Rocky Point Recreation Area, Belle Forche SD

 Stay Date:  Oct 2020

Our Rating:  GOOD - 8

A great place to relax on the shores of the Belle Fourche reservoir. Huge sites, many with access to the shoreline. Interior roads are paved with gravel, mostly level sites. Electric (50&30A) at site and water and

dump station available. Verizon cell/data were strong, but no OTA TV. Not much shade at sites so no obstructions to satellite TV. Volleyball and horseshoe courts available as well as a boat launch. Quiet and peaceful - an excellent getaway.  $33/night includes reservation fee.

Chris's Camp, Spearfish SD

Stay Date:  Sept 2020

Our Rating:  GOOD - 6

Large, busy park with grass and shade. Sites too close together to enjoy the outdoors; we had difficulty navigating around the picnic table without stepping on our neighbor's sewer hose to get to our tow car. Our pull through site was grass/gravel and sloped. Hookups are at the rear and may require extensions. The owner is helpful and friendly, but neither her nor her staff wore masks. Lots of motorcycle noise during the day but quiet at night. Park WiFi worked well during the day when there were few users but was unusable at night. Verizon cell/data were strong. No OTA TV but ample areas to use tripod satellite dish. Great location but at a premium price for sites crammed together.  Pricy at $53/night

3 Flags RV Park, Black Hawk SD

Stay Date:  Sep 2018

Our Rating:  GOOD – 6

Entering the park on the dirt/gravel road is a slow process if you don't want to be completely engulfed in dust. The owner is friendly and helpful, and while the facilities are limited, this is the lowest priced park (with Passport America) in the area. Long gravel/grass pull thru was fairly level, in full sun, and the hookups were accessible. Road noise was not an issue for us, just a drone in the background, and the train only runs twice during the day. Park WiFi was generally usable, and Verizon cell/data was strong. Pay cable service, but plenty of OTA channels and no obstructions to TV satellites. Convenient to Rapid City and the Black Hills. A good stay if using Passport America.  $23/Night  3 Flags RV Park

Ellsworth AFB Famcamp, Box Elder SD

Stay Date:  Sept 2016

Our Rating:  Bad – 5

We've found in our travels that many military campgrounds are an afterthought to MWR when it comes to management, and after two visits this year we've had it confirmed here. Our first visit earlier this year, we never saw the host during a three week stay. This time, we were assigned a site when making the phone reservation, only to find out after we had arrived and set up (no one answered the host phone) that we had to move for a "long term camper" in spite of there being many empty sites. We moved and watched as the site we moved from was occupied for one night and then was vacant. In addition to having to move for no reason other then incompetent scheduling, the price of $28/night with no weekly or monthly rate is unreasonable for a military location of this average quality. We've found better locations in the Rapid City area for less, which removes Ellsworth as a military benefit.  Overpriced at $28/night.  Ellsworth AFB Famcamp

Cedar Shore Resort, Oacoma SD

Stay Date:  Sept 2016

Our Rating:  UGLY!!!! – 3

We were disappointed to find that unlike the description on the web site, this park is a below average campground instead of a "resort". Check in was in a small office where we noticed that the single washer/dryer were too dirty to use. We were assigned a pull-thru site that faced uphill and was sloped to the point of being unable to level without raising the rear wheels off of the ground. Sites are dirt with ragged grass and small trees. We watched as two other RVs gave up trying to get level and drove around to find a site they could use. Also frustrating was to see the empty pull-thru sites facing the river that were reasonably level and that sat empty. Cable TV was basic eleven channels and fuzzy analog. WiFi was weak and would not connect. At this nightly rate we expected at least average service and were disappointed. Probably a good spot to stay long-term, as the back-in sites were paved and level, but for the short term there are better options.  A rip off at $42/night  Cedar Shore Resort

