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104 campgrounds and RV Parks near Box Elder, SD. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
104 campgrounds
7966 campsites
2 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Box Elder, SD
Americas Campground and Lodging
Box Elder, SD (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(90 sites)
Rapid City RV Park and Campground
Rapid City, SD (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(118 sites)
+5
Black Hawk Creek RV Park and Cabins
Rapid City, SD (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+3
Lake Park Campground and Cottages
Rapid City, SD (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+7
Rapid City South RV Park
Rapid City, SD (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(95 sites)
+5
Lazy JD RV Park
Summerset, SD (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(22 sites)
Spur Meadows
Piedmont, SD (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(67 sites)
Hart Ranch RV Resort
Rapid City, SD (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(467 sites)
+7
Happy Holiday RV Resort
Rapid City, SD (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(301 sites)
+10
Three Flags RV Park
South Dakota (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+6
American Buffalo Resort
Rapid City, SD (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(123 sites)
+10
Rushmore Shadows Resort
Rapid City, SD (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(189 sites)
+13
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Showers Toilets Dump station Internet Grills Laundry Playground Firewood
Camping near Box Elder, South Dakota
Box Elder sits just east of Rapid City in western South Dakota, immediately south of Ellsworth Air Force Base and within a short drive of the Black Hills. The location puts RV travelers within reach of Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Black Hills National Forest, all reachable as day trips from a single base camp.
Most RV parks in the area cluster along the I-90 corridor between Box Elder and Rapid City, giving big-rig travelers easy on-and-off highway access. Americas Campground and Lodging and Rapid City RV Park and Campground serve travelers who want to stay close to town amenities, while Black Hawk Creek RV Park and Cabins sits on the northwest side near the Sturgis route. Hart Ranch RV Resort offers resort-style amenities south of Rapid City, and Rapid City South RV Park is positioned for travelers heading toward Mount Rushmore.
The town itself is small, but grocery stores, fuel, propane, and RV service are all available within a few miles in Rapid City.
Things to do near Box Elder
The South Dakota Air and Space Museum sits just outside the Ellsworth main gate and is free to visit, with outdoor aircraft displays that work well for a short family stop. Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Needles Highway are all within an hour's drive to the southwest.
Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres in the Black Hills and is home to abundant wildlife: camping, hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing are all popular. The Wildlife Loop Road is a reliable spot to see bison, pronghorn, and burros. Badlands National Park lies about an hour east along I-90 and pairs well with a stop at Wall Drug.
Closer to camp, Rapid City offers Storybook Island, Dinosaur Park, the Journey Museum, and a walkable downtown with the City of Presidents statues.
Camping spots and RV parks near Box Elder, SD
When to visit Box Elder
- spring
March - May
57° / 32°F 42 mmWettest stretch; late snow possible into May
- summer
June - August
82° / 55°F 60 mmPeak season; Sturgis Rally fills sites in August
- fall
September - November
61° / 34°F 26 mmCool, dry shoulder season; thinner crowds
- winter
December - February
37° / 14°F 11 mmCold and dry; most park comfort stations closed
The practical RV season runs from late April through mid-October. Summer is the peak window: July and August are the warmest months of the year, when daytime highs climb into the 80s and occasionally the 90s, with breezy winds and low humidity that help make the hot days comfortable. Book well ahead if the trip overlaps the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August, when regional campgrounds fill and rates spike.
Late spring brings the wettest stretch of the year. May is the wettest month at Rapid City Regional Airport, averaging over two inches of precipitation, and June is not far behind. Afternoon thunderstorms and occasional late-season snow are both possible in April and May.
September and early October are strong shoulder-season choices: cooler nights, thinner crowds, and open access to most Black Hills roads before winter closures. Comfort stations close down during the winter months, but a handful of parks remain open for camping year-round.
Booking a campsite near Box Elder
Private RV parks in and around Box Elder and Rapid City take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. For summer weekends, and especially for any dates near the Sturgis Rally, book several months in advance. Big-rig-friendly options along I-90 sell out earliest.
For state park sites in the Black Hills, reservations run through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Go Outdoors South Dakota system or by calling 1.800.710.2267. Most South Dakota state parks use a 90-day reservation window, with the exception of Custer State Park, which accepts campsite reservations one year in advance. Modern lodging can also be reserved one year ahead. Campsites become available online and through the call center at 7 a.m. Central Time on the first day reservations open.
Black Hills National Forest campgrounds such as Pactola and Sheridan Lake use Recreation.gov and typically open a six-month rolling window.
