If you’re visiting Mount Rushmore soon, you may be wondering, “Does Mount Rushmore have a campground?”
Mount Rushmore does not have a campground, but it has plenty of places to camp nearby, including public and private campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping places.
In this article, I’ll highlight some of the best-rated campgrounds near Mount Rushmore as well as some of the more obscure ones. I’ll even give you some information on free camping on forestry land.
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Before I get started on the campgrounds I would like to give some suggestions on the best time of year to camp in the Black Hills. It may go without saying that summer is the best time to camp. Anywhere. The Black Hills are no exception and with our frigid winter temperatures, and unpredictable weather I would be remiss not to let you know that it is crucial to camp in the summer season.
June through September should be safe from snow but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Also, you need to know that the Black Hills are known for extremely large hail, frequent thunderstorms, and even some flash flooding.
With all of that said, don’t let my doomsday weather forecast deter you from camping in my beautiful state. South Dakota has some of the best camping in the country and though you may get some severe weather, (or not) you will be sure to have an adventure of a lifetime and you don’t have to worry about bears here! That’s a plus!
As with any camping trip, you may expect some cool animal encounters like my husband, and I did last summer. We woke up to a pack of coyotes running through the meadow at our campground. We also woke up to the weirdest noise one morning and as we came out of our tent we were surprised with a flyover of colorful hot air balloons. That was a real treat!
Whether it’s mother nature dropping a quick thunderstorm or a perfect sunset in the hills, you will be sure to have a memorable camping experience in South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills.
We are blessed to have such a diverse and large selection of campgrounds in our area. There is always going to be a place to hunker down for the night even if you do not make a reservation, but if you have specific locations, campgrounds, or amenities you require then it is never a bad idea to plan ahead and book early.
Staying in Custer State Park and some of the more sought-after campgrounds will definitely need some early planning. I’d book a spot in the park at least 6 months in advance to ensure a spot. If you like lakeside camping, then you will want to get those spots early as well. As for some of the less popular but still really great camping you can book the week of or even find a spot the same day as you arrive. As I’ve stated earlier the Black Hills never have a shortage of camping spots to fit your needs!
I put Mount Rushmore KOA at the top of the list because it has everything you could possibly want to do and the options for lodging are tent camping, RV, trailer, or cabin. The facility can accommodate even the biggest of RVs.
They offer everything you can possibly imagine at this beautiful resort tucked into the Black Hills. Water slides, horseback riding, ATV rentals, playground, shopping, fishing, nightly events, and plenty more!
My family stayed here during Memorial Day weekend in 2022 and we had a blast. It can be hard to get reservations so make them early. Don’t wait until the last minute!
I also want to add that this place is a hustle-and-bustle type of venue. The sites are close together so you will be close to neighbors and the activities will be filled with lots of families. If you are looking for some peace and quiet then don’t stay here!
Find out: When Is The Best Time To Visit Mount Rushmore
Grizzly Creek Primitive is the opposite of Palmer Gulch. I wanted to add it next for those turned off by the resort-type campground.
Just two miles from Mount Rushmore and off the famous and stunning Iron Mountain Road sits this wonderful campground. This campground is tents only and due to the tight turns on the road to it, no vehicles over 24 feet can enter.
This is for people who want a more traditional nature camping experience, love to hike, or might be on a tighter budget. Don’t let this deter you though, just do a quick search of their pictures and you will see how serene and relaxing it is there.
Just one and a half miles from Rushmore sits Kemps Kamp; a serene campground nestled in the ponderosa pines. Let’s be real, I think all of our wonderful campgrounds are surrounded by these beautiful, fragrant trees.
This campground offers tent camping, RV, and cabins and is just off Old Hill City Road which is a sweet scenic drive following along the tracks of the 1880 train. It’s the perfect drive and if you are camping here, definitely make sure to head into Hill City on this road and grab a meal!
Kemps has a swimming pool which offers a nice break on those hot August days! Dogs are not allowed at this campground.
Fun fact: After a good rain, the ponderosa pines give off a wonderful smell of cinnamon and vanilla.
Need help planning your trip to Mount Rushmore? Check out our Mount Rushmore and Black Hills Itinerary where we’ve done all the planning for you!
This is one of my favorite lakes in the hills. The scenery is magical and the Horsethief Lake campsites are quiet and small. Some of the sites are walk-in only.
You can tent camp or bring your RV. Fishing and hiking are among the most popular activities here and even though you are tucked away, you are still only two miles from Rushmore.
