“The Mount Rushmore State” contains three national parks (Badlands, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave) and 60 state parks. South Dakota’s notable regions include the Great Plains, Black Hills, and Missouri River Valley. Campers visiting South Dakota can camp in iconic landscapes and see diverse ecosystems and historical sites firsthand. While camping in South Dakota, you might observe bison, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. Notable attractions include Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Black Hills National Forest.
Camping in the Black Hills National Forest offers a rich experience that combines natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and a variety of recreational activities. With over 30 developed campgrounds and numerous backcountry camping options, visitors can enjoy a range of camping styles, from family-friendly sites to more rugged wilderness experiences.
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Wind Cave National Park is a national park of the United States located 10 miles (16 km) north of the town of Hot Springs in western South Dakota. Established on January 3, 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the sixth national park in the U.S. and the first cave to be designated a national park anywhere in the world. The cave is notable for its calcite formations known as boxwork, as ...
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Badlands National Park (Lakota: Makȟóšiča) is a national park of the United States in southwestern South Dakota. The park protects 242,756 acres (379.3 sq mi; 982.4 km2) of sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, along with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The National Park Service manages the park, with the South Unit being co-managed with the Oglala Lakota tribe....
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The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a national memorial centered on a colossal sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore (Lakota: Tȟuŋkášila Šákpe, or Six Grandfathers) in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota, United States. The sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, named it the Shrine of Democracy, and oversaw the execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son, Lincoln Borg...
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Jewel Cave National Monument contains Jewel Cave, currently the fifth longest cave in the world and second longest cave in the United States, with 220.33 miles (354.59 km) of mapped passageways as of July 2025. It is located approximately 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Custer in Black Hills of South Dakota. It became a national monument in 1908.
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Lewis and Clark Lake is a 31,400 acre (130 km2) reservoir located on the border of the U.S. states of Nebraska and South Dakota on the Missouri River. The lake is approximately 25 miles (40 km) in length with over 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline and a maximum water depth of 45 feet (14 m). The lake is impounded by Gavins Point Dam and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.
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Cottonwood Springs Dam is a dam in Fall River County, South Dakota in the southwestern part of the state, south of the Black Hills. The earthen dam was constructed in 1969 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with a height of 123 feet (37 m) and a length at its crest of 1,190 feet (360 m). It impounds Cottonwood Springs Creek for area flood control. The reservoir it creates, Cottonwood Springs ...
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Cold Brook Dam is an earthen dam located near Hot Springs, South Dakota, in Fall River County in the southwestern part of the state, in the southern Black Hills. The earthen dam was constructed in 1953 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers with a height of 127 feet (39 m) and a length at its crest of 925 feet (282 m). It impounds Cold Brook Creek, a tributary of the Cheyenne River for f...
More informationIs the South Dakota park you want to camp at sold out? We can help! Campers often cancel their camping reservations. Campnab monitors South Dakota parks and can text you when a suitable campsite one opens up! 🙂
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks: Provides comprehensive information on South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas, including details on camping facilities, activities, and park amenities. Users can explore various camping options, from tent sites to cabins, and access resources for trip planning.
South Dakota State Parks Reservation System: The official reservation portal for South Dakota State Parks, allowing users to book campsites, cabins, and other accommodations. The site offers real-time availability, site maps, and detailed descriptions to assist in planning stays.
National Park Service – South Dakota: Offers information on national parks and historic sites within South Dakota, including camping options, park activities, and visitor guidelines. The site provides resources for planning visits to sites like Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park.
Black Hills National Forest – Camping & Cabins: Provides information on camping and cabin rental opportunities within the Black Hills National Forest, including campground details, amenities, and reservation procedures. Users can explore various sites suitable for tents, RVs, and group camping.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – Find a State Park: Features a directory of state parks and recreation areas across South Dakota, including information on camping facilities, activities, and amenities. Users can search for parks by region or activity to find suitable camping destinations.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – Campsites: Provides detailed information on campsites within South Dakota's state parks, including amenities, fees, and check-in/check-out times. Users can find guidelines for camping units and policies for shared sites.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – Campground Maps: Offers maps of campgrounds within South Dakota's state parks, including site layouts and facility locations. Users can utilize these resources for navigation and trip planning.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – Lodging Options: Details various lodging options available within South Dakota's state parks, including cabins, lodges, and other accommodations. Users can find information on amenities, availability, and reservation procedures.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – Contact Us: Provides contact information for South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, including phone numbers and email addresses for general inquiries and specific parks. Users can reach out for assistance or additional information regarding their camping plans.
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – Rules and Regulations: Outlines the rules and regulations for camping within South Dakota's state parks, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Users can familiarize themselves with park policies, reservation procedures, and safety guidelines.
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