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Black Hills/Comanche Park
Overview
Black Hills/Comanche Park offers a quintessential forest experience for those seeking a quiet escape in the heart of South Dakota. Nestled within the Black Hills National Forest, this campground provides a serene atmosphere characterized by towering ponderosa pines and fresh mountain air. Unlike high-traffic commercial resorts, this location focuses on the natural beauty of the landscape, offering a peaceful retreat where the sounds of the forest take center stage. It serves as an ideal basecamp for explorers who value a rustic camping environment over modern luxuries.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a short drive west of Custer, SD, the park sits at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet. The surrounding terrain is defined by rugged limestone outcrops and dense woodlands, providing ample shade and privacy between sites. Its proximity to Gordon Canyon makes it a scenic destination for those who enjoy waking up to the sight of wildlife and the rustle of pine needles. The high-altitude setting ensures cooler temperatures, making it a refreshing sanctuary during the peak summer months.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional Forest Service site, the amenities here are basic but well-maintained to support a self-contained RV lifestyle. The park features specific utilities for a comfortable stay:
- Potable water available via a manual hand pump.
- Access to clean and accessible vault toilets.
- Standard site features including a picnic table and fire ring.
While there are no electric or sewer hookups, the park’s layout accommodates various rig sizes. It is important to note that this is a dry camping destination where self-sufficiency is key to enjoying the natural surroundings without the hum of constant machinery.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, as the park is located just minutes from Jewel Cave National Monument, one of the longest caves in the world. Travelers can also easily reach the iconic granite spires of Custer State Park or drive the winding Needles Highway for breathtaking vistas. For those interested in history and monumental art, both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial are within a comfortable driving distance, allowing for full days of sightseeing before returning to the quiet of the woods.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for independent RVers who enjoy boondocking-style camping with the security of a designated site. It is a fantastic choice for nature photographers, hikers, and those looking to unplug from digital distractions. If you prefer the solitude of the national forest and do not mind living without a Wi-Fi signal or shore power, this park offers an authentic Black Hills experience that larger, developed parks simply cannot replicate.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jason Ludwig
We spent two nights at Comanche Park Campground. Camp Host Erik was very helpful and knowledgeable of the area. Situated in an open Ponderosa pine forest 6.5 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, Comanche Park Campground is a campground for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the southern Black Hills National Forest. The campsites are spacious. Towering pine trees provide shade. This is the closest campground to Jewel Cave National Monument and an easy drive to get to Mount Rushmore
L L
Camanche Park Ground is a solid choice for anyone looking to get completely off the grid, I'd say it's 101% off-grid, no exaggeration. I found a perfect spot to pitch my large teepee-style tent with plenty of space and privacy. The restrooms were clean, and I appreciated the large trash bins. makes cleanup easy. It gets very quiet at night, which added to the peaceful, remote experience. A great spot if you're looking to truly unplug.
Lee Felter
This is a well maintained national forest site. Pit toilets were clean (amazingly), sites were mowed. Eric (campground host) was friendly and helpful. Pointed out some off pavement exploration options. I have a 28' bumper pull and was fine. There were some larger rigs, but it looked like they had some fun getting in. The entrance road is one lane, so if you have a head on, someone's gotta back up. My family has experience with this and we send one person ahead on foot with a radio to make sure the road is clear.
Tyler Amidon
Lovely place to camp! The bathrooms are extremely clean. The sites are a nice distance from each other as well. We were in site 33 with our 21 foot RPod and it was a great fit. And the host, Eric, is terrific, friendly and attentive.
Aimee Norleen (justsayn)
Eric is the kind of host that you can pitch your tent and relax. He was able to assist us from directing us to great sxs trails to where to find cell service 😀. It's obvious he takes pride in his work from cleaning to campground to being of service to all types of campers. Thank you Eric!