Comanche Park
4.4776 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, 1019 N 5TH STREET, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
34 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
34 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsComanche Park
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The peak-season nightly rate for non-electric sites is $26. Reservation fees are separate and may include $8 for online bookings, $9 for call center...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$26.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(605) 574-4402
What Campers Say
4.47
Recommended
Based on 76 reviews
75 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietspaciouslocationfriendly
"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious campsites, and proximity to key attractions like Jewel Cave and Custer State Park. However, uneven terrain and vault toilet issues were mentioned as drawbacks."
Fees & Passes at Comanche Park
$26/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight on the day before ch...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Forest Recreation Management, Inc website.
Best Time to Camp at Comanche Park
Summer days unfold with crystalline blue skies and pleasantly mild temperatures that make exploring the surrounding wilderness a joy. The pine-scented breeze keeps most days comfortable, though peak summer heat may occasionally remind visitors of the rustic nature of vault facilities. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a dramatic seasonal shift that blankets the forest in pristine white and offers a completely different camping adventure for the hardy souls who venture forth.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season begins May 21, 2025, and ends September 7, 2025.
- Current Alerts: None currently noted.
About Comanche Park
Beneath a canopy of towering Ponderosa pines, Comanche Park Campground offers a serene escape where the scent of pine needles mingles with crisp mountain air. As the gateway to the world-renowned Jewel Cave National Monument, this rustic retreat provides spacious sites where campers can spread out under nature's cathedral. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings, while convenient vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.
Comanche Park Campground offers primitive camping experiences with non-electric sites suitable for tents and small-to-medium RVs. It does not provide group sites, cabins, or glamping accommodations.
Historical SignificanceThis sacred landscape, reverently called 'Paha Sapa' by the Lakota people, holds stories that stretch back through millennia. Just minutes away lies Jewel Cave, an underground marvel that ranks as the world's second longest cave system—a labyrinth of glittering calcite crystals and rare geological formations that have captivated explorers and scientists alike. The cultural tapestry of this region weaves together Native American heritage with the pioneering spirit of early settlers, creating a rich historical backdrop for modern adventurers.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days unfold with crystalline blue skies and pleasantly mild temperatures that make exploring the surrounding wilderness a joy. The pine-scented breeze keeps most days comfortable, though peak summer heat may occasionally remind visitors of the rustic nature of vault facilities. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a dramatic seasonal shift that blankets the forest in pristine white and offers a completely different camping adventure for the hardy souls who venture forth.
ElevationPerched high in the Black Hills, the campground sits at an elevation where the prairie gives way to mountain majesty, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding grasslands. This lofty position offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air, providing a refreshing retreat from the heat of the lower elevations while positioning visitors perfectly to explore both the heights and depths of this remarkable landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryThe southern Black Hills unfold around the campground like nature's own adventure playground, where dramatic granite spires pierce the sky and hidden canyons invite exploration. Crystal-clear streams tumble through verdant gulches, feeding deep blue lakes that mirror the endless sky. This diverse ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife—from majestic bighorn sheep navigating rocky outcrops to graceful elk moving through meadows at dawn. Lucky visitors might spot pronghorn antelope bounding across open parks or catch sight of bald eagles and falcons soaring on mountain thermals, making every moment a potential wildlife encounter.
Geological RegionCarved by eons of natural forces, the Black Hills present a geological wonderland where ancient granite formations tell stories written in stone. The landscape alternates between dense Ponderosa pine forests and dramatic rocky outcrops, with hidden canyons and winding gulches creating a terrain that rewards exploration. Mountain streams have sculpted smooth channels through the bedrock, while pristine lakes nestle in natural basins, creating a diverse geological tapestry that makes this region one of the most captivating landscapes in the American West.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is limited, but some reviewers noted difficulty with uneven terrain and site inclines that could be challenging for those with mobility issues. "Site 19 is nice but hard to navigate with mobility issues," one reviewer stated.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, accommodating tents and small-to-medium RVs/trailers. Larger RVs may face challenges due to uneven terrain and narrow access roads.