If you want to feel like you are camping in your RV but still be able to walk to shopping and restaurants then Rushmore View RV Park is for you. The bonus is you can see Mount Rushmore from the parking lot!
Though most sites are short and close together they are pet-friendly and close to all the modern-day conveniences.
Also along Iron Creek Road, Spokane Creek Cabins & Campground is a family-owned charming campground that houses 19 unique cabins as well as tent and RV sites.
Amenities include an adorably inviting coffee shop, a cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a pool, a gas station, and more!
Check out: 13 Great Things To Do When Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Downloadable Quick Start Trip Planner included!
Last summer my husband and I stayed at Custer Mountain Cabins & Campgrounds, and what a great place to stay! The grounds were beautiful, and the bathrooms were clean as a whistle. The service was pleasant and there was live entertainment each evening. We had such a fun time that we booked another weekend there for this summer!
For around $25 a night to pitch a tent we had our choice of location and picked the best site! We had to cross a beautiful meadow to get to the restrooms, but it made for stunning sunset views which we enjoyed. The campgrounds were quiet, and we had no neighbors the entire stay.
Just 29 minutes drive from Mount Rushmore is this “luxury” camp resort you may want to check out. Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort is located in Custer, South Dakota, home to Custer State Park and the mesmerizing Crazy Horse Memorial.
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a teepee, a treehouse, or try “glamping”, this place has all three! Not just that, but it offers heated pools with a bar and concession stand, 85 acres of views, and a general store. Pet’s are even welcome here!
Learn: all about the Volksmarch and Walking To The Top Of Crazy Horse.
There are 9 campgrounds in Custer State Park, but I’m going to highlight Sylvan Lake Campground here because it’s one of the prettiest areas in the Black Hills and you can do a large variety of hikes right from the campgrounds. One is the famous Black Elk Peak hike.
Tent camping here is very affordable compared to many campgrounds, but the sites are closer together and not big enough to house a large tent or RV over 27 feet.
For more information on all the Custer State Park campgrounds, check them out here.
Check out: 12 Unforgettable Things to Do at Sylvan Lake, South Dakota.
“Turning strangers into friends and friends into family” is the motto of this family-owned campground in Hill City South Dakota. Larsson’s Crooked Creek is just nine miles from Rushmore and along a shady creek. You can stay in a tent, RV, cabin, or lodge and bring your best friend, Fido if you want.
Dispersed camping or free camping on public land without amenities or hookups is allowed in the Black Hills. However, there are some rules to follow. You can find the rules on the Forest Service Website.
Yes, you can, but the parking is very limited during peak season-May through September. Arrive early, if possible, and stay in lane 4. Parking is only $10 per vehicle.
*Note that you cannot stay overnight in the parking lot in your RV.
YES. There are more campgrounds than I can even count throughout the Black Hills. People even have single campsites on their property as well as small cabins and horse camping. The options are almost limitless and the sooner you book your trip, the more you will have to choose from. But even if you are booking a last-minute trip there is always somewhere to camp in the Black Hills.
For more great locations in the Black Hills, you can try looking into Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead, Rapid City, Sturgis, and more.
Every small town has its charm and things to offer so if you end up camping further from Mount Rushmore you will have the opportunity to see more of our Hills while still being able to enjoy a scenic drive wherever you go!
Discover: Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit To Beautiful Spearfish Canyon, So Dakota.
The Black Hills can be confusing because it is a HUGE area. There is so much to do!
Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites, yet still avoid crowds. We have a detailed itinerary that gives you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to all the best places at the right times!
But that’s not all! Our itinerary includes a free audio guide to listen to while driving, with over 2 hours of stories about the park!
BLACK HILLS TRIP PLANNER: To read or watch all of our content about the Black Hills, check out our Black Hills Homepage
AREAS: The Black Hills is home to some amazing national parks and monuments: Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave National Parks, Badlands, and Crazy Horse. Plus, the amazing Custer State Park
THINGS TO DO: There is much more to do than hike and look at Mt. Rushmore. Explore the 1880 train, Reptile Gardens, slip down a natural waterslide, or go on a scenic drive
GREAT CITIES TO STAY OR CHECK OUT: Explore some amazing mountain towns including Deadwood, Keystone, Hill City, and Rapid City
GET QUIRKY: Want something REALLY different? Check out Devil’s Tower and Wall Drug
WHERE TO EAT: Check out the best places to eat in and around Mt. Rushmore plus where to eat in each city
WATCH: Enjoy videos of the amazing Black Hills while learning our best tips for visiting by watching our Black Hills YouTube Playlist
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