Travel Guides
Travel Guides
RV Camping Near South Dakota’s State and National Parks
South Dakota delivers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. There also are many privately owned RV parks and campgrounds located just outside these parks that make perfect base camps. Check them out!
Overview
When it comes to iconic road trip destinations, South Dakota delivers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. While campsites inside its national and state parks can be difficult to reserve, there are many privately owned RV parks and campgrounds located just outside these parks that make perfect base camps. These private campgrounds often offer larger RV sites, full hookups, hot showers, swimming pools, Wi-Fi, and a variety of kid- and pet-friendly amenities that aren’t available inside the park boundaries.
Whether you're planning to explore the granite grandeur of Mount Rushmore, descend into the depths of Wind and Jewel Caves, or relax beside the scenic cliffs of Split Rock Creek, there are excellent private campgrounds that make it easy to enjoy South Dakota’s best outdoor destinations without sacrificing comfort.
1
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
This world-renowned monument features the 60-foot-tall carved faces of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore represents the nation’s founding, expansion, preservation, and development—and is surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Black Hills.
Visitors should make sure to schedule time at the Sculptor’s Studio, where they can learn about how Gutzon Borglum created the monument, and also attend evening lighting ceremonies that take place during the summer months. RVers visiting Mount Rushmore will find themselves conveniently located to explore nearby destinations like Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave, and Wind Cave.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Custer’s Gulch RV Park and Campground (Custer, SD): Located on historic grounds once used as a base camp by General Custer, this peaceful campground offers full-hookup RV sites, clean restrooms, and easy access to downtown Custer and nearby parks.
Big Pine Campground (Custer, SD): Set among towering pines, Big Pine offers shady, spacious RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables. It’s known for its quiet setting and proximity to major Black Hills attractions.
Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday (Custer, SD): This KOA is packed with amenities like a pool, dog park, and pancake breakfasts. The location makes it an excellent basecamp for families planning to explore Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Fort Welikit Family Campground (Custer, SD): This pet-friendly campground features large pull-through and back-in RV sites, a playground, and cabins for rent. It’s just a short drive from both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
2
Jewel Cave and Wind Cave National Parks
South Dakota is home to two of the longest cave systems in the world. Jewel Cave National Monument boasts over 210 miles of explored passageways filled with sparkling calcite crystals, draperies, and intricate formations. Wind Cave National Park is famous for its unique boxwork formations and is one of the few national parks to protect both cave and above-ground prairie ecosystems.
Above ground, both parks offer hiking, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to spot bison, elk, and prairie dogs. Below ground, ranger-guided cave tours provide access to some of the most breathtaking geological features in North America.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Custer’s Gulch RV Park and Campground (Custer, SD): Located on historic grounds once used as a base camp by General Custer, this peaceful campground offers full-hookup RV sites, clean restrooms, and easy access to downtown Custer and nearby parks.
Big Pine Campground (Custer, SD): Set among towering pines, Big Pine offers shady, spacious RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables. It’s known for its quiet setting and proximity to major Black Hills attractions.
Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday (Custer, SD): This KOA is packed with amenities like a pool, dog park, and pancake breakfasts. The location makes it an excellent basecamp for families planning to explore Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Fort Welikit Family Campground (Custer, SD): This pet-friendly campground features large pull-through and back-in RV sites, a playground, and cabins for rent. It’s just a short drive from both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
3
Custer State Park
Custer State Park is a 77,000-acre gem in the Black Hills, featuring scenic drives like the Needles Highway, rugged granite peaks, and rolling grasslands teeming with wildlife. The park is home to one of the largest bison herds in the country, and visitors frequently see these massive creatures during the Wildlife Loop Road drive.
With miles of hiking trails, mountain lakes perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, and campfire programs in the evenings, Custer is one of South Dakota’s premier outdoor destinations.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Custer’s Gulch RV Park and Campground (Custer, SD): Located on historic grounds once used as a base camp by General Custer, this peaceful campground offers full-hookup RV sites, clean restrooms, and easy access to downtown Custer and nearby parks.
Big Pine Campground (Custer, SD): Set among towering pines, Big Pine offers shady, spacious RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables. It’s known for its quiet setting and proximity to major Black Hills attractions.
Custer / Mount Rushmore / Black Hills KOA Holiday (Custer, SD): This KOA is packed with amenities like a pool, dog park, and pancake breakfasts. The location makes it an excellent basecamp for families planning to explore Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Fort Welikit Family Campground (Custer, SD): This pet-friendly campground features large pull-through and back-in RV sites, a playground, and cabins for rent. It’s just a short drive from both Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
4
Palisades State Park
Located in eastern South Dakota near Sioux Falls, Palisades State Park is one of the most picturesque parks in the region. Towering pink Sioux quartzite cliffs rise along Split Rock Creek, creating dramatic views and excellent photo opportunities. The park is a haven for rock climbers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Popular activities include exploring scenic overlooks, swimming and tubing in the creek, and hiking trails that offer views of the unique rock formations.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Jellystone Park Sioux Falls (Brandon, SD): This resort features RV sites and cabins, plus fun amenities like laser tag, a heated swimming pool, miniature golf, and fall corn mazes. It’s a great choice for families.
River of the Double Bend Campground (Trent, SD): This smaller campground offers riverside RV and tent sites and is known for its peaceful setting and friendly staff. It's perfect for a quiet escape near nature.
Sioux Falls KOA Journey (Sioux Falls, SD): Located just 30 minutes from Palisades, this KOA offers full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals. The campground features modern amenities like cornhole and pickleball courts, and it's a great basecamp for exploring both the park and the city.
Plan Your South Dakota RV Adventure
South Dakota offers an incredible variety of landscapes—from rolling prairie to craggy granite peaks and deep underground cave networks. But even if you can’t snag a site inside the national or state parks, you won’t miss out. The region’s many privately owned RV campgrounds give you the best of both worlds: easy access to South Dakota’s most iconic parks, and the convenience of full hookups, resort-style amenities, and room to spread out.
Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a glamping getaway, or a solo RV adventure, South Dakota is a place where natural wonders and modern comforts go hand in hand.
