While nearly every state claims to have the most pristine camping in the country, we know for a fact that South Dakota actually has the best, thanks to our many unique landscapes, campgrounds, and state parks. Do you know what is even better than just camping in South Dakota? Camping in South Dakota and saving some money while you do it! If you love to camp and save money, you are going to want to visit one (or all) of these six South Dakota campgrounds where you can spend the night for less than $25:
- Big Pine Campground (Custer)
TripAdvisor/Randy H Arguably one of the most beautiful campgrounds in all of South Dakota is Big Pine, which is secluded amongst the peaceful Black Hills. While prices vary depending on your needs (RV, electric hookups, etc.), you can get a basic tent site with no hookups for a cool $25/night. To reserve your campsite, call (605) 673-4054.
Address: 12084 Big Pine Road, Custer, SD 57730
- Cedar Pass Lodge (Interior)
TripAdvisor/RachelRiley Have you added “camping at the Badlands” to your bucket list? If you haven’t, quickly scribble it down and cross it off, as you can do so at the incredible Cedar Pass Lodge! Whether you camp during the off-season ($15/night) or during its peak summer times ($22/night), you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience at an affordable price. Ready to book? Visit Cedar Pass Lodge’s website.
Address: 20681 South Dakota Highway 240, Interior, SD 57750
- Big Sioux Recreation Area (Brandon)
TripAdvisor/Jill S Do you want to experience the excitement of the big city without having to spend the night amidst the noise and crowds? Then the Big Sioux Recreation Area may be the perfect spot for you! Located just outside of Sioux Falls, the Big Sioux offers gorgeous hikes and water sports. Campsites beginning at just $17 a night without electric hookups (and only $21/night with electric!). To reserve your spot, call (605) 582-7243.
Address: 410 West Park Street, Brandon, SD 57005
- Oahe Downstream Recreation Area (Fort Pierre)
Google/Erik Linn-Molin For a mere $19 a night (including electric hookups!), you too can enjoy these amazing views at this tranquil campground. Heaven on earth, right? To reserve your dream spot, call the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at (800) 710-2267.
Address: 20439 Marina Loop Road, Fort Pierre, SD 57532
- Horsethief Lake (Hill City)
TripAdvisor/Cristy Do you want to know a major rite of passage in South Dakota? Camping near Mount Rushmore! If you are looking for a great site with great rates, look no further than Horsethief, which boasts $24 tent sites during its off-season (May 10th through the 23rd; September 9th through October 1st). Reservations for Horsethief can be made via Recreation.gov.
Address: 24391 SD-87, Hill City, SD 57745
- Wylie Park Campground (Aberdeen)
Google/Jeff Godderz Last but certainly not least on our list of affordable South Dakota campgrounds is Wylie Park, which is the place to take your family camping! Located in Aberdeen, Wylie Park offers not only $24 campsites, but also access to the whimsical Storybook Land. To begin your magical family trip, call (888) 326-9693.
Address: 2300 24th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
Which affordable South Dakota campground is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! For other must-try campsites around the Mount Rushmore State, click on These 10 Amazing Camping Spots In South Dakota Are An Absolute Must See.
TripAdvisor/Randy H
Arguably one of the most beautiful campgrounds in all of South Dakota is Big Pine, which is secluded amongst the peaceful Black Hills. While prices vary depending on your needs (RV, electric hookups, etc.), you can get a basic tent site with no hookups for a cool $25/night. To reserve your campsite, call (605) 673-4054.
Address: 12084 Big Pine Road, Custer, SD 57730
TripAdvisor/RachelRiley
Have you added “camping at the Badlands” to your bucket list? If you haven’t, quickly scribble it down and cross it off, as you can do so at the incredible Cedar Pass Lodge! Whether you camp during the off-season ($15/night) or during its peak summer times ($22/night), you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience at an affordable price. Ready to book? Visit Cedar Pass Lodge’s website.
Address: 20681 South Dakota Highway 240, Interior, SD 57750
TripAdvisor/Jill S
Do you want to experience the excitement of the big city without having to spend the night amidst the noise and crowds? Then the Big Sioux Recreation Area may be the perfect spot for you! Located just outside of Sioux Falls, the Big Sioux offers gorgeous hikes and water sports. Campsites beginning at just $17 a night without electric hookups (and only $21/night with electric!). To reserve your spot, call (605) 582-7243.
Address: 410 West Park Street, Brandon, SD 57005
Google/Erik Linn-Molin
For a mere $19 a night (including electric hookups!), you too can enjoy these amazing views at this tranquil campground. Heaven on earth, right? To reserve your dream spot, call the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks at (800) 710-2267.
Address: 20439 Marina Loop Road, Fort Pierre, SD 57532
TripAdvisor/Cristy
Do you want to know a major rite of passage in South Dakota? Camping near Mount Rushmore! If you are looking for a great site with great rates, look no further than Horsethief, which boasts $24 tent sites during its off-season (May 10th through the 23rd; September 9th through October 1st). Reservations for Horsethief can be made via Recreation.gov.
Address: 24391 SD-87, Hill City, SD 57745
Google/Jeff Godderz
Last but certainly not least on our list of affordable South Dakota campgrounds is Wylie Park, which is the place to take your family camping! Located in Aberdeen, Wylie Park offers not only $24 campsites, but also access to the whimsical Storybook Land. To begin your magical family trip, call (888) 326-9693.
Address: 2300 24th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401
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