Campgrounds in South Dakota
South Dakota has 40 campgrounds in the Camphive database, from free dispersed and BLM camping to developed state park and national forest sites. The highest-rated spots are listed below by Vistas score, Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating. Every listing links to a full page with location, fees, and details.
Of the 40 top-rated spots listed below, 35 are free and 4 score 8 or higher on the Vistas scenic scale.
Top campgrounds in South Dakota
- Badlands NP - Cedar Pass — SD - Interior · $22/night · Vistas 8.5
- Custer State Park - Sylvan Lake — SD - Custer · $25/night · Vistas 8.5
- Cedar Pass Campground — Cedar Pass Campground · Vistas 8.3
- Custer State Park — SD - Custer · $25/night · Vistas 8
- Central Hills - Rapid City — Central Hills - Rapid City · Vistas 7.7
- WHITETAIL — WHITETAIL · Vistas 7.5
- Southern Hills - Custer — Southern Hills - Custer · Vistas 7.5
- Reva Gap Campground — Reva Gap Campground · Vistas 7.3
- Northern Hills-Spearfish — Northern Hills-Spearfish · Vistas 7.2
- BEAR GULCH — BEAR GULCH · Vistas 7
- SHERIDAN LAKE — SHERIDAN LAKE · Vistas 7
- ROUBAIX LAKE — ROUBAIX LAKE · Vistas 7
- COMANCHE PARK — COMANCHE PARK · Vistas 7
- Wind Cave NP — SD - Hot Springs · $18/night · Vistas 7
- SHERIDAN NORTH COVE GRP CG — SHERIDAN NORTH COVE GRP CG · Vistas 6.8
- Pactola Reservoir Campground — Pactola Reservoir Campground · Vistas 6.8
- HORSETHIEF LAKE CAMPGROUND — HORSETHIEF LAKE CAMPGROUND · Vistas 6.8
- OREVILLE CAMPGROUND — OREVILLE CAMPGROUND · Vistas 6.7
- DUTCHMAN — DUTCHMAN · Vistas 6.5
- Grizzly Bear Campground — Grizzly Bear Campground · Vistas 6.5
- IRON CREEK HORSE CAMP — IRON CREEK HORSE CAMP · Vistas 6.5
- Bismark Lake — Bismark Lake · Vistas 6.5
- SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT CABIN — SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT CABIN · ~$12/night · Vistas 6.5
- Black Fox Campground — Black Fox Campground · Vistas 6.5
- WILLOW CREEK HORSE CAMP — WILLOW CREEK HORSE CAMP · Vistas 6.5
- Cold Brook Campground — Cold Brook Campground · Vistas 6.2
- Slim Buttes Land Unit — Slim Buttes Land Unit · Vistas 6.2
- Boxelder Forks Campground — Boxelder Forks Campground · Vistas 6
- Cottonwood Springs Campground — Cottonwood Springs Campground · Vistas 6
- Bismarck Lake — Bismarck Lake · Vistas 5.5
- Ft. Meade Horse Camp — Ft. Meade Horse Camp · Vistas 5.5
- Indian Memorial — Indian Memorial · Vistas 5.5
- Downstream Area — Downstream Area · Vistas 5
- Picnic Spring Campground — Picnic Spring Campground · Vistas 5
- COTTONWOOD (NE) — COTTONWOOD (NE) · Vistas 5
- Randall Creek Recreation Area — Randall Creek Recreation Area · Vistas 4.8
- Buffalo Gap National Grassland — Buffalo Gap National Grassland · Vistas 4.7
- Pierson Ranch Camp — Pierson Ranch Camp · Vistas 4.5
- Tailrace Left — Tailrace Left · Vistas 4.5
- LEFT TAILRACE — LEFT TAILRACE · Vistas 4
Open the interactive South Dakota camping map on Camphive to browse all 40 spots with filters for free camping, RV access, and scenic ratings.
South Dakota camping FAQ
Are there free campgrounds in South Dakota?
Yes, many primitive and dispersed sites in South Dakota are free; developed campgrounds typically charge a nightly fee. Check each listing for current fees.
What is the Vistas score?
Vistas is Camphive's 1–10 scenic rating for every campground, based on the surrounding landscape. Spots rated 8 or higher are exceptional; this page lists South Dakota's top-rated camping first.
Do campgrounds in South Dakota require reservations?
Developed state park and national forest campgrounds often do, especially in summer. Dispersed and most BLM sites are first-come, first-served with no fee. Each listing links to a detail page with what's known about fees and access.
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