Free national forest camping all over the Black Hills, with Mt. Rushmore and Custer SP an hour away.
The Black Hills are an island of pine-covered mountains rising from the plains. The Black Hills National Forest allows free dispersed camping on most forest roads, with rolling pine ridges, creeks, and granite outcrops in every direction.
Why it's special
Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, and the Badlands are all within an hour of dispersed sites. Few other regions stack so much into a small footprint.
Best time to go
May through October.
Getting there
Rapid City is the hub. Forest roads off US-385 and US-16 hit dispersed everywhere.
Know before you go
- 14-day stay limit.
- Black bears are present but rare.
- Mountain pine beetle has killed huge tracts — watch for falling trees on windy days.
- Cell service is usable in most of the forest.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Sturgis week (early August) — avoid unless you're going for it.
- Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway are slow scenic drives worth doing.
- Custer SP day pass cheaper than entering through a paid lodge.
- Sylvan Lake for an unforgettable swim.
Combine with
Mt. Rushmore, Badlands NP, Wind Cave, Devils Tower.