Camp America, Salem SD

Stay Date:  Sept 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD –7

We arrived on a crowded holiday weekend to find our reserved pull-thu site was occupied and unavailable; however, the very friendly and helpful manager closed the office to personally guide us into a site that allowed us to keep our tow vehicle attached. Older, small park with tight turns on the interior gravel roads, but level gravel sites and lots of trees and grass. Hookups were OK, and although no cable, OTA received 10 channels and we found an open spot to use our tripod satellite mount. Verizon cell/data were good, and the park WiFi was intermittent due to the large number of people in the park. Very quiet at night due to location well off the Interestate, but still convenient to access.  $31/Night  Camp America

Randall Creek Recreation Area, Pickstown SD

Stay Date:  Sept 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 8

This is a large recreation area along the banks of the Missouri River just below Randall Dam. Paved interior roads wind through trees and some turns can be tight. Some paved sites, many gravel are generally large and well spaced. Most sites are shaded, and there are large areas of grass, hiking next door at Fort Randall NP, and access points for fishing in the river. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and firewood is available in the park. Very popular with fisherman and reservations are a must since the check-in booth is seldom open, but web site has photos of each site. No OTA TV but most sites have access to the TV satellites. Verizon cell service was good but data was slow. Large dump station and water available near restrooms. Without an annual State Park pass, an additional fee of $6 per vehicle is charged. Noisy and busy during the weekend, but very quiet during the week.  Camping plus entry fee results in $25/night.  Randall Creek Recreation Area.

Area Tips:  Fort Randall National Historic Site adjacent to the park is worth a visit.  Up the road, the Fort Randall Casino is a nice place to play the slots or have a bite to eat. 

County Line Campground, Summit SD

Stay Date: July 2016

Our Rating:  Good – 9

We're glad we stopped at this extremely well maintained park. Checked in and led to our site by the friendly owners, we were impressed with the manicured, long, pull-thru site. Interior roads and sites are level gravel, with conveniently placed hookups. No cable TV, limited OTA TV, but no obstructions to the satellites. Unusually solid WiFi, and Verizon cell/data were very good. Some train noise during the day but quiet at night. Don't be put off when driving through the sad little town of Summit - this park is a gem and shouldn't be missed. We'll stay here again. A bargain at the Passport America rate of $24/night.  County Line Campground

Country Cabins and RV Park, Mobridge SD

Stay Date:  July 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 8

An interesting park with great deal of potential. The long dusty driveway and interior roads were an irritant, but the sites are extra long, level, and ours had a large tree for shade. Sites are nicely spaced and have a table and fire pit. No cable, OTA TV, and limited views of the TV satellites. The park WiFi was too weak to use, but Verizon cell/data were strong. While train tracks are close, the noise was minimal, and the park is far enough off the road to be quiet at night. The owners, while not overly friendly, were professional and helpful. A popular place for fisherman, the long sites are perfect for an additional vehicle and boats.  $32/night.  Country Cabins and RV Park

Area Tips:  Not much in Mobridge, but there’s an Indian Casino up the road with a minimal, but inexpensive restaurant.  Sitting Bull’s gravesite is located here, and the area draws fisherman to the Missouri River.

Spearfish City Campground, Spearfish SD

Stay Date:  May 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 9

Spearfish City Campground is a large park with separate camping area, all beautifully tree-covered with a stocked stream and paved walking paths.  Unfortunately I neglected to take pictures, but trust me, it’s a beautiful place.  Located across the street from the D.C. Booth Historic Fish Hatchery where we volunteered two summers, the sites vary from tent sites to short RV sites, to “premium sites”; long, wide sites with 50A power.  We had a premium site, large with table and fire ring, and it backed up to the creek.  This is a popular and busy park with lots of families, so while it’s not particularly quiet, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.  No satellite ability due to the trees, but most sites have cable TV, and the channel list is extensive.  The park WiFi worked fairly well, but when the park is crowded it fades quickly.  Verizon Cell/data were strong.  Spearfish is a remarkably friendly small town, and Spearfish Canyon is nearby and a must-see.  Reservations are a must.  $39/night for the premium sites.  Spearfish City Campground

