Camping & RV Stays at Custer’s Last Chance in South Dakota - Rapid City

Camping & RV Stays at Custer’s Last Chance in South Dakota

Rapid Cityeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

Flexible - overnight to extended stays

Fitness Level

Minimal physical exertion required to enjoy the campground and local trails

Overview

Looking for a no-nonsense campground close to the Black Hills’ top sights? Custer’s Last Chance RV Park & Campground offers flexible parking for RVs and tents, just minutes from Mount Rushmore and Custer’s charming downtown.

Details

Custer’s Last Chance RV Park & Campground provides a practical and welcoming base camp just outside the lively town of Custer, South Dakota. Situated along Highway 16A, this family-owned site offers a variety of RV and camping spots designed to accommodate everything from Class A motor homes and expansive fifth-wheel trailers to tents and trucks with campers. Whether you need full hookups or prefer dry camping with access to potable water and dependable WiFi, this campground fits a broad range of outdoor travelers.

The park’s location is a gateway to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks—the rugged granite peaks of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore’s famous faces, the Crazy Horse Memorial’s carved mountain, and the twisting Needles Highway. Just half a mile from town, a paved trail leads visitors straight to Custer’s historic district, allowing for convenient on-foot outings to local shops, eateries, and community events.

One of the features that sets Custer’s Last Chance apart is its genuine hospitality; owners Dan and Megan are known not only for helping guests with hookups and parking but also for engaging visitors with local insight, maps, and even thoughtful touches like photos of balloon-filled skies overhead. The campground shares its landscape with native Black Hills wildlife, including deer and coyotes, and remains a favored stop for travelers seeking quiet but connected camping with easy access to outdoor adventure.

Porta-john facilities are maintained meticulously, ensuring cleanliness despite the rustic nature of the amenities. The proximity to Custer State Park and the natural wildlife corridors makes this campground a strategic choice for photographers, hikers, and families wanting a base close to both nature and culture. Whether staying overnight or settling in for weeks of boondocking, the approachable environment feels less like a commercial site and more like a community hub for South Dakota’s adventures.

Adventure Tips

Book Ahead During Peak Season

Sites fill quickly in summer months; reserve early especially if you need full hookups.

Take Advantage of the Paved Trail

Use the nearby paved path for easy walks or bike rides into town without needing a vehicle.

Prepare for Basic Facilities

Bathrooms are portajohns maintained daily; plan accordingly especially for longer stays.

Respect Local Wildlife

Deer and coyotes frequent the area—store food securely and observe animals from a distance.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The nearby paved bike and pedestrian trail linking the campground to downtown Custer
  • Early morning hot air balloon sightings overhead during local festivals

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Coyotes

History

Custer is located within the Black Hills, a site rich in Native American history and the focus of 19th-century gold rushes, adjacent to iconic monuments like Mount Rushmore established in the 1920s.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect local wildlife habitats and maintain the integrity of the Black Hills natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Sunrise
Golden hour
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • Along the paved trail to Custer town for balloon and wildlife shots
  • Nearby overlooks within Custer State Park
  • Campground areas just before dawn with deer or hot air balloons

What to Photograph

Local wildlife
Hot air balloons
Sunrise and sunset skies

Recommended Gear

RV Leveling Blocks

Essential

Ensure your motor home or trailer stays stable on uneven ground.

Portable Water Container

Essential

Useful for topping off water supply when relying on campground hookups or water deliveries.

all specific

Insect Repellent

Keep biting insects at bay during the warmer months.

spring|summer specific

Warm Layered Clothing

Essential

Prepare for temperature swings, especially in evenings and early mornings.

fall|winter|spring specific

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