What to expect on the ground
Box Elder is flat prairie at roughly 3,200 feet of elevation. Roads are wide, and access from I-90 to nearby RV parks is straightforward for trailers and Class A motorhomes. Ellsworth Air Force Base is active, and B-1 bomber training flights create noticeable aircraft noise at times, something worth knowing when choosing a site.
Water and electric hookups are standard at private parks; sewer is common but not universal, and some sites are gravel rather than concrete. Cell coverage is generally strong in the Box Elder and Rapid City corridor but degrades quickly once trips head into the Black Hills canyons.
Wildlife along Black Hills routes includes bison, elk, deer, and pronghorn. Park guidance is to remain in your vehicle or stay at least 100 yards from bison, elk, and other large animals. Afternoon thunderstorms build quickly in summer, so secure awnings before leaving camp.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Box Elder, SD
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Box Elder, SD?
RV rental in Box Elder, SD is one of the better values in the Black Hills region. Travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275, and larger Class A rigs run about $250 to $400. Because Box Elder sits next to Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base, you get easy access to Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills without paying resort-town premiums. For a cheaper RV rental in Box Elder, book midweek in May, June, or September and avoid the Sturgis Rally weeks in early August when rates spike. Pro tip: use Instant Book to lock in your dates before summer demand peaks.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Box%20Elder%2C%20South%20DakotaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Box Elder, SD?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Box Elder, SD, whether you're picking up a campervan, a Class C motorhome, or a 35-foot travel trailer. South Dakota does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement for recreational vehicles used for personal travel. You'll need to be 25 or older to book on RVezy, and you'll verify your ID through the platform during checkout, which takes just a couple of minutes. Visiting from abroad? Pick up an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association before flying into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), and you're ready to roll toward the Black Hills.
dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/driver-licensesWhat protection is included when I rent an RV in Box Elder?
Every RV rental in Box Elder booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out toward Mount Rushmore with peace of mind. You choose your protection level during checkout (not the host), letting you pick the option that fits your trip and budget. Coverage helps protect you financially against most damage to the RV during your trip. Review the included coverage details on the booking page before you confirm, then enjoy the drive knowing help is one phone call away anywhere in the Black Hills.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Box Elder RV rental?
Booking your Box Elder RV trip is low-risk because RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy for every reservation on the platform. There is a money-back grace period right after booking, with additional refund options depending on how far in advance you cancel. Because hosts do not set their own cancellation rules, the experience is consistent no matter which RV you choose in Box Elder or nearby Rapid City. If a host cancels, RVezy will refund you or provide credits. Pro tip: book early to lock in summer dates around Mount Rushmore, and if your plans shift, contact RVezy support right away to walk through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Box Elder RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Box Elder is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on the search page, and you'll see motorhomes and travel trailers from owners who welcome dogs (some accept cats too). The Black Hills are a dog lover's dream: Custer State Park allows leashed pets on roadways and most campgrounds, the George S. Mickelson Trail has 109 miles of dog-friendly rail-trail, and Black Hills National Forest welcomes pups on nearly every trail. Note that pets aren't allowed on backcountry trails in Wind Cave or Badlands National Parks, so plan those days accordingly. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and bring a tie-out for relaxed evenings at camp.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/Can the RV be delivered to my campground in Box Elder?
Yes, RV delivery in Box Elder is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it is ideal if you are flying into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) or have never towed before. Many local hosts will deliver your travel trailer or motorhome directly to nearby campgrounds like Rapid City KOA, Happy Holiday RV Resort, or Hart Ranch Camping Resort, and set it up with hookups, slides extended, and a full walkthrough. Filter by Delivery on the search results page to see hosts who offer this service, along with their delivery radius and fee. Pro tip: ask about delivery into Custer State Park too, it is an unbeatable way to start your Black Hills adventure stress-free.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Box%20Elder%2C%20South%20DakotaHow many miles do I get with a Box Elder RV rental?
Most Box Elder hosts include between 100 and 150 free miles per night, which is plenty for a classic Black Hills loop since Mount Rushmore is just 35 miles away, Custer State Park is 50 miles, and Deadwood is 45 miles. Some listings offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is a smart pick if you're planning a bigger loop that includes Devils Tower (about 130 miles), Badlands National Park (75 miles east), or a longer road trip from Box Elder out to Yellowstone. Each listing shows the daily mileage allotment and per-mile overage fee right on the price breakdown. Pro tip: map your route before booking and ask the host about a mileage package if you'll need more, many will customize a deal.
nps.gov/moru/planyourvisit/directions.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Box Elder, SD?
