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104 campgrounds and RV Parks near Colonial Pine Hills, SD. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
104 campgrounds
7796 campsites
3 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Colonial Pine Hills, SD
American Buffalo Resort
Rapid City, SD (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(123 sites)
+10
Happy Holiday RV Resort
Rapid City, SD (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(301 sites)
+10
Rushmore Shadows Resort
Rapid City, SD (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(189 sites)
+13
Rapid City South RV Park
Rapid City, SD (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(95 sites)
+5
Lake Park Campground and Cottages
Rapid City, SD (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+7
Rapid City RV Park and Campground
Rapid City, SD (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(118 sites)
+5
Pine Haven Venue & Lodging
Colonial Pine Hills, SD (4 miles away)
Hart Ranch RV Resort
Rapid City, SD (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(467 sites)
+7
Holy Smoke Resort
South Dakota (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(21 sites)
Black Hawk Creek RV Park and Cabins
Rapid City, SD (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(45 sites)
+3
Kemp's Kamp
South Dakota (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+4
Rushmore View RV Park
South Dakota (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Showers Toilets Dump station Internet Laundry Grills Playground Firewood
Camping near Colonial Pine Hills
Colonial Pine Hills sits in Pennington County on the eastern edge of the Black Hills, just south of Rapid City, South Dakota. The community works well as an RV base for reaching Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Badlands National Park, all within roughly an hour to 90 minutes by road.
Private RV parks cluster along the corridor between Rapid City and Keystone. American Buffalo Resort and Rushmore Shadows Resort offer full-hookup sites within a short drive of the memorial, while Lake Park Campground and Cottages sits closer to Rapid City with cabin and RV options. Happy Holiday RV Resort and Rapid City South RV Park both provide paved sites, laundry, and easy Highway 16 access for travelers cycling through the Hills.
Beyond private resorts, campers can add a night or two at a Black Hills National Forest campground or one of the nine developed campgrounds in Custer State Park for a more remote setting between city stays.
Things to do near Colonial Pine Hills
Mount Rushmore National Memorial anchors most itineraries, with an interpretive trail, sculptor's studio, and evening lighting program. Custer State Park covers 71,000 acres and includes the Wildlife Loop, Needles Highway, and Sylvan Lake, though large rigs should avoid the low, narrow tunnels on Needles Highway (SD Hwy 87) and approach the area via SD Highway 89 out of Custer.
Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave, and Wind Cave sit within an hour's drive. Badlands National Park is about 80 miles east on I-90 and pairs well with an overnight or long day trip.
Closer to camp, families can bike the Mickelson Trail, fish or paddle Pactola and Sheridan Lakes, and explore scenic gravel routes through Black Hills National Forest for dispersed camping and off-highway drives.
Camping spots and RV parks near Colonial Pine Hills, SD
When to visit Colonial Pine Hills
- spring
March - May
55° / 34°F 60 mmWet season with late snow possible into April
- summer
June - August
81° / 57°F 65 mmPeak season; Sturgis Rally fills sites in August
- fall
September - November
61° / 36°F 25 mmCool and clear; Buffalo Roundup draws crowds in September
- winter
December - February
34° / 17°F 13 mmCold and snowy; most forest campgrounds closed
Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most private resorts operate on that window, and Black Hills National Forest campgrounds are generally open from mid-May through September, with a few open into October weather permitting. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held annually in the first full week of August, fills every RV site for a wide radius and pushes rates and traffic sharply upward, so plan around it unless attending.
Late spring and early fall offer cooler days, thinner crowds, and better wildlife viewing in Custer State Park. Fall foliage in the ponderosa and aspen peaks in late September and early October, and the annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival draws visitors in late September.
Winter camping options are limited. Rapid City sees regular snow, comfort stations close in most state parks during winter, and many private resorts reduce services or close entirely until spring.
How to book campgrounds
South Dakota state park campsites can be reserved within 90 days of arrival, except at Custer State Park, which accepts reservations one year in advance. Bookings are made online at campsd.com or by phone through 1-800-710-2267. For summer weekend stays, most campsites and cabins are reserved within a week of the reservation window opening.
Black Hills National Forest campgrounds are booked through Recreation.gov, generally up to six months ahead. Popular sites near Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake fill quickly for July and August weekends.