Sites PrivacySites are described as being well-spaced and private. "The campsites were dispersed and private," noted one reviewer.
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the road may experience noticeable noise. Sites farther within the loop offer more privacy and quiet. Tent campers are advised to bring sturdy stakes due to rocky ground.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in can occur from 2:00 PM onwards.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not specified.
Groups
No group camping sites or accommodations are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in a single loop with sites spaced for privacy and surrounded by Ponderosa pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 21, 2025, and ends September 7, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (after midnight on the day before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds for weather-related events.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Comanche Park Campground can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and proximity to Jewel Cave National Monument. The campground is also a good base for exploring the nearby attractions in the Black Hills, such as Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, and Mount Rushmore. "A beautiful area easy to find off the highway," noted one user.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities in the area are abundant. Nearby Black Elk Peak offers a challenging trek and panoramic views. Other trails, such as those in Jewel Cave National Monument, are also accessible.Biking
Mountain biking is allowed on moderate terrain within the Black Hills National Forest. Specific trails were not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with species like deer, elk, and various birds commonly observed. "We watched deer in the meadow every day," remarked one reviewer.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not discussed for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding were not mentioned for this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Visitors are encouraged to buy firewood locally to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSome campsites are uneven and may feature rocks and tree stumps, making accessibility challenging. Wildlife such as deer and bighorn sheep may roam the area.
Active alertsNone currently noted.
Weather at Comanche Park
35
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 15.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Nearest hospital and emergency services are in Custer, South Dakota, approximately 6 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but limited details regarding their location or frequency of pickup are provided.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes or streams are directly within the campground, but nearby Jewel Cave and other streams offer water-related exploration.
Common complaintsCommon issues include uneven campsites, rocky terrain, strong odors from vault toilets, and inconsistent camp host behavior.
HostThe camp host, often named Kim in user reviews, is generally described as helpful and welcoming, though some reviews report rude behavior.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, 1019 N 5TH STREET, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsIn Custer, SD, at the intersection of Mt. Rushmore Rd (State Rt.89/US Rt.16 and 5th St (State Rt. 89/US Rt. 385), take Rt.16 west 5.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and is well-marked with signage for easy navigation. The road quality is generally described as good, though some reviews mention narrow roads and rocky terrain near sites.Nearby places
Custer - 6 miles
Rapid City - approximately 45 miles
Hill City - 15 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and fuel can be found in the town of Custer, which is 6 miles away from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
76 reviews
Comanche Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, spacious campsites, and proximity to key attractions like Jewel Cave and Custer State Park. However, uneven terrain and vault toilet issues were mentioned as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 76 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include quiet surroundings, spacious sites, a friendly camp host, and easy access to nearby attractions. "Wonderful campsite in a great location," remarked one user.
Based on 76 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include uneven campsites, poorly maintained vault toilets, and limited accessibility for large RVs. Some users also noted issues with camp host interactions, particularly the...
Based on 76 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing a hammer for tent stakes (due to rocky ground) and hand sanitizer for the vault toilets. Early arrivals are suggested to secure the most level sites.
Based on 76 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During peak season (May to September), the campground is described as peaceful and quiet, with occasional reports of road noise. Off-season availability is reduced, with fewer sites open.
Based on 76 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great rustic CG. Site 12 and 21 are excellent. Flat and good for our 25 ft trailer." "Quiet and friendly place." "Lovely location close to Custer, Mt. Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial."
Based on 76 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 19: "Hard to navigate with mobility issues." Site 33: "Large enough for our 35 ft fifth-wheel, but boulders on the road made it impossible to maneuver." Site 34: "Uneven campsite with big rocks...
Based on 76 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is limited for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and site inclines. No ADA-specific facilities were mentioned.
Based on 76 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed for an additional fee of $2 per pet per night. Owners must keep pets leashed and attended. "We were charged $2 cash by the host for having our dog."
Based on 76 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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