Comanche Park

COMANCHE PARK

Part of Black Hills National Forest

Overview

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.

Facilities

Comanche Park Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.

The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water; however, electrical hook-ups are not available.

Natural Features

Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of thel argest concentrations of passageways in the world. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

Recreation

The forest offers highly accessible recreation for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. For those seeking higher elevations, a trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower at the top, once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.

Nearby Attractions

Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

Important Notices

  • These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only.
  • Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come-first served basis
  • A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times.

    • The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses the card holder.
    • If multiple sites are reserved on one card, the rest of the camping fee will be collected upon arrival unless another card holder occupies the site.
  • Drinking water is available but you CANNOT hook up to fill.

  • During the off season, fewer sites may be available.

  • 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.
  • Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BIKING - Mountain Biking

Directions

In Custer, SD, at the intersection of Mt. Rushmore Rd (State Rt.89/US Rt.16 and 5th St (State Rt. 89/US Rt. 385), take Rt.16 west 5.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

Cancellation Policy

<p>No refunds will be given for weather or related events.</p>

Contact Information

Forest Recreation Management, Inc
P.O. Box 1168
1019 N 5TH STREET
Hill City, SD 57745

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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