Ellsworth AFB, Box Elder SD

Stay Date:  Apr-May 2016

Our Rating:  GOOD – 7

We’ve stayed here often; it’s convenient to Rapid City (8 miles), reasonably priced, and we like the commissary.  Along with some improvements have come a significant rise in prices.  Formerly $21/night with a $108 weekly rate, the prices have risen to $23/night with no weekly rate, and rates climb to $28/night from July thru October.  Seven additional pull thru sites have been added for a total of 21 pull-thrus, with the original area having 30 back-ins.  All sites are level concrete with integrated patio and too-close imbedded table.  The new sites have small trees, some grass/weeds, and muddy access roads.  We never saw the camp host in three weeks, although he was helpful over the phone.  The WiFi was unusable throughout our stay, in spite of claims that it had been improved.  Verizon cell/data was strong, and there are no obstructions to TV satellites and ample OTA channels.  Ellsworth has little flying, so it’s fairly quiet except at 0700 each weekday morning when “reveille” is blasted from loudspeakers.  The commissary is excellent; full service and seldom crowded, but the BX is a sad example of overpriced goods and is usually empty.  Not much in the way of restaurants on base; the food court only has a Burger King, the club is seldom open, and there’s nothing in Box Elder except a Pizza Hut.  We’ll probably stay here again, but will look hard at area RV parks in the future.  Ellsworth AFB Famcamp

Ellsworth Famcamp, Ellsworth AFB, SD

Stay Date:  May 2015
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
The Ellsworth AFB Famcamp provides a reasonably priced location to explore the Black Hills. Five miles west of Rapid City, it's an easy drive to Custer State Park and other attractions. Access is by any of the three gates without restriction, and check in was easy with the very friendly and helpful host. Sites are level concrete, a mix of back-ins in the old section and pull-thrus in the new, for a total of 38 RV sites with 8 more under construction. The WiFi worked, but was affected by the number of campers using it, and Verizon cell/4G was good. No cable, but clear shot to TV satellites and good OTA TV. Grass was high on arrival due to snow/rain but was cut while we were there, as usual spraying grass onto the RV. Probably the most professional gate guards in the military, and everyone at the commissary, BX, etc., was friendly and helpful. The $1 raise in rates provides free washers and dryers, so the nightly rate is now $21. This is a popular place, so make reservations.  Ellsworth AFB Famcamp

Famil-E-Fun Campground, Mitchell SD

Stay Date Aug 2013
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Convenient to I-90, this park provides a comfortable stay with it's tree-shaded sites and quiet atmosphere. Gravel interior roads and sites that are fairly level, with hookups conveniently placed. There are only a few satellite-friendly sites and no cable TV. The free Wi-Fi worked well during our stay and Verizon cell and data were strong. The friendly and helpful owner will escort you to your site and make sure the hookups work. Shopping in Mitchell is eight miles down the road with a Cabela's and other stores. $30/night.  Famil-E-Fun Campground

Ellsworth AFB, SD

Stay Date:  July 2013
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
We enjoyed past visits here and were looking forward to a stay in the new area, which has long concrete pull-thrus. As opposed to the old area with paved interior roads and grassy sites, the new area for now at least, has gravel roads, and no shade or grass. Weeds have been allowed to grow unchecked and some are over 2' tall and have to be waded through to get to your entry door. Hopefully the sites will be landscaped when the rest of the construction is finished. We understand that there’s been some turmoil in the host’s status but that the new host is doing a great job.  Reservations are possible and a good idea here, although there is an overflow area with 30A service.  No cable TV, but good broadcast and clear shot to the satellites. Verizon cell and data worked well, as did the park free Wi-Fi. A quiet base, Ellsworth has a good commissary and marginal BX, and provides security and a nice place to stay while visiting the area.  Easy access through the commercial or main gate.  Very reasonable at $20/night.  Ellsworth AFB Famcamp

