthest from Mt Rushmore but is closest to Devils Tower, Deadwood, and Sturgis. It is located close to 85 and I-90 making it a convenient in and out to explore other areas of the state.
In addition to golf and tennis, they have a beautiful pool, volleyball net, and basketball court. They also have 2 dog parks, a nature trail (that you can bike on), a horseshoe pit, and a playground.
The RV park offers Wi-Fi, cable tv, 20/30/50, full hookups, back-ins and pull-thru's.
Distance to the Sites:
- Mt Rushmore: 58.8 miles, 1 hr 22 minutes
- Wind Cave National Park (visitor center): 85.3 miles, 1 hour 49 minutes
- Custer State Park (visitor center): 74 miles, 1 hour 22 minutes
- Devils Tower: 65.6 miles, 1 hr 4 minutes
- Badlands National Park: 105 miles, 1 hr 42 minutes
- Rapid City: 42 miles, 42.4 miles
- Deadwood: 9.5 miles, 14 minutes
- Sturgis: 16 miles, 16 minutes
Location:
20189 US Hwy 85, Spearfish, SD 57783
Contact/Reservations:
- Phone: 605-722-1800
- Email: Contact Us
- Online Reservations: Elkhorn Ridge Resort Accommodations
- Website: Elkhorn Ridge Resort
Black Hills Trailside RV Resort
"Convenient location, creekside sites, and it's directly on Mickelson Trail."
This RV park is conveniently located to all the major sites in the are making it a GREAT base camp to explore. It also has the advantage of being near Hill City, which you can walk or bicycle into town if you wish (shops, restaurants, and museums).
Many of the sites are directly on Spring Creek which is great for trout fishing, relaxing, or swimming.
Amenities include hiking, bicycling, trout fishing, a playground, and close proximity to ATC trails. They offer bicycle, car, and ATV rentals for your convenience. The resort is also pet friendly.
The RV park offers Wi-Fi, cable tv, 20/30/50, full hookups, back-ins only.
We would recommend calling to make your reservation. When we tried to make reservations, it wasn't clear what the difference was between a regular site and a deluxe site, and you couldn't see the location where the online system was putting you. There is no mention of which sites are creek sites in the reservation system.
Distance to the Sites:
- Mt Rushmore: 11.9 miles, 21 minutes
- Wind Cave National Park (visitor center): 33.3 miles, 41 minutes
- Custer State Park (visitor center): 27.5 miles, 41 minutes
- Devils Tower: 121 miles, 2 hr 7 minutes
- Badlands National Park: 87.7 miles, 1 hr 31 minutes
- Rapid City: 27.6 miles, 36 minutes
- Deadwood: 42.9 miles, 1 hour
Location:
24024 US Hwy 16/385, Hill City, SD 57745 USA
Contact/Reservations:
- Phone: 855-324-2462
- Email: reserve@trailsideparkresort
- Website: Black Hills Trailside Park Resort
Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort
"Perfectly located. Not too big. Creekside sites"
Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort is a pretty RV park located next to Spring Creek and Mickelson Trail. We love the large trees and grassy areas.
This campground has a heated swimming pool, hiking and bicycling along Mickelson Trail, and nearby ATV trails. The park is both child and pet friendly and also features a burger barn and breakfast hut. They also have a playground with a bounce house, a fitness area, a laundry center, and a wine tasting room.
Creekside sites are available. Cable tv, wi-fi, up to 50 amps.
Conveniently close to Mt Rushmore and within 40 minutes of Wind Cave, Custer State Park, and Rapid City.
Distance to the Sites:
- Mt Rushmore: 9.9 miles, 19 minutes
- Wind Cave National Park (visitor center): 31.2 miles, 39 minutes
- Custer State Park (visitor center): 25.5 miles, 38 minutes
- Devils Tower: 119 miles, 2 hr 4 minutes
- Badlands National Park: 90.1 miles, 1 hr 33 minutes
- Rapid City: 29.6 miles, 39 minutes
- Deadwood: 44.9 miles, 58 minutes
Location:
24184 US 385, Hill City, SD 57745
Contact/Reservations:
- Phone: 605-219-9517
- Email: Contact form
- Online Reservations: Reservation
- Website: Crooked Creek Resort
Beaver Lake RV Campground
"Shady sites in and amonst beautiful pine trees. Pool with a slide for the kids. Great location"
Beaver Lake RV Campground is nestled amongst beautiful pine trees and is conveniently located to the most important sites in the area.
This campground has two swimming pools with a large slide for the kids, a playground, laundry facilities, and a store. The park is also pet friendly and has a dog park.
Wi-fi, up to 50 amps. Pull-thu's and back in available.
Conveniently close to Mt Rushmore and within 40 minutes of Wind Cave, Custer State Park, and Rapid City.
Distance to the Sites:
- Mt Rushmore: 23.6 miles, 37 minutes
- Wind Cave National Park (visitor center): 22.6 miles, 29 minutes
- Custer State Park (visitor center): 17.8 miles, 31 minutes
- Devils Tower: 105 miles, 1 hr 47 minutes
- Badlands National Park: 86.6 miles, 1 hr 45 minutes
- Rapid City: 48.1 miles, 1 hr 11 minutes minutes
- Deadwood: 59.8 miles, 1 hr 20 minutes
Location:
12005 West U.S. Hwy 16, Custer, South Dakota 57730
Contact/Reservations:
- Phone: 605-219-9517
- Email: Contact form
- Online Reservations: Reservation
- Website: Beaver Lake Campground
Rafter J Bar Ranch
"Voted USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Award in 2020"
Rafter J Bar Ranch was voted USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Award in 2020, so you know this is a special campground. It's centrally located to all the sites, close to Hill City, the campsites are large, and there is a lot of green space, so you don't feel crowded here.
