Campgrounds around Mt. Rushmore.

[Marlin]

We are trying to head out towards Mt. Rushmore area to visit the sites, anyone with suggestions on a campground to be as a base to take day trips to the area sites?

[Jagiven]

We have stayed at Custer State Park. It is a great park, lots to do and see there, and it is fairly centralized to all the things you might want to do. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the various caves, the 1880 steam train out of Hill City. The three tunnels (forgot the name right now) that you can drive through that frame Mount Rushmore is in Custer SP, it is an awesome drive. There are about 3-4 campgrounds in the SP. We have stayed in the one near the west entrance by the lake. I was not as busy, as the others, but when we were there last time there was no electric sites. Now they have an electric loop so things have changed, and I expect it to be busier. It also had a great bathroom house.

[max2bob]

i agree with Jagiven. custer is where we stay and we usually stay at the campground on the west end also. down south of custer and wind cave in the town of hot springs is a mammoth dig also which was nice. mammoth meaning wooly mammoth not just a big hole they are digging. a lot of stuff to do in that area. we have also done a day trip to the badlands and wall drug also from custer.and if you are a laura ingalls fan her sister carrie ingalls lived in keystone south dakota. so much stuff to see and usually too little time! enjoy your trip.

[Jon Larson]

Hanna Campground (http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/black...25863&actid=29)
Near Lead, SD (Cheyenne Crossing); Forest Services; no reservations, vault toilets, hand pump for water. Small number of sites, but a creek runs right through the campground; I have very fond memories of camping here in our Apache Eagle tent camper.

Custer State Park Game Lodge campground (http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/direct...r/campgrounds/)
East of Custer in the state park; one of the best state park campgrounds; we have always enjoyed our stays at this CG.

Horse Thief Campground and Resort (http://www.horsethief.com/)
Between Hill City and Custer; one of the best private campgrounds we have stayed at; full hookups available

Custer State Park Center Lake campground ((http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/direct...r/campgrounds/)
Again, east of Custer in the state park; more primitive than the Game Lodge campground, very nice setting

Mt. Rushmore KOA (http://koa.com/campgrounds/mount-rushmore/)
This is very close to Mt. Rushmore; we have stayed at some KOAs close to major highways, and while this one is near a main road it is not the typical highway KOA.

Crooked Creek Resort (http://www.crookedcreeksd.com/)
Close to Hill City; full hookups are available; close to the Mickelson trail (very nice biking and hiking path on an old railroad grade); the CG has a creek running through it.

Mystery Mountain Resort (http://www.blackhillsresorts.com/)
Between Rapid City and Hill City; we have stayed there a few times, but it has probably been more than 10 years ago. It is in a nice location.

There are many forest service campgrounds in the area, and you can't really go wrong. It just depends on what type of CG you are looking for.

You are probably already considering the must-see sites, but also consider:
Driving the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park (early in the morning or just before sunset)
Hiking Harney Peak
Spearfish Canyon and Roughlock Falls
Badlands National Park (if you have time - about 75 miles outside of Rapid City)
Taking a walk on the Mickelson Trail (near Hill City, Custer or Lead/Deadwood)

There is so much to do in the Hills. Good luck and have fun.

[Jamarynn1]

Rafter J Bar Ranch in Hill City, right on the Mickelson Trail. Convenient to local attractions. My absolutely favorite RV park in four years of traveling. A variety of types of sites - open, wooded. Pool and hot tub. Views to die for. You can hike into the forest from the campground and go rock hunting. Deer in the meadow in the mornings.

[Marlin]

We sure appreciate everyone's advise our girls are looking up the different sight to make their decision, thanks for the help.

[OurJayco]

I am going to agree with Jamarynn1 on the suggestion for Rafter J Bar in Hill City. My Wife and I went there a couple years ago and found that Rafter J is a fantastic place. We stayed there for a week and glad we stayed at Rafter J. Many people have seen our scrapbook that we make each year of camping and we made one just on our Mount Rushmore trip.
Once they see the campground of Rafter J, they comment how nice it looks.
They offer great breakfast specials each weekday and they have a pool and playground for the kids.
I HIGHLY recommend Rafter J!!!!!
I can send you some pictures of our stay at Rafter J if you would like to see them.

[tmeans1]

We stayed at Rush-no-more Campground. Great location near Sturgis. Nice sites/people, staeak fry each week etc.

[xkuzme1]

Sylvan lake is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen... Ever.

[Allamuchy Joe]

My wife and I stayed at Custer State Park. Great place! And boy are those buffalo big!

[Minnesota Fats]

Rafter J CANNOT be beat

[hbravo]

Rafters j is awesome.