The 5 Best Campgrounds Near Mount Rushmore?
When it comes to finding campgrounds near Mount Rushmore, many campers seek a balance between convenience, comfort, and natural beauty. In addition to the awe-inspiring, man-made rock carvings, campgrounds near Mount Rushmore offer access to Black Hills National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, and various unique towns. Natural history enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, hikers and bikers can all find an abundance of activities and landmarks to enjoy at these Mount Rushmore campgrounds.
1. Black Hills Trailside Park Resort
Nearby Attractions: Museum at Black Hills Institute, Black Elk Peak, Mount Rushmore Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Big Thunder Gold Mine, Black Hills National Forest
Nearby Airports: Rapid City Regional Airport, Sturgis Municipal Airport
Unique Amenities: Bike rental, hiking trails, fishing access
Just steps from downtown Hill City and the quaint shops and restaurants found there, Black Hills Trailside Park Resort is among the best campgrounds near Mount Rushmore for anglers, hikers, and bikers. Access the Mickelson Trail, ideal for hiking and biking, right from within the campground, or rent an ATV for a high-adrenaline adventure nearby. Fish for rainbow trout and brown trout from the beautiful Spring Creek, which rambles through the serene campground. No fishing gear? No problem—you can find that for rent right on the grounds as well. With accommodations ranging from cabins to RV sites and tent spots, this is the perfect jumping-off point for outdoor adventurers ready to try their hand at a wide variety of activities.
2. Larsson’s Crooked Creek Resort
Nearby Attractions: Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Rapid City, Needles Highway, Palmer Creek, Black Hills National Forest
Nearby Airports: Rapid City Regional Airport, Sturgis Municipal Airport
Unique Amenities: Pool, restaurant, playground, live music
Designed with family fun and ongoing comfort in mind, Larsson’s Crooked Creek Resort is one of the best campgrounds near Mount Rushmore for groups. Featuring amenities-packed sites that can accommodate two RVs each, this campground is ideal for hosting groups of friends or even family reunions!
No RV? No problem! Larsson’s Crooked Creek Resort also features rustic lodges, log cabins, and tent sites.
With a convenient location, as well as a variety of activity options right on-site, this Mount Rushmore campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. Access hiking and biking trails directly from camp, take advantage of the beautiful creek on site, and attend family-friendly events each weekend. Campgrounds near Mount Rushmore like this one promise memories to last a lifetime!
3. Custer’s Last Chance
Nearby Attractions: Downtown Custer, Gordon Stockade Historical Landmark, Indian Museum of North America, Four Mile Old West Town Museum, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park
Nearby Airports: Rapid City Regional Airport, Sturgis Municipal Airport, Custer County Airport
Unique Amenities: Wifi access, waterfront, bike trails
For a welcoming campground that offers charming simplicity and access to all that the Black Hills region has to offer, few campgrounds near Mount Rushmore can compete with the quaint and convenient Custer’s Last Chance. Ideal for RV campers seeking serenity and no-frills sites, this Mount Rushmore campground offers bike access to downtown Custer and its bounty of local restaurants and cafes. Campers often take the short drive to Custer State Park for a chance to spot bison, drive through Needles Highway, go horseback riding, and hike the grounds. Unbothered by clutter and outside noise, this is the perfect place to unplug, breathe the fresh air, and bask in the wonder of the amazing nature views.
4. Custer Crossing Family Campground
Nearby Attractions: Rock Maze, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Sturgis, Broken Boot Gold Mine, Historic Downtown Deadwood, Black Hills National Forest
Nearby Airports: Rapid City Regional Airport, Sturgis Municipal Airport
Unique Amenities: Internet access, restaurant
Unique rustic cottages and a central location make Custer Crossing Family Campground one of the best campgrounds near Mount Rushmore. Stay in a rustic cabin featuring heating and air conditioning, electricity, a fire pit, and a patio to hang onto all of life’s comforts while experiencing the exhilarating outdoors. Situated right between Sturgis, Black Hills National Forest, Deadwood, and Mount Rushmore, Custer Crossing Family Campground makes for a comfortable and convenient launch point for exploring all that South Dakota has to offer.
5. Hidden Lake Campground and Resort
Nearby Attractions: Wind Cave National Park, Upper Chautauqua Park, World Fossil Finder Museum, The Mammoth Site, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs
Nearby Airports: Hot Springs Airport, Custer State Park Airport
Unique Amenities: Private lake, kayak rentals, playground, general store
Open May through October, Hidden Lake Campground and Resort is one of the best summertime campgrounds near Mount Rushmore for wildlife lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With a private lake for fishing, kayaking and more, this campground is packed with various ways to pass the time in nature.
From breathtaking cabins with space for the whole family to primitive campsites overlooking the lake, Hidden Lake Campground and Resort features various accommodation options outside of RV sites. Explore your surroundings on the nature trail, roast marshmallows over the fire, and take in the gorgeous views of towering trees and rocky hills. Keep an eye out for the deer, elk, and bison that call this land their home.
Whether you’re drawn to campgrounds near Mount Rushmore because of the historic landmarks, the rock formations, the wildlife viewing opportunities, or the quaint towns along the way, you’ll need a comfortable and well-located home base for your adventures. Book a site at one of these best campgrounds near Mount Rushmore to jumpstart all the bison-viewing, hiking, fishing, and adventuring your heart can handle.
Libby Thompson is a freelance writer living in Denver, Colorado. Having grown up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, hiking and camping have been cornerstones of her life since childhood. Rain, snow, or shine, you can usually find her outdoors on a paddle board, a hiking trail, or a pair of skis. Libby can be reached via email at libby@libbywrites.com.
Image credits in order of appearance: Adobe user – checubus, Black Hills Trailside Park Resort, Larsson’s Crooked Creek Resort, Custer’s Last Chance, Custer Crossing Family Campground, Hidden Lake Campground and Resort