This campground has a heated swimming pool and hot tub, a playground for the kids, hiking and bicycling along the adjacent Mickelson Trail, nearby ATV trails, basketball and volleyball courts. The park is both child and pet-friendly and features a snack bar, store, and pancake breakfasts.
Full hookups, cable tv, wi-fi, up to 50 amps, gas and propane, and a dumping station.
Conveniently close to Mt Rushmore and within 40 minutes of Wind Cave, Custer State Park, and Rapid City.
Distance to the Sites:
- Mt Rushmore: 9.9 miles, 21 minutes
- Wind Cave National Park (visitor center): 28.7 miles, 34 minutes
- Custer State Park (visitor center): 25.1 miles, 39 minutes
- Devils Tower: 119 miles, 2 hr 7 minutes
- Badlands National Park: 90.4 miles, 1 hr 37 minutes
- Rapid City: 30.3 miles, 38 minutes
- Deadwood: 45.6 miles, 1 hr 2 minutes
Location:
12325 Rafter J Road, Hill City, SD 57745
Contact/Reservations:
- Phone: 605-574-2527
- Online Reservations: Call for reservations
- Website: Rafter J Bar Ranch
⭐The Best of List
We created this "Best Of" list to help you decide where to stay. What is most important to you? What sites do you want to be near? Do you want a full-on resort or a smaller quieter campground? Which RV parks are best for kids? For teens? Which ones are pet friendly?
RV Parks Near Mt Rushmore
- Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
- Rafter J Bar Ranch
- Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort
- Black Hills Trailside RV Resort
Campgrounds With Dog Parks
All of the RV Campgrounds allowed pets, but the following had a specific dog park for the little furry ones to run off-leash.
- Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
- Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort
- Beaver Lake RV Campground
Best Campgrounds for Kids
- Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
- Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort (it's smaller and more peaceful than the Mount Rushmore KOA but still has a nice playground and bounce house plus a creek)
Best Parks for Teens
- Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
Most "Luxurious"
- Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort
Best Campground Pools
- Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch Resort
- Rafter J Bar Ranch
- Beaver Lake RV Campground
Most Peaceful RV Parks
- Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort
- Rafter J Bar Ranch
Creekside or Waterfront Campsites
- Black Hills Trailside RV Resort
- Larsson's Crooked Creek Resort
Related Content
Here are some suggestions for RV campgrounds in some of our favorite areas!
- RV Campgrounds in Smoky Mountains
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- Our 8 Favorite RV Parks in the Carolinas and Virginia
- Best Door County Campgrounds
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Best RV Parks in the Black Hills of South Dakota is your resource for finding the perfect spot to park your RV & start enjoying your vacation in one of America's most scenic areas. There are lots of campgrounds in the Black Hills, but which one should you choose? Helpful tips & recommendations for which RV parks Black Hills campgrounds to choose from! #seekingthervlife #rvparksblackhills #blackhills #southdakota #RVcampgrounds #blackhillscamping
Kelly says
Mystic Hills Hideaway is another Black Hills campground that could be added to list. Great place for atv riding in Northern Hills with trail access right from campground.
thervlife says
Great! Thank you, we will check it out! 🙂
Robert Meissner says
You did not include the best campground in the Black Hills, the Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground and Resort awarded in the top ten in the US by Trailer Life magazine. Located at 12325 Rafter J Road 3 miles south of Hill City, they have been the premier location with premium RV sites and cabins.
thervlife says
Agreed. Rafter J Bar Ranch has been added 🙂
J. Slaughter says
One of my favorites is Broken Arrow about 6 Miles south of Crooked Creek .
It's technically a horse camp & RV park but it's great. Near Custer, it's a great location and having the horses and mules around gives it a authentic western feel.
The management does a great job maintaining the property, The horses stay in the stallls and are not allowed through the camp. They also have small cabins, a bunkhouse and a area for tent campimg. I highly recommend it if you're in the area.
thervlife says
It sounds great and will check that out, thank you for your recommendation! Have a good day!
David Nestor says
You need to include the Fish 'N Fry Campground 5 miles south of Deadwood. It meets all of your criteria and includes a trout pond and cafe. I have stayed there several times and not only is it a great park it has awesome owners and work campers.
thervlife says
Thanks so much! That sounds great and we'll check it out
marjorie mcdonald and family says
Hi I just want to let you know how much we enjoyed staying with you the week after 4th of July... You took great care of all my large family that stayed with you... The pool and the river and all the trails they all enjoyed... The 4 days were very memorable and we will be back next year for sure... Again Thank you from all the McDonald family !!!!!
John Seaberg says
Rafter J Campground asks for 2 days camp fees reservation. With 3-4 working day notice they keep your deposit if you need to cancel.
thervlife says
That is a hefty fee, thank you for mentioning that! We're noticing quite a few changes with policies and deposits at many RV parks lately, something to pay attention to when you book for sure!
Matt Laird says
What are the best RV parks for ATV riding? We have a Polaris RZR we load into our toy hauler. We’d like to be able to ride from our camp site to the trails.
thervlife says
Yes, we stayed at the Mount Rushmore KOA - it would be PERFECT for you. Trails everywhere, even in the resort. Fabulous location. Lots of trails in the area plus it's quite close to all the sites.