Sundance

4.35

47 reviews

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Featured in:Mountain Camping South Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota RV Camping South Dakota +4 more

Quick Facts

4,810 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 21, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,810 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 21, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Sundance

$10.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on the season: $10 per night during the off-season and $18 per night during the peak season (May 21 - September 07). Additional...

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-673-9200

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 47 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwater

Some mention

unlevel

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the campground's equestrian facilities, clean amenities, and scenic setting. However, some complaints include the lack of utilities and unlevel sites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Sundance

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Driving directionsTo access the Sundance Horse Camp from Sundance, travel east to County Road 123, Government Valley Road. Turn left onto County Road 123 and travel north for 3 miles.

The campground is located close to Interstate 90, making it easier to access. Roads leading to the facility are manageable even for large horse trailers and trucks, as noted by user reviews: 'It was easy to find (even in the dark) and very easy to navigate with a pickup and larger 4 horse trailer.'

Nearby places

Hill City is approximately 5 miles away. Devils Tower National Monument is a notable attraction approximately 4 miles north of the campground.

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies would likely be obtained in Hill City (approximately 5 miles away), though specific details about grocery or camping supplies are not mentioned in the authoritative or user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Sundance

Blessed with crystalline skies and refreshingly dry air, Sundance Horse Camp offers ideal riding conditions through much of the year. Late spring brings wildflower-dotted meadows and eager horses ready to stretch their legs after winter. Summer delivers long, sun-soaked days perfect for extended trail rides, while early autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, creating a photographer's paradise from the saddle. The moderate climate ensures comfortable camping conditions, with cool mountain mornings giving way to pleasantly warm afternoons.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

High summer offers optimal trail conditions; peak season brings more visitors and flies.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Off-season is less crowded and peaceful; fall likely excellent for solitude and views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Late spring brings wildflowers and good riding; early spring may lack running water.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 21–Sep 7; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 07, 2025 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 21, 2025, to September 07, 2025.

About Sundance

Where hoofbeats echo through mountain meadows and campfire smoke mingles with the scent of pine, Sundance Horse Camp welcomes riders and their equine companions to an authentic Western adventure. This beloved equestrian haven seamlessly blends traditional camping with thoughtfully designed horse facilities, featuring sturdy corrals, convenient hitching rails, well-placed feed bunks, and an accessible loading ramp that makes mounting and dismounting effortless. Whether you're settling in with a tent under the stars or pulling up with your trailer or RV, you'll find comfort in the campground's picnic tables and campfire rings—perfect for sharing trail tales as darkness falls. While the camp embraces a rustic charm without electrical hookups, the connection to nature and your horse more than compensates for modern conveniences.

The Sundance Campground is designed for traditional camping, with a focus on equestrian facilities. Accommodations include standard non-electric sites for tents, RVs, and trailers, as well as amenities tailored for horse owners.

Historical SignificanceThe trails winding through Sundance whisper stories of the Old West, where prospectors once led pack trains along these same paths in search of fortune during the 1800s mining boom. These historic routes, carved by countless hooves and wagon wheels, served as lifelines connecting remote mining camps to precious water sources. Today's riders follow in the footsteps of frontier adventurers, experiencing the same rugged terrain that shaped the destiny of the Black Hills region.

Weather and SeasonsBlessed with crystalline skies and refreshingly dry air, Sundance Horse Camp offers ideal riding conditions through much of the year. Late spring brings wildflower-dotted meadows and eager horses ready to stretch their legs after winter. Summer delivers long, sun-soaked days perfect for extended trail rides, while early autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, creating a photographer's paradise from the saddle. The moderate climate ensures comfortable camping conditions, with cool mountain mornings giving way to pleasantly warm afternoons.

