Sitting just outside Custer State Park and just down the road from Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota, we’re the best campground in the Black Hills to stay at while you enjoy the area’s best attractions! Please feel free to ask us at the desk for ideas, or browse our available brochures. You can also refer to the Custer Chamber of Commerce website or Black Hills and Bad Lands Visitor Guide. You can book your stay now to optimize your visit to the Black Hills!
Things To Do While Camping in the Black Hills
Mount Rushmore
Just 22 minutes northeast of Beaver Lake Campground, Mount Rushmore is an essential stop during your Black Hills adventure. Our central location makes us one of the best campgrounds near Custer, SD, for visiting this iconic site.
Swing by our office for a scenic route map that takes you through the stunning Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, and Wildlife Loop Road. Along the way, you might see buffalo, elk, prairie dogs, and the friendly “begging burros!”
Don’t miss the nightly lighting of Mount Rushmore, with a special ceremony held from Memorial Day through September. Call 605-574-2523 for times, and bring a blanket for extra comfort during the cooler evenings.
Custer State Park
Custer State Park, located 13 minutes from Beaver Lake Campground, is a gateway to 71,000 acres of stunning Black Hills scenery and outdoor adventures. Families can enjoy hiking scenic trails, fishing in peaceful lakes like Sylvan Lake and Center Lake, or simply soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.
Wildlife sightings are unforgettable—bison roam the plains, deer and elk graze the forest edges, and the famous “begging burros” might approach visitors for a treat. If you’re visiting in the fall, you can witness the thrilling annual bison roundup, a highlight of South Dakota heritage.
Camping near Custer, SD wouldn’t be complete without exploring Custer State Park. Whether you’re staying in a cabin, tent, or RV at Beaver Lake Campground, this incredible destination adds adventure and awe to your Black Hills experience.
Rocky Knolls Golf Course
Rocky Knolls Golf Course is a great way to enjoy family time during your visit to the Black Hills. Located just 4 minutes from Beaver Lake Campground, this 9-hole course offers beautiful views, open fairways, and tall Ponderosa pines. It’s perfect for golfers of all skill levels or for families looking to relax in nature.
The course spans 3,094 yards with a rating of 35.9, offering both fun and a bit of challenge. After your game, you can stop by the pro shop or grab a meal at the grill, which serves lunch, dinner, and drinks at the full-service bar. It’s a nearby attraction that fits right into your RV camping or tent camping plans in the Black Hills.
Crazy Horse Monument
The Crazy Horse Monument is an essential stop for families exploring the Black Hills. From captivating exhibits of Native American artifacts to a vibrant gift shop full of unique treasures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In the evening, the stunning nighttime laser light show will leave a lasting impression, creating cherished memories for the whole family.
Located just 10 minutes north of Custer on Hwy 16, it’s a perfect day trip from Beaver Lake Campground. Whether you’re staying in a cozy cabin, enjoying RV camping, or setting up tents amidst the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, this iconic landmark adds a touch of culture, history, and excitement to your getaway.
Jewel Cave National Monument
Jewel Cave National Monument is just 9 minutes west of Beaver Lake Campground—a perfect stop for family fun! This underground wonder offers year-round tours, so it’s easy to include in your adventure. Tickets are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is a smart move. Kids will love learning about the cave’s fascinating history and geology from friendly rangers. It’s an unforgettable outing that mixes learning with a whole lot of fun!
Whether you’re enjoying the comforts of Beaver Lake Campground’s cabins, RV sites, or tent camping, Jewel Cave adds something truly unique to your Black Hills experience. Make it part of your trip—you won’t regret exploring this local treasure!
1880 Train
Step back in time and enjoy a unique ride aboard the 1880 Train, just 17 scenic miles from Beaver Lake Campground. This two-hour, narrated journey through the Black Hills offers stunning views, fascinating history, and plenty of fun for all ages.
Whether you’re savoring the great outdoors in a tent, settling into one of our cozy cabins, or exploring the Black Hills in your RV, this adventure adds an unforgettable chapter to your trip. Don’t miss the chance to create lasting family memories—reserve your tickets today at 605-574-2222!
Wind Cave National Park
Just a 25‑minute drive south on Hwy 385 from Beaver Lake Campground brings you to Wind Cave National Park and its friendly Visitors Center. Here, you can explore the amazing wind cave with its natural honeycomb rock formations that captivate both kids and adults alike. The fascinating stories behind these formations add a fun twist to your adventure.
After discovering the cave, take a leisurely walk along the park’s gentle trails, where you and your family can enjoy the scenic views of the Black Hills. It’s an engaging outing that mixes fun, learning, and plenty of memorable moments, making your vacation extra special.
Custer
CUSTER is the oldest town in the Black Hills, getting it’s start in gold mining in 1874 and becoming a town in 1875. At an elevation of 5315 with a population of only 2282 Custer has a lot to offer with plenty of space for activities. From buffalo safaris to balloon & helicopter rides, 4000 miles of area trails, caves, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, restaurants, shops, and much more all in a safe, small town atmosphere.
Rapid City
RAPID CITY is 50 minutes North-northeast from the campground on Hwy 16. On the way to Rapid City you can see Old McDonalds Farm, Bear Country, Cosmos, Reptile Gardens and various other attractions, with the newest being The America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit which is a replica of Independence Hall.
Deadwood
DEADWOOD is where you can go gamble and look at buildings that have been kept original 1880 standards. There are many places to eat and while a way a few hours. Buildings all have to adhere to historic standards.
Lead
LEAD is an hour North-northeast from the campground and is where you can see the Open Cut and a surface tour of the closed down Homestake Mine which is now host to the Sanford Lab where they are searching for neutrinos.
Spearfish
SPEARFISH is 1 1/2 hours North-northeast from the campground. The drive through Spearfish Canyon is very scenic any time of the year. There is also Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls and Bridal Veil Falls to see. Cheyenne Crossing and Savoy are great places to stop for refreshment.
Sturgis
STURGIS is 1 1/2 hours north of our campground and the drive goes right through the black hills. It’s home to the annual week-long Sturgis Motorcycle Rally beginning on the first Friday in August, which brings over 500,000 attendees.
Hot Springs
The city of HOT SPRINGS with its Mammoth Site, Evans Plunge which is an indoor natural hot springs water park and Angostura Reservoir is 45 minutes from our campground. Outside of Hot Springs you can find the Wild Horse Sanctuary and Cascade Falls.
Devil’s Tower and the Badlands
The main attractions that are located two hours away are DEVIL’S TOWER & BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK. Devil’s Tower is northwest of the campground and the Badlands and Wall Drug Store are East of the campground.
Enjoy the video as Robert Merz rides through South Dakota’s incredible Badlands. Starting in the town of Interior, at the edge of the Badlands, he rides Highway 240 as it twists its way through the otherworldly landscape, eventually leading him to the little town of Wall, South Dakota.
