Nestled In South Dakota's Black Hills Is An RV-Friendly Camping Spot That's A Great Base For Outdoor Adventures

In Western South Dakota, visitors can find the Black Hills, a mountain range with towering granite peaks and dense evergreens. This region, rising up out of the Great Plains area, is renowned for more than just its natural beauty. In fact, the Black Hills are also home to world-famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. 

At its heart sits the historic city of Custer, founded in 1874 amid the Black Hills Gold Rush. With pine-scented air and a small-town feel, it's no wonder that visitors often desire to linger here, with many staying overnight beneath the stars. For those eager to spend a night surrounded by nature without sacrificing comfort, Fort Welikit Family Campground is an ideal choice. 

This campground is located at 24992 Sylvan Lake Road. It's just a mile north of downtown Custer along the Norbeck Byway and is easily accessible via US-16 and US-385. These routes bypass the area's narrow tunnels while keeping you close to major attractions. From its RV-friendly features and proximity to breathtaking places, Fort Welikit Family Campground is a standout base camp for nature lovers.

Considering how to stay safe during an RV trip, from following the 3-3-3 rule to investing in quality locks, is part of the adventure itself. But it's also important to find comfort, especially when you're stopping at a campground after a long day on the road. At the Fort Welikit Family Campground in Custer, you're sure to find both comfort and convenience. 

This South Dakota campground features 100 shaded sites tucked among the tall trees — these range from rustic spots to full-service accommodations for large RVs up to 70 feet long. Campers can choose between pull-through or back-in sites, with 20/30/50-amp service, picnic tables, and fire rings included. The site guarantees that their 50/30/20 Amp Full Hookup sites are compatible with the largest rigs, so expect a spacious and private stay when you visit the campsite.

Beyond the hookups, Fort Welikit delivers on convenience. Guests have access to two private bathhouses with individual showers and spotless restrooms. The site even has a full-service laundry room that is fitted with high-capacity washers and dryers. The on-site camp store stocks RV supplies, firewood, souvenirs, and local beer and wine, while propane refills and a dump station make life easier for long-haul travelers. Furry friends are also welcome on the property, with multiple off-leash dog parks at the ready. The space is also perfect for families, as there is an open sports field where young ones can let off some steam and an Old West-style fort play area where even younger ones can stretch their legs. Rates at Fort Welikit Family Campground generally range from $53 to $71 per night, depending on the site type, electrical service, and the season.

Minutes from Fort Welikit Family Campground, you can find the hidden but iconic Black Hills state park named Custer State Park. It's essential to note that the 71,000-acre reserve charges a $20 entrance fee per vehicle, granting seven days of access. Doing this allows you to experience the park's three main scenic drives: The Needles Highway, the Iron Mountain Road, and the Wildlife Loop Road. 

The Needles Highway features narrow tunnels, winding curves, and striking rock formations, while the Wildlife Loop offers some of the region's best wildlife viewing. The park's herd of roughly 1,300 free-roaming bison often roam close to the roadside. Elk, burros, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs are the other fauna that you'll find grazing across rolling hills. And if you're a history fan, then you might want to opt for a road trip along the Iron Mountain Road, as this is the stunning South Dakota road trip that curves all the way to Mount Rushmore.

If you want to stay closer to your homebase, then just five miles from Fort Welikit Family Campground, you'll find Sylvan Lake — one of the area's most iconic attraction. Its calm waters and dramatic granite backdrop make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Paddleboat rentals are available, and a valid South Dakota fishing license covers anglers hoping to catch trout. The Sylvan Lake Loop Trail offers a scenic one-mile circuit with varied terrain, including short rock climbs and stair sections. For more ambitious hikers, the Black Elk Peak Trail begins nearby, rising to South Dakota's highest point. Between the lake's cool serenity and the park's rugged terrain, Fort Welikit sits perfectly positioned for outdoor adventures.