Quick Summary:

  • Question: What makes South Dakota a great destination for outdoor lovers?
  • Answer: Home to rolling prairies, the dramatic Black Hills National Forest, and towering granite peaks from which the historical monument of Mt. Rushmore is carved, South Dakota packs a punch when it comes to the great outdoors.
  • Question: What types of camping experiences can be found in South Dakota?
  • Answer: National and state parks and recreational areas all over the country have a plethora of campsites that offer all kinds of camping from backcountry and primitive camping to deluxe RV camping with water, electricity, and cable television.
  • Question: What kind of history and culture can visitors experience in South Dakota?
  • Answer: Boasting a rich Wild West history that incorporates American Indian culture with off-the-beaten-path treasures to explore, here are some of the best spots in South Dakota to head into the wild.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Angostura State Recreation Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Angostura State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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2. Badlands National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Badlands National Park | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
© JMB/stock.adobe.com

3. Buryanek State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Buryanek State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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4. Custer State Park Game Lodge Campground

Category: Accommodations
Custer State Park Game Lodge Campground | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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5. Custer State Park Stockade North Campground

Category: Accommodations
Custer State Park Stockade North Campground | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
© Custer State Park Stockade North Campground

6. Iron Creek Horse Camp, South Dakota

Category: Activities
Iron Creek Horse Camp, South Dakota | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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7. Lake Herman State Park

Category: Activities
Lake Herman State Park | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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8. Lake Louise State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Lake Louise State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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9. Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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10. Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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11. Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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12. Mina Lake State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Mina Lake State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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13. Newton Hills State Park

Category: Activities
Newton Hills State Park | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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14. North Point State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
North Point State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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15. Oakwood Lakes State Park

Category: Activities
Oakwood Lakes State Park | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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16. Rafter J Bar Ranch

Tours
Rafter J Bar Ranch | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
© Rafter J Bar Ranch

17. Randall Creek State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Randall Creek State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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18. Rocky Point State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Rocky Point State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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19. Roy Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Roy Lake State Park | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
© Michael Zech/stock.adobe.com

20. Walker's Point State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
Walker's Point State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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21. West Whitlock State Recreation Area

Category: Activities
West Whitlock State Recreation Area | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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22. Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead

Category: Activities
Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead | Affordable South Dakota Camping Spots
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