You're spoiled for choice with best campgrounds near Box Elder. Rapid City KOA Holiday (about 3 miles away) offers full hookups, a pool, and shuttle access to Mount Rushmore. Hidden Lake Campground and Resort and Happy Holiday RV Resort both sit just off I-90 with easy big-rig access. Lake Park Campground and Cottages has been a local favorite for 25+ years and is close to Canyon Lake. For a military experience, Ellsworth AFB FamCamp offers concrete pads and free laundry (open mid-May to mid-October, military ID required). Heading into the hills? Try Custer State Park's Game Lodge Campground or Black Hills National Forest sites like Pactola or Sheridan Lake. Pro tip: book Custer State Park sites 90+ days out through the South Dakota state parks reservation system, they sell out fast.
gfp.sd.gov/reservations/When is the best time for an RV trip from Box Elder?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Box Elder is mid-May through late September, when daytime highs run 70 to 85 F and nights stay cool and comfortable in the 50s. June and early September are the smart-money picks: wildflowers or fall colors, smaller crowds, and easier campground reservations. July and August bring peak weather but also the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (early August), when prices and traffic surge across western South Dakota. Winter RVing is possible at year-round parks like Black Hills RV Park, with snow-covered scenery, but expect single-digit nights and plan for cold-weather hookups. Pro tip: aim for the first two weeks of June for the perfect balance of green hills, open roads, and easy Mount Rushmore parking.
weather.gov/unr/I've never driven an RV before, will I be okay?
You've got this, and Box Elder is honestly one of the friendliest places in the country for first time renting an RV. Roads around Rapid City and out to Mount Rushmore are wide, well-marked, and far less congested than big-city driving. Every RVezy host provides an in-person walkthrough at pickup covering the propane, slides, water systems, dump procedures, and driving tips, so you're never left guessing. If parallel parking a 30-footer sounds intimidating, choose a Class B campervan or a smaller travel trailer for your first trip, or book delivery so the host sets everything up at your campsite. Pro tip: do a short practice loop around Box Elder before heading up Iron Mountain Road, which has tight pigtail bridges and tunnels (some as narrow as 12 feet).
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/things-to-do/needles-highway/What if something breaks down during my Black Hills RV trip?
You are covered: 24/7 roadside assistance is included with every Box Elder RV rental on RVezy as part of the renter protection plan. Whether you have a flat tire on I-90, a dead battery at Sylvan Lake, or a propane issue at Cedar Pass in Badlands National Park, one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also a great first resource for quick fixes (they know their rig best), and many will reply by text within minutes. RVezy customer support is reachable before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone and tape a copy inside a cabinet on day one, so you are never hunting for it on a back road.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trips from Box Elder, SD?
An RV road trip from Box Elder puts you within easy reach of legendary destinations. The classic Black Hills loop hits Mount Rushmore (35 miles), Crazy Horse Memorial (55 miles), Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop (50 miles), and Deadwood (45 miles) over 3 to 5 days. Drive 75 miles east on I-90 to Badlands National Park for moonscape scenery and stargazing. Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is just 130 miles west, perfect for an overnight. Going bigger? Yellowstone is about 525 miles via Cody, WY, and the Grand Tetons are 575 miles, both doable in 2 long days. Cross-border travel to Canada is allowed with most hosts (confirm first), but travel into Mexico is not permitted. Pro tip: drive Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway on your way to Deadwood, it's stunning.
nps.gov/deto/index.htmWhat kind of fuel mileage and budget should I plan for?
Plan smart and your fuel budget for an RV rental South Dakota trip stays very manageable. Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class A rigs around 6 to 10, campervans 14 to 20, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (usually 10 to 14 mpg). South Dakota gas prices generally run a bit below the national average, with stations along I-90 in Box Elder, Rapid City, and Sturgis offering the most competitive rates. For a 5-day, 500-mile Black Hills loop in a Class C, budget roughly $200 to $300 for fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Box Elder or Rapid City before heading into the hills, prices climb noticeably in Keystone and Custer near the tourist attractions.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Box Elder?
For peak summer (mid-June through August) and especially the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (early August), book your campground the moment you confirm your RV. Custer State Park's nine campgrounds open reservations 90 days in advance through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reservation system at gfp.sd.gov and the popular Sylvan Lake and Game Lodge sites fill within hours. Black Hills National Forest sites (Pactola, Sheridan Lake, Horsethief Lake) book through Recreation.gov up to 6 months out. Private parks like Rapid City KOA and Lake Park Campground take reservations year-round and typically have more last-minute flexibility. Pro tip: if you strike out on Custer State Park, set a daily availability alert, cancellations pop up constantly as plans shift.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/1057What are driving conditions like around Box Elder and the Black Hills?