Private resorts including American Buffalo Resort, Rushmore Shadows Resort, Lake Park Campground and Cottages, Happy Holiday RV Resort, and Rapid City South RV Park take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. For Sturgis Rally week, book as far in advance as possible, often close to a year out.
What to expect on the ground
Elevations around Colonial Pine Hills sit near 3,500 feet, rising quickly into the Black Hills to the west. Summer afternoons are warm and mostly clear with a real chance of thunderstorms that can bring lightning, high winds, heavy rain, and hail; overnight lows stay cool, so bring layers even in July.
Wildlife is active near campgrounds and roadways. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer are common in Custer State Park, and drivers should slow down at dawn and dusk. Cell service is reliable near Rapid City and Keystone but drops off quickly on forest roads.
Large Class A rigs and long fifth wheels should check site length limits before booking forest campgrounds, and route around the low, narrow tunnels on Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Colonial Pine Hills, SD
How much does an RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills cost?
RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills is surprisingly affordable for a Black Hills basecamp this close to Mount Rushmore. On RVezy, you can typically find travel trailers from around $90 to $160 per night, Class C motorhomes from $150 to $250, and larger Class A coaches from $200 to $350, with hosts setting their own pricing. To score a cheap RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills, book midweek, travel in May or September instead of peak July, and watch for hosts offering weekly discounts. Pro tip: avoid the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week in early August unless you have a rally-friendly listing locked in months ahead, since prices and demand spike across all of Pennington County.
travelsouthdakota.com/places-to-stay/camping-rvingWhat do I need to rent an RV in Colonial Pine Hills, SD?
Good news: renting an RV in South Dakota is refreshingly simple. You just need to be 25 or older with a valid driver's license, and a regular Class D license is all South Dakota requires to drive personal motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. No commercial driver's license (CDL) or special RV endorsement is needed. RVezy handles ID confirmation right through the platform during booking, so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home-country license. Most first-time renters are surprised how quickly the verification step wraps up, leaving you free to focus on planning your Black Hills loop through Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore.
dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/driver-licensesIs my RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from the moment you pull away. The protection plan helps cover damage to the RV and gives you real financial peace of mind during your Black Hills trip. You choose your coverage level at checkout, not the host, so you can pick what fits your trip and budget. Whether you are navigating Iron Mountain Road's pigtail bridges or parking near Mount Rushmore, help is just a phone call away. That backup makes a first-time motorhome rental in Colonial Pine Hills genuinely low-stress.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Colonial Pine Hills RV rental?
Booking an RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills is lower-risk than you might think. RVezy, not the individual host, sets the cancellation policy, and there is a money-back grace period right after you book so you can lock in your dates with confidence. After that grace period, your refund depends on how far out from your trip you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy helps you find a replacement RV or provides a refund or travel credit. If your situation changes, contact RVezy support and they will walk you through your options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Colonial Pine Hills RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Colonial Pine Hills is easy to find. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see plenty of hosts who welcome dogs, sometimes with a small cleaning fee. The Black Hills are made for four-legged co-pilots: leashed dogs are allowed on most trails in Black Hills National Forest, at Bear Butte State Park, and along Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop pullouts (though not on park trails). Mount Rushmore allows pets only in parking areas, so plan accordingly. Pro tip: Sheridan Lake's shoreline, just 15 minutes from Colonial Pine Hills, is a favorite for off-leash swims on quiet weekday mornings.
fs.usda.gov/recreation/recmain/blackhills/recreationCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Colonial Pine Hills?
Yes, RV delivery in Colonial Pine Hills is one of the most popular options on the platform, especially for first-timers who'd rather skip driving a motorhome through the Black Hills' winding roads. Many local hosts will deliver, level, and fully set up your rental at popular nearby spots like Rapid City KOA, Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch, or Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground, then walk you through everything from the awning to the water heater. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see which hosts offer it and their typical radius. Pro tip: book delivery to Palmer Gulch and you're just five miles from Mount Rushmore's main entrance.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/How far can I drive on a Colonial Pine Hills RV trip?
