Perhaps you just bought an RV (from Gavins Point, we hope) or maybe you’re thinking seriously about getting one, and are wondering: where do we go? We are blessed to be in South Dakota, a nature lover’s paradise with breathtaking landscapes, national parks, and outdoor activities aplenty. From the Black Hills to the Badlands, South Dakota offers a wealth of RV campgrounds for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the top RV campgrounds in South Dakota, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family with kids, or a retired couple looking to explore the great outdoors, there’s a campground on this list that’s sure to suit what you’re looking for.
- Custer State Park. This beautiful 71,000+ acre park in the Black Hills offers several campgrounds with RV sites, including the popular Game Lodge Campground. If there’s an outdoor activity you’re interested in doing, you can likely do it at Custer. Though be warned, this is a popular destination, and RV spots fill up very quickly, so be sure to reserve well in advance.
- Badlands/White River KOA. Just five miles from the unearthly beauty of our Badlands National Park, this KOA offers full RV hookups and cabin rentals. Plus when you’re tired of the breathtaking scenery, there’s also mini-golf.
- Spearfish City Campground. Looking for something slightly more civilized? This city-run campground is located in the heart of Spearfish and offers RV sites with full hookups, as well as easy access to downtown shops and restaurants.
- Happy Holiday RV Resort. Are you bringing the whole tribe with you? This family-friendly RV resort offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, playground, and on-site store, plus it’s close to Mount Rushmore and Rapid City, so there’s lots of fun to be had just a short distance nearby.
- Shadehill State Recreational Area. Away from the bustle of the Black Hills area, this campground on the shores of Shadehill Reservoir is one of the few large lakes in western South Dakota, with lots of both land and water activities nearby.
- Lake Vermillion Recreational Area. A much closer drive from beautiful Yankton, Lake Vermillion Recreational Area boasts strong fishery, and abundant waterfowl and wild game. This is another popular spot in the summer, so be sure to reserve a spot as soon as you can.
- Palisades State Park. One of the most unique spots in South Dakota (in a state with quite a few already), this picturesque state park near Garretson offers RV sites with electric hookups, as well as access to hiking trails, rock climbing, and swimming in the park’s unique rock formations.
South Dakota is the most beautiful state in the Union, and a fantastic destination for RV travelers, with a diverse range of landscapes, attractions, and outdoor activities to explore. From the rugged beauty of the Badlands to the tranquil forests of the Black Hills, South Dakota’s RV campgrounds offer something for everyone. So pack up your RV and hit the road to South Dakota – you won’t be disappointed!