ElevationNestled in the gentle embrace of the Bear Lodge Mountain Range foothills, Sundance Horse Camp offers the perfect launching point for exploring varied terrain. The campground's position provides both the accessibility of lower elevations and easy access to more challenging mountain trails, allowing riders of all skill levels to find their perfect adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryRolling meadows of native grass stretch toward dramatic vistas where valley floors meet mountain slopes in a breathtaking display of Western grandeur. This corner of Black Hills National Forest reveals nature's artistry at every turn—weathered rock formations stand sentinel over the landscape, while crystal-clear streams tumble through hidden glens. Wildlife enthusiasts delight in frequent encounters with majestic elk grazing in morning mist, white-tailed deer bounding through forest clearings, and wild turkeys strutting through camp. The interplay of open parks and dense forest creates an ever-changing tapestry that makes each ride a new discovery.

Geological RegionSundance Horse Camp sits within the legendary Black Hills, a geological wonder where ancient granite spires pierce through limestone layers to create the Bear Lodge Mountain Range's distinctive profile. The Lakota people aptly named this region 'Paha Sapa'—the hills that are black—for the dark pine forests that cloak these mountains, appearing as shadowy islands rising from the surrounding prairie sea. This unique landscape offers riders an incredible diversity of terrain: from dramatic canyons and hidden gulches to expansive grasslands, sapphire lakes nestled in mountain bowls, and mysterious caves that have sheltered travelers for millennia. It's a place where every trail promises both natural beauty and geological intrigue.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum consecutive stay (June 01, 2019 - September 30, 2025).

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per site are not detailed.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground layout includes 10 sites with hitching rails, corrals, and fire rings. Sites are described as unlevel by users.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before arrival for a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur an additional fee (first night's recreation use fee). No refunds for weather-related events.

AccessibilityAccessible mounting block for horse riders. Accessible vault toilets are available.

Site SizeCampsites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with some sites designed for long trailers.

PrivacySites are relatively open with limited privacy. Some reviewers noted spacious layouts suitable for horse trailers.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the north end offer views of hitching rails, and spaces are described as well-defined with picnic tables and fire rings.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, particularly for equestrian enthusiasts and nature lovers. Activities include horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal attractions such as snowshoeing and skiing. The Sundance Trail System is a highlight, offering non-motorized trails with scenic views. Biking is also supported on some trails.

HikingThe Sundance Trail System provides access to over 60 miles of trails, with options for various skill levels. The trails pass through dense forests, open ridges, and historic mining routes. Some trails are challenging, with significant elevation changes.

BikingBiking is permitted on certain sections of the Sundance Trail System. Terrain includes forested paths and ridges with historic significance.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include elk, deer, antelope, and turkey. Bird watchers may spot bald eagles, hawks, and ospreys.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRocky trails may require horses to be shoed. Wildlife such as mountain lions or elk could pose minor hazards. User note: 'Trails are rocky! Horses need shoes.'

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are available, and firewood should be burned on-site to prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services include the Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Game & Fish, as observed by users during early season rounds. Specific details regarding hospitals or police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but specific details about recycling were not mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features near the campground are mentioned.

Camp HostNo explicit details about hosts are provided.

Weather at Sundance

Reviews

4.4

47 reviews

Recommended

Sundance is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the campground's equestrian facilities, clean amenities, and scenic setting. However, some complaints include the lack of utilities and unlevel sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praised the clean vault toilets, accessible water hydrants, sturdy corrals, and breathtaking views. The campground's proximity to trails and wildlife was also highlighted.

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include unlevel campsites, flies related to horse corrals, and limited utilities such as no power hookups.

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving during daylight for easier navigation, bringing weed-free hay for horses, and considering horse shoes for rocky trails. Generators are allowed during specific hours.

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less crowded during the off-season but lacks some amenities such as running water during early spring. High summer provides optimal trail conditions but may bring more visitors.

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The corrals are solid, our horses drank the water readily, the camping fees reasonable, the bathroom facilities were very clean.' - Casey Dallmann 2. 'The first trail up is tough on horses that...

Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Five of the ten sites are reservable, with the remaining available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are suitable for horse trailers and self-contained RVs.

Based on 47 reviews