You can cover a lot of ground from Colonial Pine Hills, and many hosts offer generous daily mileage allowances or even RV rental with unlimited mileage. Some popular distances to plan around: Mount Rushmore is about 20 miles southwest, Custer State Park is roughly 35 miles south, Badlands National Park is 75 miles east, Deadwood is 50 miles north, and Devils Tower in Wyoming is about 110 miles northwest. Each listing on RVezy shows the included mileage and the per-mile rate if you exceed it, so there are no surprises. Pro tip: message the host before booking if you're planning a big loop, since many will bundle extra miles into your quote.
nps.gov/moru/planyourvisit/directions.htmWhere should I stay during my RV camping trip in Colonial Pine Hills?
You're spoiled for choice with campgrounds near Colonial Pine Hills. Top picks include Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch (massive resort with pools, just minutes from the monument), Rapid City KOA Holiday (full hookups, family-friendly, easy I-90 access), Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground in Black Hills National Forest (lakefront sites, swimming, and fishing), Pactola Reservoir Campground (cool pines and the largest lake in the Hills), and Hidden Lake Campground and Resort just south of town. Custer State Park's Center Lake and Game Lodge campgrounds are also fantastic if you want wildlife at your doorstep. Pro tip: Forest Service sites accept reservations up to six months ahead, so book early for July.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2725When is the best time to visit Colonial Pine Hills in an RV?
Late May through mid-September is the sweet spot for RV camping in Colonial Pine Hills, with daytime highs from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit and cool, comfortable nights in the 50s. June brings wildflowers and waterfalls; July and August are peak (and busiest, especially during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August); September delivers crisp air, golden aspens, and far fewer crowds. Shoulder seasons in May and late September are the smart-money play, with lower nightly rates on RVezy and easy campground reservations. Winter is quiet but doable for cold-weather-equipped rigs, since the area can see heavy snow and sub-zero nights from December through February. Pro tip: aim for the week after Labor Day for the best mix of weather and value.
weather.gov/unr/climateI've never driven an RV. Will I be okay in the Black Hills?
You'll be just fine, even if it's your first time renting an RV. Every RVezy host gives you a full orientation at pickup, walking through driving, hookups, the generator, leveling, and the dump process so you leave feeling confident. For extra peace of mind in Colonial Pine Hills, choose a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer for your first trip, ask for delivery so you skip the driving altogether, or stick to the wider, well-graded roads like US-16 to Mount Rushmore. Avoid Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road's narrow tunnels in anything over 12 feet tall. Pro tip: message the host before booking with any nervous questions, that's exactly what they're there for.
gfp.sd.gov/custer-state-park/What if my RV breaks down during my Colonial Pine Hills RV trip?
You are never on your own. Every RVezy rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so help is a single call away whether you are parked at Sylvan Lake or pulled over on US-385. The dispatcher can arrange towing, tire changes, jump starts, lockout service, and fuel delivery throughout the Black Hills region. Your host is also typically just a quick text away for questions about the rig itself, like resetting the inverter or relighting the water heater. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number in your phone before you leave the driveway, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN and license plate so you can share details fast if you ever need help.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take a Colonial Pine Hills RV rental on a longer road trip across state lines?
Yes, an RV road trip from Colonial Pine Hills into neighboring states is one of the best things about basing here. You are a short hop from Wyoming (Devils Tower is about 110 miles, Yellowstone's east entrance is roughly 450 miles), Montana, Nebraska, and the rest of South Dakota's Badlands and Missouri River country. Most hosts welcome interstate travel within the lower 48 states under the RVezy protection plan. Travel into Canada or Mexico is typically not covered, so confirm cross-border plans with your host and RVezy before booking. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm your route, especially for trips longer than a week, so mileage and dates are dialed in.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel during my Colonial Pine Hills RV trip?
Fuel is one of the more predictable parts of your budget here. South Dakota gas prices tend to run below the national average, often in the $3.00 to $3.50 per gallon range, and diesel is widely available at Pilot, Flying J, and Love's stations along I-90 just north of Colonial Pine Hills. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon for a Class A, 10 to 14 for a Class C, 18 to 22 for a Class B campervan, and similar towing figures for trucks pulling travel trailers. For a typical 300-mile Black Hills loop, plan on $90 to $150 in fuel. Pro tip: top off in Rapid City before heading into the Hills, since prices climb at the small stations near Custer and Hill City.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds near Colonial Pine Hills?