Ellsworth AFB Famcamp

Stay Date:  August 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
A great park convenient to the main gate at Ellsworth AFB.  Paved entry roads with concrete pads, full hookups, table, and grill.  It would be nice if the grill wasn’t so close to the door, but it’s not a hindrance.  The grass was pretty much dead while we were there, but there are some shaded sites.  The hosts were friendly and helpful, and provided information about the Black Hills attractions.  There’s a laundry building, and the shoppette/class VI store is within walking distance.  Nice commissary but below average BX.  A nice stay, and inexpensive at only $20/night or $120/week.  Ellsworth AFB Famcamp.

Central States Campground, Rapid City SD

Stay Date:  August 2011
Our Rating: BAD – 4
We stayed here because it was close to a Freightliner service facility.  It’s nothing but a field with dead grass, no trees, but pull through electric (50A) and water sites.  There’s no one on site; you call the fairgrounds office and someone will meet you at the campground to take your money and unlock the power box.  If you pay by credit card you’ll have to follow them back to the office.  OK for a quick overnight, but certainly not a destination.  $25/night.  Central States Campground.

Spearfish City Park, Spearfish, SD

Stay Date:  August 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 10
This was our summer home while volunteering at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.  Volunteer sites were generous in size with lots of grass, trees, and backed up to Spearfish Creek.  All sites were 50A/full hookups, and the park has free WiFi.  The volunteer sites were paved, but standard sites are gravel and much closer together, although still very nice.  Camp hosts are active, and there is little noise at night and almost no traffic in the area.  The park is located across the street from the hatchery and a large park area with playgrounds and an amphitheater – and everything is beautifully manicured.  A great place in a wonderful town of friendly people. Full hook-up rate is around $30/night.  Spearfish City Park.

Heartland RV Park, Hermosa SD

Stay Date:  April 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Rate is based on the "winter" rate. A convenient place to stay for exploring the Black Hills and Rapid City. This is a large, open park with a few small trees, mostly level gravel sites, and grass between average-sized pull-through sites. Very good free WiFi and limited, but clear cable TV. Verizon cell and AirCard worked well. Friendly staff and nice office area. Close to the road, but noise was largely limited to the daylight hours. One apparently permanent resident had two dogs tied outside, that occasionally barked to distraction, but otherwise quiet and dark this time of year.  Probably much less quiet and pleasant during the tourist season.  $18/night winter rate, $35/night during the summer.  Heartland RV Park

Rush No More RV Park and Campground, Sturgis SD

Stay Date:  April 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
There was still some snow on the ground when we were here, so we were one of only a few RVs, but it was still an enjoyable stay.  Friendly hosts checked us in, and we picked one of many gravel pull-thru sites.  Sites are not very level and are barely adequate in size.  The park sits off the Interstate in a beautiful valley and was quiet during our stay, but is probably crowded and noisy and during the summer.  Not many trees at sites, so we had a clear shot at the satellite.  Verizon cell and Aircard worked well, and the park free WiFi was strong.  The location, between Sturgis and Rapid City, is convenient to Deadwood, the Black Hills, and Mount Rushmore.  At $37.50/night, it’s what you would expect from a park in this area.  Rush No More RV Park

Famil-E-Fun Campground, Mitchell SD

Stay Date:  April 2010
Our Rating:  GOOD – 8
Sometimes a campground stay is made better by the friendliness of the owners, and this was one of those. Although struggling to open after a horrible winter, the owners went out of their way to make sure the water worked, our site was clear, and that we had a good overnight stay. Bare trees and brown grass with snow in the shade detracted from the appearance, but this looks like a pretty, tree-shaded park in the summer. Verizon Aircard and cell service were good and the park has free WiFi.  Dark at night with only a minimum of noise from the interstate. For $25/night, this park is a bargain.  Famil-E-Fun Campground (no website)