Driving around Box Elder is refreshingly easy: I-90 runs right through town with flat, straight stretches connecting you to Rapid City (10 miles), Sturgis (25 miles), and the Wyoming border. Once you head into the Black Hills, expect winding two-lane roads with steeper grades, especially on US-16, Iron Mountain Road (US-16A), and Needles Highway (SD-87). Iron Mountain Road has three narrow tunnels (the smallest is 12 feet 4 inches wide and 11 feet 3 inches tall), and Needles Highway tunnels are even tighter, so anything over a 25-foot RV should detour. Summer afternoon thunderstorms roll through quickly, and watch for bison on the road in Custer State Park. Pro tip: check South Dakota 511 (sd511.org) before heading out for real-time road and weather conditions.
sd511.org/What amenities and hookups can I expect at campgrounds near Box Elder?
Most private RV parks near Box Elder offer full hookups: 30/50-amp electric, water, sewer, plus WiFi, hot showers, and laundry. Spots like Rapid City KOA, Happy Holiday RV Resort, and Black Hills RV Park have pools, dog runs, and dump stations on site. Public campgrounds inside Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park typically offer electric hookups only or dry camping, with potable water spigots, vault or flush toilets, and centralized dump stations (small fee for non-guests). You can also find public RV dump stations at the Cabela's in Rapid City and several truck stops along I-90. Pro tip: top off fresh water at your departure campground, hill country spigots aren't always conveniently placed once you're deep in the forest.
fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/recreation/camping-cabinsWhat's typically included inside an RV rental in Box Elder?
Box Elder RV rentals come ready to camp. Expect a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, sink, cookware, plates, utensils), a bathroom with toilet and shower in most Class B, C, and A motorhomes and trailers, comfortable sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on the rig, climate control with both heat and air conditioning, and seatbelted seats for travel. Most listings also include a TV, some have WiFi or cellular signal boosters (handy in the Black Hills where coverage dips), and many include a generator for boondocking near Badlands or Wind Cave. Linens, camp chairs, and outdoor mats are often offered as free or low-cost add-ons. Pro tip: check the listing's amenity list before booking, and message the host for anything specific you need like a coffee maker or roof-top kayak rack.
nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/camping.htmWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Box Elder hosts offer popular add-ons that make your Black Hills trip easier: delivery and setup (often $2 to $5 per mile), generator use ($3 to $5 per hour or a flat daily rate), bike racks, kayaks, outdoor grills, linen and kitchen kits ($25 to $75), and propane refills. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Box Elder or nearby Rapid City, and many hosts will meet you at Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) for a small fee. Each listing spells out mileage policy, generator hours, and pet fees on the pricing page so there are no surprises. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a linen kit on your first trip, you will fly in, drive straight to your campsite, and have nothing to set up.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Box%20Elder%2C%20South%20DakotaHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment for your Box Elder RV rental is handled securely through the RVezy platform, with no cash or off-platform transfers, which protects both you and the host. You pay through RVezy when you book, and the host receives funds after pickup. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and released after drop-off, assuming the RV comes back in the same condition. Deposit amounts typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig. Pro tip: do a quick walkaround video with the host at pickup and drop-off, document everything, and your deposit return will be smooth and fast.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksIs a Box Elder RV trip good for families?
A family RV trip in Box Elder might be the single best vacation in the country for kids. You're 10 minutes from Reptile Gardens and Bear Country USA, 35 miles from Mount Rushmore, and an easy drive to Storybook Island (free admission in Rapid City), Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop (kids go wild over the bison herd), and the underground tours at Wind Cave and Jewel Cave National Monuments. Most family-sized motorhomes on RVezy sleep 6 to 8 with bunk beds, dinette conversions, and overhead bunks, and many include outdoor TVs, board games, and bike racks. Pro tip: book a campground with a pool like Rapid City KOA or Happy Holiday for the kids to decompress between attractions, it makes a huge difference on the long days.
nps.gov/wica/planyourvisit/index.htmNearby cities with campgrounds
Rapid City, SDGlenrock, WYSleepy Hollow, WYBlackhawk, SDSummerset, SDPiedmont, SDSturgis, SDMoorcroft, WYRapid Valley, SDNewcastle, WYScottsbluff, NEColonial Pine Hills, SDGillette, WYGreen Valley, SDJohnson Siding, SDLead, SDBelle Fourche, SDEdgemont, SDCuster, SDHot Springs, SDDouglas, WYAshland Heights, SDHill City, SDSundance, WY