10 Best Camping Spots in South Dakota!

Want to head out on your next camping trip and immerse yourself in nature? These campsites guarantee your next camping trip will be one for the record books. From fun-filled RV sites at Rafter J Bar Ranch to farm-inspired digs at Solace Farm Campground, here are the 10 best camping spots in South Dakota.

Sylvan Lake Campground, Custer, SD

Sylvan Lake Campground is the perfect place to camp in the Black Hills. Located across from a gorgeous lake created by a dam built in 1882, it's got everything you need for a great trip: rock climbing, hiking trails, and small boat rentals.

Rafter J Bar Ranch, Hill City, SD

The Rafter J Bar Ranch, once voted #1 RV Park in America USA Today, is a must-visit for outdoor lovers. Camp in the brush or close to the activities center with five different camping areas, each with an alpine meadow and shady ponderosa pines.

Solace Farm Campground, Davis, SD

Solace Farm is a charming spot to pitch your tent. You'll love the gardens, chickens, goats, and the freedom of the outdoors — and homemade bread and jam in the morning from your hosts.

Hanna Campground, Lead, SD

Hanna Campground borders the spruce-lined Spearfish Creek. It’s a beautiful, private place for backcountry camping enthusiasts who love the sound of a babbling brook.

Pactola Reservoir Campground, Rapid City, SD

Located along the shore of Pactola Reservoir, this campground provides campers with lake views and various recreational activities. In addition, you can learn about environmental protection at the Pactola Visitor Center nearby.

Badlands National Park, Interior, SD

Badlands National Park offers campers spectacular rock formations, towering spires, and grasslands full of bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. Backpackers love this spot because they can camp anywhere within the park, even in the canyons.

Lake Herman State Park, Madison, SD

Lake Herman State Park is a year-round camping destination. Formed thousands of years ago by melting glacial ice, campers can expect abundant campsites with electric hook-ups, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and potable water.

Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp, Irene, SD

If you're in the mood for camping and spiritual rejuvenation, Broom Tree Youth & Family Camp is a perfect place to go. Young adults and their families can reconnect with their faith, the great outdoors, and each other.

Farm Island State Recreation Area Campground, Pierre, SD

Farm Island has something for everyone. Campers can choose from campsites, then enjoy swimming, hiking, angling, and bird-watching as they explore the famous beaches and trails around the island.

Chief White Crane State Recreation Area, Yankton, SD

Camping with your family? The chief White Crane State Recreation Area is the place to meet up with your loved ones. Have fun boating on the lake, hang out around the campfire, and spend time together.

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Best Campgrounds and Camping Sites Near You
Best Campgrounds and Camping Sites Near You
26140 451st Avenue, Canistota, SD
Known for its clear waters and abundant fish, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is a popular area among fishermen, boaters and swimmers. During the f... Read More
31323 Toe Road, Yankton, SD
With its 146 campsites and ten camping cabins, Chief White Crane is a great place for groups to gather to spend the weekend. Combined with its own ... Read More
23409 State Park Drive, Madison, SD
Melting glacial ice formed this 1,350-acre lake thousands of years ago. Lake Herman State Park is located on a peninsula and offers visitors specta... Read More
6431 Walker's Point Drive, Wentworth, SD
Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park meets the many needs of campers, anglers and boaters. Campsites offer pictures... Read More
41255 South Dakota Highway 38, Mitchell, SD
30828 471st Avenue, Beresford, SD
Rich glacial soils support a lush growth of native woods in this hidden treasure. Horseback riders, hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers enjoy s... Read More
410 W. Park Street, Brandon, SD
Big Sioux Recreation Area lies on the banks of South Dakota's Big Sioux River. Close to the cities of Brandon and Sioux Falls, Big Sioux is popular... Read More
28767 482nd Avenue, Canton, SD
Newton Hills State Park was named after William Newton who settled in the area in the 1850s. Newton's wife was a mid-wife; until the 1870s, she was... Read More
25495 485th Avenue, Garretson, SD
Palisades State Park is one of the most unique areas in South Dakota. Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park, is lined with Sioux quartzite... Read More
21176 Flood Club Road, Lake Preston, SD
Originally called Dry Woods Lake by American Indians, the lake was renamed for Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior under President James Buch... Read More
38180 297th Street, Lake Andes, SD
Located on the shores of the Missouri River just above Fort Randall Dam, North Point Recreation Area provides a spectacular river view. Lewis and C... Read More
136 Randall Creek Road, Pickstown, SD
A flash flood damaged the bridge leading into the Randall Creek campground. The campground is closed indefinitely as officials assess the situation... Read More
20247 Oakwood Drive, Bruce, SD
Nestled among eight connecting glacial lakes, this park provides a never-ending variety of activities throughout the year, from hiking and swimming... Read More
37270 293rd Street, Geddes, SD
With almost 600 acres to explore and easy access to the Missouri River's Lake Francis Case for great fishing, Pease Creek is a popular day use and ... Read More
29084 N. Wheeler Road, Geddes, SD
This small, quiet park is a great get-away for those seeking to relax. And, if your idea of relaxation involves a fishing pole, North Wheeler aims ... Read More
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