Camping in Black Hills SD

marquette wrote:
I'd second Custer's Gulch for privacy and quiet. View is Ok but not spectacular. Nice owner. Custer State park has campgrounds with great views and wildlife passing through camp but I'm not sure about full hook ups. I've only tented in the park.

I would have been highly recommended Custer State Park, however, there are no full hook-up sites in any of the campgrounds. We return to Custer S.P. every Fall for two weeks. Started tenting there years ago, then with a pop-up and then after retirement with a 24' TT. This year it is going to be busier than ever with their 50th anniversary celebration coming up.

x6 on Rafter J Bar.

Just a FYI, concerning the Black Hills.

It is really wet there right now, causing many problems for campground owners. Many areas have standing water, where you can normally park your RV. I was just there, and had to skip two of my favorite CGs, due to soft grounds. I did find a small CG, in the area I wanted, with full hookups, and level concrete pads to park on.

It stormed most evenings, night time, so did not hinder my activities. It rained about 5 inches while there, and has continued since. Many areas had large hail.

The Black Hills area is beautiful, enjoy your trip, but ask about soft ground, when making reservations.

Jerry

Jim Shoe wrote:
Lots of CGs in the Black Hills because its very popular. Just be aware that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (75th Anniversary) will take place August 3 - 9. If you're going around that time, you may want to call first to make sure that your choice has empty spots available.

Not only during those dates but at least a week before and a week after as well if you want some piece and quiet. I myself rode for 30 yrs but when I'm camping the last thing I want to hear are open pipes on a Harley so the further away your campsite is from the main highway that passes by Rafter J the happier you'll be.

Lots of CGs in the Black Hills because its very popular. Just be aware that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (75th Anniversary) will take place August 3 - 9. If you're going around that time, you may want to call first to make sure that your choice has empty spots available.

Having worked in the park and spending a lot of time in the area, I would go with either Horse Thief or Custer's Gulch over the Rafter J

I'd second Custer's Gulch for privacy and quiet. View is Ok but not spectacular. Nice owner. Custer State park has campgrounds with great views and wildlife passing through camp but I'm not sure about full hook ups. I've only tented in the park.

SoundGuy wrote:
X4 on Rafter J Bar Ranch but try to get a site back in the Ranch Camp campground which is much quieter because it's well away from the road.

x5 We stayed in the area called the "island"-large sites, trees,and very quiet! Rafter J is one of our favorites.

Check out Horse Thief Campground just outside Hill City. Very beautiful views of the hills.

X4 on Rafter J Bar Ranch but try to get a site back in the Ranch Camp campground which is much quieter because it's well away from the road.