Custer State Park South Dakota Cheap Campgrounds (Best Budget RV Stays)
Looking for affordable RV camping near Custer State Park without giving up comfort or location? We spent two weeks in the area and split our time between two spots that kept costs low and access high. One offered full hookups and resort-like perks, the other delivered quiet, spacious sites for a fraction of the price. Here’s what to expect from both and how to pick the right fit for your trip.
Our Split Stay in Custer State Park
We divided our time between two campgrounds, trying both hookup convenience and budget-friendly dry camping. Two weeks total, focused on saving money, staying comfortable, and staying close to the park’s best hikes and viewpoints. We aimed to keep nightly rates under $50 when possible.
Why Choose Campgrounds Near Custer?
You’ll be within 10 minutes of the park’s front gate and close to the towns of Custer and Keystone. That means less driving, more time outside.
- Quick access to top hikes and scenic drives
- Easy runs into town for groceries and coffee
- Short hops to small-town shops and viewpoints
Benefits of Being Close to Town
From the Custer Crazy Horse area, it’s a 5-minute drive to restaurants and groceries in Custer. Daily needs are simple.
Spotlight on Custer Crazy Horse Campground
First up, Custer Crazy Horse Campground just outside the town of Custer. It earned a 10/10 for value, amenities, and location. If you like options and convenience, this place checks every box.
For current site types and photos, see the official Custer Crazy Horse Campground website.
Site Options and Our Choice
They offer several setup styles:
- Full hookups
- Electric and water
- Boondocking sites
We chose full hookups at $50 per night, which beat nearby options charging $65 to $70.
Affordable Extras Like Firewood and Propane
Budget-friendly add-ons made it even better.
- Firewood bundles cost $6 compared to the usual $7 to $10
- Propane runs about $4 per gallon, cheaper than many fill stations
Peaceful Campsite Locations
Look for sites down the hill if you want quieter nights. Road noise drops off, and sleep is easy.
Essential Amenities at Custer Crazy Horse
This campground has what most RV travelers want: space, hookups, and a handy base to reset between park days.
On-Site Perks for Comfort
- Fire ring and picnic table at every site
- Cabins available if you’re not traveling by RV
Browse site details and what’s included on the RV sites page.
Arrival and Staff Support
Staff guide you to your site, help you back in, and cover the essentials on arrival. It’s super helpful after a long drive.
Main Office Highlights
- Convenience store
- Coffee shop
- Cheap laundry machines
- Pool for cooling off, especially with kids
Location Perks of Custer Crazy Horse
You’re 5 minutes from the town of Custer and about 10 minutes from Custer State Park’s entrance. Getting to sunrise hikes or late dinners is simple.
Bug-Free Experience
We had practically no bugs, which made evenings around the fire easy.
Why We Love Custer Crazy Horse Overall
From price to perks, it quickly became a favorite during 10 weeks on the road. We’d stay again in a heartbeat. Book early if you want those hill sites.
For nearby things to do during your stay, check the campground’s area attractions guide.
Introducing Oreville Campground
Our second stay was Oreville Campground, about 10 minutes closer to Keystone. It’s smaller, with roughly 40 sites across two loops, and the price is hard to beat at $20 per night.
No-Hookup Setup and What to Expect
This is dry camping. No electric, no water at the site, and no fill or dump on the grounds. Plan to use your generator and onboard tanks. If you’re new to boondocking, prep your water and battery plan beforehand.
Spacious Sites at Oreville
These were the largest sites we’ve had yet, great for privacy and outdoor hanging. Most are back-ins, with a few pull-throughs you can request depending on location.
Great for Groups and Kids
The family-friendly space makes it easy for kids to run around and for groups to spread out.
Amenities and Cleanliness at Oreville
They keep it simple and clean.
- Pit toilets are spread across the campground and were the cleanest we’ve seen
- Every site has a fire ring and picnic table
Friendly Camp Hosts
We had fun chats with the camp hosts. They shared local tips, asked about our travels, and made the stay feel welcoming.
Flexible Stay Options at Oreville
There’s a first-come, first-served site that makes extensions easy. You can stay up to 14 days at that site alone if it’s open. How we handled it:
- Ask the camp host about availability
- If empty, move into the FCFS site after your reservation
- Confirm your new end date with the host
Minor Drawback: Road Noise
A bit closer to the road, so you may hear trucks now and then. It wasn’t a deal-breaker.
Location Advantages of Oreville
You’re 5 minutes from Keystone, 10 to 15 minutes from Custer, and about 10 minutes to the park entrance. Compared to Custer Crazy Horse, it trades hookups for bigger sites and a lower price.
Quick Comparison
| Campground | Nightly Price | Hookups | Best For | Distance to Park Gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custer Crazy Horse | $50 (full hookups) | Full, electric-water, boondocking | Comfort, amenities | About 10 minutes |
| Oreville | $20 | None | Space, budget stays | About 10 minutes |
Why Visit Custer State Park?
There’s so much packed into a small area. Lakes for swimming, scenic drives, wildlife, and iconic sights nearby. It feels like the good stuff shows up around every bend.
Outdoor Adventures Await
- Swim in calm lakes on hot afternoons
- Hike trails with views for days
- Pull over often, the endless viewpoints are worth it
Iconic Landmarks Nearby
See Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, both easy day trips.
Charming Small Towns
Stroll the shops and grab a bite in Custer and Keystone. Plan a lazy afternoon and make it a day trip.
Final Take
If you want comfort and amenities, go with Custer Crazy Horse. If you want big sites and a rock-bottom rate, choose Oreville. Both keep you close to the park and make daily exploring simple. Which setup suits your trip? Pack the s’mores and enjoy the Black Hills.
