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, and vault toilets; 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 the largest 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

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

Important Notices

• FYI: During the off season (from 10/01 until 5/15) the USFS operates this campground. Their information is listed below:

  Late September – Mid May

  Black Hills National Forest / Hell Canyon Ranger District                                                         

  1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730                                 

  Phone 605.673.9200  www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills0

  Please note: Construction is pending, which may cause limited access.

  Daily Fee is $15.00 per First Come First Served campsite of which there are 5 available.

  Self-Pay at all open campgrounds. The stay limit is 14 days in a 28 day period.

  Parking Spur Length is 25 ft.

  Drinking water is NOT available. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets are also available.

  Garbage and Trash "Pack It In Pack It Out" at all times.

  Please note that roads are not maintained during the off-season. Sites are open until weather prohibits access or closed on the date noted above.

  The information listed below is pertinent during the open season from May 15th to September 30th.

• There is NO WATER available at this campground. Please bring all water needed for the duration of your stay.

• 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.

• In accordance with standard industry practices, ExplorUS will be assessing an additional vehicle fee of $5.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.

• • 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.

• 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.

Notifications and Alerts

• There is NO WATER available at this campground. Please bring all water needed for the duration of your stay.

• Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicles will be charged a per night fee that is collected at the campground.

• Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted, but must follow specific rules.

• ALERT: The construction project that was to begin August 3rd has been postpone until after the season has ended. This campground will be open until the end of the season as First Come First Served for the time being and then reservations will assume within the next few weeks.

• FYI: Off Season Information for this campground can be found in the "Need To Know" Section.

  Please note that NOT ALL Campgrounds are open during the Off Season, some are closed.

  During the Off Season the Campgrounds that are open are operated by the US Forest Service and are all First Come First Served.

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>

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip