National Park

The best camping in Jewel Cave National Monument, SD

·
92% (6)

The best camping in Jewel Cave National Monument, SD

Tent camping near a pine forest

1. Tent camping near a pine forest

98%
(361)
15km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 17 sites · Tents, RVs
These tent sites are located in a campground, bordered by the Black Hills National Forest. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
Star Valley RV Camp Spot

2. Star Valley RV Camp Spot

100%
(29)
19km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · RV
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!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$54
 / night
Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

3. Custer Valley View RV Camp Spot

100%
(25)
19km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV
Convenient full hook up RV spot with WiFi, fire pit and picnic table. Centrally located in the southern Black Hills on two acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, occasional hot air balloons and wildlife from your RV. Located 4 miles from the town of Custer. Enjoy your days visiting nearby Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, Hot Springs, Jewell Cave or Cosmos. 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!
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$56
 / night
Camp Custer in Star Valley

4. Camp Custer in Star Valley

95%
(20)
19km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV
Dry camping RV spot located in the southern Black Hills on 3 acres. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, visiting wildlife and occasional hot air ballons from the fire pit & picnic table just steps from your RV. Located 5 miles South 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!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$24
 / night
Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

5. Custer's Last Chance Rv Park

92%
(219)
20km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 32 sites · Tents, RVs
Custer's Last Chance RV Park Conveniently located on the East side of Custer with easy access to the Custer Spur bike trail. The French Creek runs through the property, lots of wildlife frequents the area. 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. Full hookup sites are available with 50, 30 or 20 amps. We still have dry camping sites as well. We hope you enjoy your stay!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Fort Welikit Campground

6. Fort Welikit Campground

100%
(13)
20km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 124 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover the unique charm of our campground, nestled along the picturesque Norbeck Scenic Byway in the heart of the Black Hills. This prime location offers unparalleled access to some of the region's most breathtaking natural wonders, making it an ideal base for your outdoor adventures. Just minutes from our gates, you'll find the serene beauty of Sylvan Lake, the iconic Needles Highway, and the expansive Custer State Park. Our campground serves as a gateway to exhilarating scenic drives that lead you to stunning vistas, including the majestic Mt. Rushmore and the historic town of Deadwood. Explore the awe-inspiring Iron Mountain Road, where every turn reveals new landscapes, or venture to the countless lakes and caves that invite exploration. With a variety of outdoor activities, nearby restaurants, and charming shops, our campground is the perfect destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the captivating Black Hills.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

7. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

93%
(281)
21km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Property description Our property is nestled between Hwy 385, the Mickelson Trail, and the National Forest. We are located between Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park along Hwy 385 and the Mickelson Trail; about 30 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain. The nearest towns with restaurants are Pringle, (2 miles S); Hot Springs, (24 miles S), Custer, (9.5 miles N).; Hill City, (24 miles N), and Rapid City, (50 miles N). The blacktop driveway grants easy access for every type of vehicle. A couple of ponds, creeks, and dispersed willow, pine, and aspen trees enhance the diversity and beauty of the landscape. It is peaceful here and we enjoy sharing it with our guests during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat has our home, a big pole barn (RV storage), a garage/wood workshop with an attached restroom for all guests, a regular hot water shower cabin, 2 small home-built camping log cabins, 7 RV sites, 9 clearly marked tent and car-camping sites, and several water hydrants fed by our well, providing great quality drinking water. 2 pets maximum per campsite, no pets allowed when booking a cabin. Check-In is 2 pm to 9 pm; Check-Out is 10 am for the cabins and 11 am for all other sites.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$62
 / night
Black Elk Resort

8. Black Elk Resort

96%
(69)
34km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · RV
Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience. Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$68
 / night
Horse Creek Resort

9. Horse Creek Resort

97%
(166)
39km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 29 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$62
 / night
Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

10. Horse Creek Resort RV Sites

97%
(229)
39km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 prior to your stay.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$62
 / night
Stagecoach Stays

11. Stagecoach Stays

100%
(65)
42km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 5 sites · RVs
We were fulltime RV'ers for 5 years; we traveled all across the United States before we settled in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. We decided to build the vacation site that we always wanted, but could never find. We have 50/30/15 amp FHU's (despite what HipCamp says). We have two large, level RV spots with 50 feet between the two sites. We have created an environment for our guests to enjoy peaceful relaxation while staying with us. We offer amazing sunsets, sunrises, wild turkey, song birds, deer and amazing Black Hills landscapes to help you enjoy your stay in this beautiful area. We have 4 beautiful horses that adorn our landscape. We hope you enjoy watching them, but please don't feed them. We also have hiking trails and a community bonfire available for our guests to use. Well-behaved pets are welcome! We offer weekly and monthly rates.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$74
 / night
Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

12. Hidden Lake Campground And Resort

100%
(14)
42km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 29 sites · RVs, Lodging
This is the only campground resort in the Southern Black Hills with a private lake offering a unique opportunity to relax, disconnect, and enjoy life in a natural setting and guests have been enjoying it for over 100 years. We have a variety of cabins with different floor plans ranging from studio to four bedrooms. All cabins have full bathrooms and all have full kitchens except for our studio cabins. All of our sites are full hook-up with sewer, water, and electric with 20, 30, and 50 amp services at each site. Our pull-through sites are big rig-friendly and are between 60-75 feet long. Our biggest feature is our private spring-fed lake! You can enjoy soaking in the sun, floating in the water, taking a spin around the lake in a canoe, and of course fishing!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$48
 / night
Bear Den Cabins & Camp

