How much does camping cost at Sundance?

Camping fees at Sundance range from $18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sundance first-come first-served or reservation?

Sundance accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sundance before I book?

Yes! Sundance has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Sundance?

Sundance is open April 15 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sundance?

Sundance does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Sundance?

Cell phone service at Sundance is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Sundance have?

Sundance has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sundance?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sundance. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sundance?

Sundance offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sundance

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sundance?

Fire policies at Sundance: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.16

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,810 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 21, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,810 ft

Price

$18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open from May 21, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Sundance

$18.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-673-9200

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sundance

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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

Nearby places

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

Weather at Sundance

Current alerts(8)

Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest
For information about weed free certified hay please call Forest Recreation Management Inc. at (605) 574-4402.
Hay brought in must be certified weed-free, and out of state horses must have Coggins test
Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come, first served basis

Best Time to Camp at Sundance

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather and full access to Sundance Horse Camp's equestrian facilities, making it ideal for multi-day trail rides and extended camping with horses. Expect daytime highs generally in the mid‑60s to mid‑80s°F (18–30°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C) at ~4,800 ft elevation, with long daylight hours for riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Facilities are fully staffed/open and most trails are cleared, though holiday weekends (especially July) see Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with best weather and full facility access; highs in mid-60s to 80s°F.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 21, 2025, to September 07, 2025.

About Sundance

Sundance is a small equestrian campground in Black Hills National Forest near Hill City, operated by Forest Recreation Management. The facility offers corrals, vault toilets, and water hydrants at mid-elevation, serving riders exploring the forest's trail system. Reviewers note clean facilities and wildlife sightings, though flies from corrals and unlevel sites are frequent complaints.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm, dry weather and full access to Sundance Horse Camp's equestrian facilities, making it ideal for multi-day trail rides and extended camping with horses. Expect daytime highs generally in the mid‑60s to mid‑80s°F (18–30°C) and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C) at ~4,800 ft elevation, with long daylight hours for riding, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Facilities are fully staffed/open and most trails are cleared, though holiday weekends (especially July) see Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4810 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within the Paha Sapa. The Lakota name for these black-forested hills that rise from the surrounding prairie. Rolling meadows stretch toward the Bear Lodge Mountain Range, where ancient granite spires break through limestone layers. Elk graze in the early morning, white-tailed deer move through the forest clearings, and wild turkeys wander through camp. The landscape shifts between open grasslands and dense pine forest, with rock formations and streams cutting through the terrain. The views from camp extend across valley floors to the surrounding mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins available; primarily supports tent, RV, and equestrian camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

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.

Need help booking Sundance?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Electrical hook-ups are not available. This is a traditional campground with horse use facilities, including large parking areas, corrals, feed bunks, and an accessible rider loading ramp. Metal hitching rails located at the north end of the campground are visible from all campsites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

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

Cell CoverageVerizon service is reported as strong with 5 bars of 5G. Users mentioned streaming TV without issues and good connectivity for general use.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

47 reviews

Satisfactory

Sundance is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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

Accessibility Features

The accessible mounting block and accessible vault toilets received positive mentions. Campers with mobility challenges appreciated these features.

Based on 47 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with a $2 per night fee. Some users appreciated the pet-friendly policy, while others found the fee inconvenient.

Based on 47 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're hauling horses and want corrals, water hydrants, and direct trail access in the Black Hills.

Skip if

You're not bringing horses or need level sites away from livestock areas.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Reuter Campground sits in the Black Hills National Forest near Sundance, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites among Ponderosa pines at mid-elevation. Operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc., the campground serves as a base for exploring the Sundance Trail System and day trips to Devils Tower. Visitors come for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in a forested setting with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings.