The best camping near Jewel Cave National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jewel Cave National Monument adventure.

Venture underground to discover the treasures of this national park.

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Community favorites near Jewel Cave National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds near Jewel Cave National Monument

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Tent camping near a pine forest

14 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Custer, SD

Learn more about this land:These tent sites are located in a campground. While staying here you have access to free hot showers, flush toilets, a dish washing station, a charging stations for electronics, a game room and a laundry room.

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Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

32 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Custer, SD

Custer's Last Chance RV Park & Campground is about us and our dream come true. We spent 3 years putting a plan together so we could make the move to South Dakota. Finding the right piece of land wasn't easy and came with a few setbacks. We were lucky to find land in Custer with the French Creek running through the property. The creek features a couple of wide pools. The rest of the creek is fairly narrow with slow moving water. The kids will have a great time exploring the lower acreage. We plan to add new features & amenities to the park every year. Without you this dream wouldn't be possible. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Bearded Buffalo Resort

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Custer, SD

Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort at Bearded Buffalo Resort. Nestled just 2 miles from the entrance to Custer State Park, our resort offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Black Hills. Choose from four cozy short-term rental cabins, each thoughtfully designed to provide you with a comfortable and memorable stay. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation, our cabins offer the perfect home base for your adventures. For those who prefer camping under the stars, we offer 35 seasonal and overnight full hook-up campsites. Set up your RV or pitch your tent amidst the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, and enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. At Bearded Buffalo Resort, we understand the importance of reconnecting with nature and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're exploring the trails of Custer State Park or simply relaxing by the campfire under the starry sky, our resort provides everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in the heart of South Dakota's wilderness.

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Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

theHCresort.com Centrally-located on 18 acres between two of the Hills’ largest and most beautiful lakes, and less than 15 miles from Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, Horse Creek Resort is the perfect creekside oasis for your next adventure. The resort is located off Highway 385, the main thoroughfare through the Black Hills National Forest, yet is peacefully nestled in a quiet valley, completely surrounded by national forestland with a tranquil year-round creek meandering throughout the property. Rock outcroppings, hiking trails and offroad trails are within footsteps of every cabin. The serene space is an outdoor sanctuary centrally-located within 20 miles of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Eye Tunnel / Highway, and Black Elk Peak. Your adventure will also take you near Hill City, Keystone, Custer, and Historic Deadwood. Drive a little further, and end up in Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Sturgis, or Devils Tower National Monument. There are 8 open creek side RV sites (Sites 1 -8). You will receive site assignment the day proir to your stay.

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Refuge Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Our tucked away forest and meadow are the perfect place to find peace and relaxation away from the busy tourist spots in the Black Hills. We have a walking trail going throughout the property and we are very close to the Mickelson Trail (1.1 miles from driveway), Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park, Custer State Park, natural hot springs, and much more. We are family and pet friendly.

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Plenty Star Retreat

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents and hammocks or stay in one of our camping log cabins. From mid May through August we are hosting a limited number of summer camping guests at our private home and property Plenty Star Retreat is a peaceful 10 acre place, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. The retreat is also conveniently located directly at the Mickelson Trail at mile marker 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants. We keep our property smoke free.

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Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. All sites including bring your own tent sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

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Horse Creek Resort

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents18 acres · Rapid City, SD

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redblue RV SITE

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Custer, SD

New in 2022. Large RV site. Gravel pad with sweeping mountain views. Full hookup. Large communal fire pit. Outhouse. The property is bordered by the Black Hills National Forest and the Michelson Trail. Just minutes away from Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park. Bring your rv / camper / horse trailer / tent and experience western South Dakota. Full water, sewer, & amp hookups - 20, 30, 50 amps. Porta potty available- outhouse chic! No showers. Steps away from the Black Hills National Forest. Minutes from Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Custer State Park. Located in Custer, South Dakota, United States. 9 miles to Wind Cave National Park 28 miles to Mount Rushmore National Memorial 23 miles to Custer State Park 23 miles to Jewel Cave National Monument Local maps available. Additional dump sites available in nearby Custer and Hot Springs. No lodging. Bring your own! The redblue CABIN and RIDGE units are nearby -Making this a great family reunion option! Contact us for more information.

Booked 6 times

Custer RV Camp Spot

1 site · RV5 acres · Custer, SD

Cozy full hook up RV spot centrally located in the southern Black Hills on five acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from the shared fire pit just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles from the town of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Jewell Cave. Walk, bike or run on the 109 mi Mickelson trail. We are also 2 hours from Badlands National Park. This area is rich in beauty and history so be sure to get out and explore!

Starlight Carroll Creek

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Custer, SD

Level, grassy field, good for tent camping, motor home parking, hiking, bird watching. Shooting range and gun shop 5 miles away. Hot Springs, Mammoth Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Park within 30 minute drive. Crazy Horse Memorial within 15 minutes (Native items and tour of Crazy Horse sculpture - largest sculpture in the world). Sylvan Lake (actually several nice lakes, less than 30 minute drive. Mount Rushmore 30 minutes away. Custer State Park (miles of Bison and Pronghorn to see) less than 30 minutes away. Downtown Custer shops (gifts, Native items, vape shop).

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Pine Haven Lodging

34 sites · Lodging, RVs17 acres · Rapid City, SD

Pine Haven is situated right in the center of the Black Hills of South Dakota. We're located on 17 acres of forest land at the base of Storm Mountain, fifteen minutes from Mount Rushmore and ten minutes from food and shopping hub Rapid City. We offer full hook-up RV sites and single-family cabins.

The best camping near Jewel Cave National Monument guide

Overview

About

With more than 208 miles of underground passageways, Jewel Cave ranks among the longest cave systems in the world. Discover the subterranean wilderness on your choice of four cave tours, including a scenic stroll along paved trails, a lantern-lit cave trek, and an epic crawl-and-scramble caving expedition. Marvel at the glittering calcite crystals, stalagmites, and unique rock formations, then head back above ground to hike through the forests or visit the historic cave entrance. There’s no campground at the Jewel Cave National Monument, but campers can find plenty of options in the surrounding Black Hills National Forest.

When to go

Jewel Cave National Monument is open year-round, but Historic Lantern and Wild Caving tours are only available from mid-May through mid-September. Advance bookings are highly recommended if visiting in high season, especially over weekends and holidays. Wildflowers dot the surrounding landscapes from late spring through summer, making it a particularly scenic time to visit.

Know before you go

Jewel Cave National Monument is 13 miles west of Custer, about a 15-minute drive away.
The park has no admission fee, but entrance to the caves is by guided tour only. Cave tour tickets can be purchased online up to 90 days in advance; otherwise, they’re sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Park facilities include a visitor center, park store, restrooms, and picnic areas.
Temperatures within Jewel Cave are a steady 50°F year-round, so bring warm clothes for the caves. Sturdy hiking shoes or sneakers are also recommended, and more active tours may require specific gear.
Jewel Cave offers accessible restrooms and picnic areas. The Discovery Tour allows access to one of the underground caverns by elevator.