Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota

Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds across South Dakota. Verified pet policies with trails, swimming, and welcoming sites.

16+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Year-round (weather dependent)

Find South Dakota Pet-Friendly Sites Set Availability Alert

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in Other States

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Maryland

View all Pet-Friendly Campgrounds nationwide →

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.6

(273)

Bismark Lake

Custer
Black Hills National Forest

Your dog can roam leash-free through miles of forest trails winding beneath towering pines, with direct lake access for cooling swims after dusty hikes.

Hill City
Black Hills National Forest

Your dog can roam freely through spacious, widely-spaced sites tucked beneath fragrant pines, with direct access to Deerfield Reservoir's shoreline just steps away for swimming and water play.

Hill City
Black Hills National Forest

Your dog can splash in Sheridan Lake's clear waters and explore miles of Black Hills National Forest trails that wind directly from the campground's five spacious loops.

Tents

RVs

About Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota

Pet-friendly camping in South Dakota opens up a world of adventure in the Black Hills and beyond, where your four-legged companions can explore pine-scented forests, pristine mountain lakes, and rolling prairie landscapes alongside you. The state's diverse terrain ranges from the iconic granite peaks and ponderosa pine forests of the Black Hills to the mixed grasslands of Wind Cave National Park, offering camping experiences that cater to every type of pet owner.

Best Time

The prime season for pet-friendly camping in South Dakota runs from late May through September, when temperatures in the Black Hills remain comfortable for outdoor activities with pets, typically ranging from 70-85°F during the day and cooling to 45-55°F at night. June offers the best combination of mild weather, green landscapes, and manageable crowds before the peak July-August rush when reservations become essential at popular campgrounds like Sheridan Lake and Bismark Lake.

What to Expect

Verified pet-friendly policies
Hiking trails for dogs
Spacious campsites
Swimming access at many locations

More Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota

Discover 13 additional top-rated pet-friendly campgrounds in South Dakota

4.2

(463)

Elk Mountain Campground

Hot Springs
Wind Cave National Park

Your leashed pup can explore miles of prairie and ponderosa pine trails where bison herds roam freely across the landscape, offering unforgettable wildlife encounters steps from your campsite.

Hill City
Black Hills National Forest

Your pack claims exclusive territory at this private group site, where eight tent spots spread across secluded terrain above Pactola Reservoir let dogs roam freely among your party.

Hill City
Black Hills National Forest

Dogs roam freely through towering Ponderosa pines on spacious, well-separated sites where leashes become optional and four-legged friends can truly explore.

Cottonwood Springs Campground

Hot Springs
Cottonwood Springs Lake

Your dog can explore miles of Black Hills trails radiating from camp, then cool off with a swim in nearby Cottonwood Springs Lake, accessible via a short walk through ponderosa pine forest.

Custer
Black Hills National Forest

Your dog can roam freely through the open Ponderosa pine forest, sniffing deer trails and exploring the natural cathedral of towering trees surrounding these spacious campsites.

Yankton
Lewis and Clark Lake

Your pup can roam freely across sprawling riverfront grounds where cottonwood-shaded trails wind past Lake Yankton's shoreline and through an 18-hole disc golf course.

Hill City
Black Hills National Forest

Dogs thrive on the network of forest trails winding through Ponderosa pines, with the shallow shoreline providing splashing opportunities after hikes. Your four-legged companion can swim alongside you in the calm, non-motorized waters or explore the pine-needled paths connecting the...

Sundance
Black Hills National Forest

Your dog will love exploring the legendary Sundance Trail System right from camp, with miles of forest paths winding through towering Ponderosa pines. Friendly camp hosts welcome four-legged adventurers, and the location puts you within striking distance of Devils Tower for an...

Willow Creek Horse Camp

Hill City
Black Hills National Forest

Your four-legged companions enjoy spacious, heavy-duty corrals right at select campsites, plus dedicated waste facilities and direct access to miles of Black Elk Wilderness trails.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 16 campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota

Map of campgrounds near Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota

Explore Interactive Map →

Map Key

Bismark Lake

Whitetail

Sheridan Lake

Elk Mountain Campground

Bear Gulch

Dutchman

Cottonwood Springs Campground

Comanche Park

Cottonwood (Ne)

Roubaix Lake

Reuter Campground

Willow Creek Horse Camp

Sheridan North Cove Grp Cg

Cook Lake Rec Area

Sundance

Pactola Reservoir Campground

View all 16 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking forest trails with leashed petsLake swimming and water playWildlife viewing and bird watchingScenic drives through Black HillsPhotography in pine forests and canyonsFishing at mountain lakes and reservoirs

Tips & Recommendations

1Before heading to South Dakota's pet-friendly campgrounds, verify specific pet policies as some locations limit the number of pets per site or have breed restrictions, though most Black Hills National Forest campgrounds welcome all well-behaved dogs.
2Bring proof of current vaccinations, particularly rabies certification, as rangers occasionally check documentation.
3Essential gear includes a sturdy leash (6-foot maximum is standard), collapsible water bowls, pet first-aid supplies, and tick prevention medication since the Black Hills harbor significant tick populations from April through October.
4Consider packing a pet cooling vest for summer hikes and booties to protect paws on hot pavement or rocky trails around destinations like Bear Gulch's canyon terrain.

16 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota

Pet-Friendly Campgrounds in South Dakota FAQ

We've curated 16+ pet-friendly campgrounds in South Dakota based on verified pet policies, user reviews, and trail access. Each campground welcomes dogs and many offer hiking trails, swimming areas, and spacious sites.

Not all campgrounds allow pets. Our South Dakota pet-friendly list only includes campgrounds with verified dog-friendly policies. Always check specific leash requirements and pet fees before booking.

Essential items include: leash and harness, food and water bowls, dog bed or blanket, waste bags, current vaccination records, flea/tick prevention, and a first aid kit. Also bring familiar toys to keep your pup comfortable.