Earlier is better, especially for summer. Federal campgrounds in Black Hills National Forest like Pactola, Sheridan Lake, and Horsethief Lake open reservations on Recreation.gov six months out, and prime July and August weekends often fill within hours of release. Custer State Park sites book through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks system up to 90 days ahead and also sell out quickly. Private parks like Mount Rushmore KOA and Rapid City KOA take bookings a year in advance. For a Sturgis Rally week trip (early August), reserve 6 to 12 months ahead. Pro tip: if you strike out at popular spots, try midweek dates or look at Bear Country USA-area private parks just south of Rapid City.
recreation.gov/What are driving conditions like around Colonial Pine Hills?
Driving here is genuinely scenic, but a little local knowledge goes a long way. Roads in and out of Colonial Pine Hills connect easily to US-16 (the main Mount Rushmore corridor) and US-385, both wide and RV-friendly. Watch for two things: tight historic tunnels on Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway in Custer State Park (some as low as 10' 7", off-limits to most motorhomes), and sudden afternoon thunderstorms in summer that can bring hail and strong crosswinds. Wildlife crossings, especially deer at dusk and bison in Custer State Park, are common. Winter brings ice and occasional road closures. Pro tip: download offline maps before you go, since cell service drops in canyon stretches near Pactola Lake.
dot.sd.gov/travelers/road-conditionsWhat amenities should I expect at campgrounds near Colonial Pine Hills?
You'll find a great mix. Private parks like Rapid City KOA and Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch offer full hookups (water, 30/50-amp electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, pools, laundry, propane refills, and on-site dump stations. Black Hills National Forest campgrounds like Sheridan Lake and Pactola usually offer electric or non-electric sites with potable water spigots, vault or flush toilets, and a central dump station. Custer State Park campgrounds have similar setups plus showers at most locations. Free dump stations are available at Flying J in Rapid City and at several Forest Service day-use areas. Pro tip: fill your fresh water tank in town before heading to a no-hookup site at Horsethief Lake, where the views more than make up for the simplicity.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recreation/camping-cabinsWhat features and amenities come with a typical Colonial Pine Hills RV rental?
Most RVs on RVezy in the Colonial Pine Hills area come fully equipped for a comfortable Black Hills trip: a real bed (often a queen) plus convertible sleeping for 4 to 8, a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control with both furnace and air conditioning, and seatbelts for travel passengers. Many include a flat-screen TV, an onboard generator, an outdoor awning, and camp chairs. Wi-Fi isn't standard since cell coverage is spotty in the Hills, but most rigs have a 12V system that easily charges a personal hotspot. Pro tip: filter for listings with a generator if you plan to dry-camp at scenic spots like Roubaix Lake.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Colonial%20Pine%20Hills%2C%20South%20DakotaWhat add-ons and pickup options can I expect when I rent an RV in Colonial Pine Hills?
Hosts offer a great range of extras to make your campervan rental Colonial Pine Hills experience easier. Common add-ons include linen and bedding packages, full kitchen kits, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, bikes, kayaks, generators, propane fills, and dump-station service on return (typically $30 to $75 each). Pickup is usually at the host's home in or near Colonial Pine Hills, and many hosts deliver to nearby campgrounds for a flat fee or per-mile rate. Mileage policies vary, with most listings including 100 to 150 miles per day and some offering unlimited mileage for longer trips. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a return dump-and-clean package so all you do is show up, camp, and hand back the keys.
travelsouthdakota.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventuresHow does payment and the security deposit work for an RVezy rental in Colonial Pine Hills?
Payment is straightforward and fully handled through RVezy, so you never exchange cash or cards with the host. You pay your rental total, taxes, host add-ons, and protection plan securely on the platform when you book. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment and released after a successful return inspection. To avoid issues, do a thorough walk-around video at pickup and drop-off, return with fuel and propane at the agreed levels, and follow the host's mileage and pet rules. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos of the odometer, generator hours, and tank levels at both ends of your Colonial Pine Hills RV trip for an effortless deposit return.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
Rapid City, SDEvansville, WYGlenrock, WYSleepy Hollow, WYCasper, WYBlackhawk, SDBox Elder, SDPiedmont, SDSummerset, SDSturgis, SDMills, WYMoorcroft, WYRapid Valley, SDNewcastle, WYScottsbluff, NEGillette, WYGreen Valley, SDJohnson Siding, SDBelle Fourche, SDEdgemont, SDTerrytown, NELead, SDCuster, SDHot Springs, SD