Camping 101 to 110 in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota
Life is beautiful here in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. What better way to appreciate that beauty than by actually camping out in the middle of it? We have so many places to explore and types of camping available. Take a look at everything that's offered and how to find the best campsite for your adventure.
101: Bare Bones, Dispersed Camping
Load up your backpack and hit the trail. Black Hills National Forest has 1.2 million acres to explore. Setting up your own campsite away from developed campsites is allowed and free; however, some general rules follow. Dispersed camping is allowed in Custer State Park in the French Creek Natural Area, but campers must camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed sites. For more information on dispersed camping in Black Hills National Forest, click here.
102: Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds
There are 30 campgrounds scattered throughout Black Hills National Forrest. About half of them have on-site hosts. Most have potable water and either flush or vault toilets. Electricity, sewer, and water hook-ups and showers are not available. For more information on these basic campgrounds, cabins, and general rules, click here.
103-109: Privately Owned, Full-Service Campgrounds/Cabins/RV Parks & Resorts
These campgrounds offer way more than the basics—tent camping, trailer camping, sites with or without electricity and water. They also offer shower houses, laundry rooms, and full hook-ups for your RV. Many have an on-site convenience store and dining too. Check some out!
110: Glamping
The nicest and newest type of camping in the area is commonly referred to as glamorous camping or glamping! These campsites are for those that want to experience the ambiance and adventure of staying in a canvas tent with all of the amenities of an upscale hotel.
Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort in Custer has an 86-acre campground with modern mountain cabins, luxury canvas tents, glamping teepees, camping cabins, RV Hookups, and tent camping sites. Situated right within the Southern Hills, their beautiful site is only miles from must-sees like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Custer State Park, making it the perfect basecamp while you explore the region.
You’ll find a lot of places to camp throughout our region—sites tucked into the Ponderosa Pines, up against granite boulders, alongside streams or a lake, side-by-side with many opportunities for family entertainment, in a wide-open meadow or amongst buttes and spires. Most locations have hiking trails nearby. Many will allow ATV or mountain bike riding as well. The choices are endless, but you can be sure that wherever you camp in the Black Hills and Badlands, wildlife viewing is abundant, the people you encounter will be friendly and helpful, and your memories will last a lifetime.
For suggestions on where to stay, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/places-to-stay.