13. Bear Den Cabins & Camp

100%
(467)
43km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
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. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$32
 / night
The Wilderness

14. The Wilderness

99%
(124)
44km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV
Learn more about this land:Tired of the city? Want to get away from people? This 80 acre site is perfect for getting away from civilization and experiencing nature as it was meant to be. Hike in the beautiful Black Hills or make the short trip to Lake Pactola for boating or fishing. If relaxing isn't your speed, take a bike ride on the Michelson Trail or travel one of the many off road trails nearby.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
Pine Haven Lodging

15. Pine Haven Lodging

95%
(21)
46km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 34 sites · RVs, Lodging
Pine Haven Lodging is situated right in the center of the Black Hills of South Dakota. We're located on 19 acres of Black Hills National Forest at the base of Storm Mountain, 15 minutes from Mount Rushmore and 10 minutes from food and shopping hub Rapid City. We offer full hook-up RV sites and single-family cabins.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$74
 / night
Battle Creek Camping Resort

16. Battle Creek Camping Resort

98%
(23)
46km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
BCCR arrived in the late summer of 2023. We have RV sites and glamping options spread out over 80 acres, in the foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota. We are a family owned and operated glamp ground. We provide a unique experience for families, couples and solo travelers to unplug and unwind. We do not have Wi-Fi nor televisions at our campground. We are known for our stargazing friendly environment which is why we do not have street lights. We love to see kids outside riding their bikes and making lifelong friends with other guests. This has been one of the most rewarding compliments that we continue to receive. Each glamp site has a gas and wood fire pit. Families gather around the campfire at nights, roasting smores and telling stories. The laughter is pure joy and memories that will last a lifetime. The lodges, domes and tents that we have are fully furnished with linens, towels and a fully stocked coffee bar. Our most praised amenity is our bath house. This features private full restrooms with individual sinks, showers and toilets. We strive to provide a family friendly campground. Therefore, our quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. No loud music or disruptions to other guests, of any kind, are allowed. At any time during your stay, you need assistance, please reach out by phone call, text or email. We thank you for choosing to stay with us and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your families memories. Check In: Check in time is 4:00-9:00pm MST. We are self-check in but it is very dark when the sun goes down and the phone service can be spotty. Please reach out asap if you know you may be arriving late so we can be prepared to assist if needed. Calls after 11pm, will go to voicemail and be returned the next day. Check Out: Please do not leave us, but if you must go, please check out by 11:00am MST.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$59
 / night
Rustic Rendezvous

17. Rustic Rendezvous

99%
(48)
46km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV
Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$50
 / night
Naked Acres WY

18. Naked Acres WY

98%
(28)
47km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
Naked Acres WY welcomes you with 20 private acres located in the heart of the Wyoming Black Hills! Despite the name, we are NOT clothing optional...our property was named Naked Acres because when we purchased it many years ago, it was bare "naked" land. :) With a private pond fed by a natural cold water spring, cool off with a swim or paddle board, sit on the dock and watch the wildlife, or enjoy the prettiest sunset this side of Mount Rushmore! The property is bordered by 200 acres of Forest Service land that you get access to, perfect for our biking and hiking friends! We are located close enough to some beautiful tourist attractions, without being too close! 54 miles to Devils Tower for all of your climbing needs. 1 hour 20 minutes to Mount Rushmore. 1 hour to Hill City, SD 36 miles to Deadwood, SD 45 miles to Spearfish Canyon, SD Naked Acres WY also boasts some amazing wildlife year round including Wild Turkey's, Gosling Hawks, Deer, Elk, Mountain Lions, and tons of different butterfly, bird, and dragonfly species. A nature lovers dream! We can't wait to welcome you with our weekly community fire social around the fire pit!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$47
 / night
HTR Black Hills

19. HTR Black Hills

92%
(19)
50km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 100 sites · RVs, Lodging
Explore the beauty of HTR Black Hills (formerly American Buffalo Campground). This unique destination is home to Mount Rushmore as well as numerous national and state parks, local attractions, and iconic events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. So, stay awhile when you tour all the mountains, canyons, caves, and rock formations with the spectacular backdrop of South Dakota. Nestled under tall pine trees, in the heart of the wonderful Black Hills, our on-site recreational facilities include a heated swimming pool & hot tub (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), mini golf, a playground area for children, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and wooded walking trails offer something for everyone!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$33
 / night
Green's Acres

20. Green's Acres

100%
(10)
62km from Jewel Cave National Monument · 1 site · RV
5 private undeveloped acres in the black hills. Water, 50 amp breaker, and sewer hook up for an RV available. Drive out of Black Hawk SD a few miles up into the hills, into a share private drive, drive across two cattle guards, and arrive next to national forest land. Hook up your RV. Relax and enjoy deer, turkeys, and other wildlife in a beautiful quiet spot.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$42
 / night
92% (6)

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

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

The best camping in Jewel Cave National Monument, SD 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.
92%
6 Ratings · 2 reviews