Sundance
SUNDANCE
Part of Black Hills National Forest
Overview
Located at the foothills of Bear Lodge Mountain Range, Sundance Horse Camp is a favorite among horse enthusiasts. It makes an ideal base for enjoying recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Expansive grassy areas offer scenic views of the valley and surrounding hills. The Sundance Trailhead is located adjacent to the campground, providing access to miles of non-motorized trails suitable for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. The campground was completely renovated in 2025 using funds generated from campground fees. These updates enhanced access for modern-sized trailers, improved fire safety, reduced maintenance costs, and ensured that all sites meet federal accessibility requirements.
Facilities
Sundance Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Electrical hook-ups are not available. This is a traditional campground with horse use facilities, including large parking areas, corrals, feed bunks, and an accessible rider loading ramp. Metal hitching rails located at the north end of the campground are visible from all campsites. The Sundance Trailhead, which provides access to non-motorized trails for hiking, biking, and equine use, is located at this campground.
Natural Features
Stretching across northeastern Wyoming and western South Dakota, 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. 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. Mountain lions, although rarely seen, also call this area home.Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The popular Sundance Trail System can be accessed from this area. The secluded trails of this system weave through a network of densely forested canyons and open ridges that form the Bear Lodge Mountains. Some ridge tops look out to the Custer Expedition Route, Devils Tower, and the Twin Missouri Buttes. Elk, deer and turkey are some of the more common wildlife seen along the trail. Parts of the trail system have existed since the 1800s. As routes to reliable water and the only access to some parts of the Bear Lodge Mountains, they played a key role in the rich mining history of the area. The trail system is maintained for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and cross-country skiing. Motorized vehicle traffic is not allowed; however, some portions of trails follow existing Forest Service roads open for motorized use.Nearby Attractions
Warren Peak Lookout Tower, approximately 4 miles north of the campground on FSR 838, provides a panoramic view of South Dakota and Wyoming. Devils Tower National Monument is also a great location to visit. Established as the first United States National Monument on September 24, 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt, this unique geological formation is valued for its natural, cultural, and recreational significance.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.Important Notices
FYI: During the off season starting 10/01 the USFS operates this campground.
October 1st to May 15th
Their information is listed below:
Black Hills National Forest
1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730
Phone 605.673.9200 www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills0
Daily Fee is $15.00 per First Come First Served campsite of which there are 10 available.
Self-Pay at all open campgrounds. The stay limit is 14 days in a 28 day period.
Parking Spur Length is 50 ft.
Drinking water is NOT available. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets are also available.
This is a Horse Facility with corrals and stalls. Again there is no water at this location during the off season.
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 are no discounts at this facility. We do not honor the Senior or Access passes.
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. This fee is payable to the camp host upon arrival
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
Hay brought in must be certified weed-free, and out of state horses must have Coggins test
For information about weed free certified hay please call Forest Recreation Management Inc. at (605) 574-4402.
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.
There is a $2 per pet per night fee. This fee is not charged for your horses.
Notifications and Alerts
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.
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
- HORSEBACK RIDING - Horseback Riding
- HIKING - Hiking
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
To access the Sundance Horse Camp from Sundance, travel east to County Road 123, Government Valley Road. Turn left onto County Road 123 and travel north for 3 miles.
Cancellation Policy
<p>No refunds will be given for weather or related events.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 605-673-9200
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 005, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop SUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
