Campgrounds and Cabins

The Roost Resort (12462 Hwy. 16A, 605/673-2326 or 800/294-4603, open May 15th–Oct. 1, RV sites $27, cabins $68–88) is a pretty property. Located just off of Mount Rushmore Road close to the entrance to Custer State Park [1], the site has a very secluded feel. The back of the property is all meadow views and ponderosa pine. There are 10 cabins and 12 RV spaces with hookups. The cabins have kitchenettes, cable, and a grill, but no phones or Internet.

The Flintstones Theme Park & Campground (Hwy. 16/385, 605/673-4664, www.flintstonesbedrockcity.com [2], mid-May–early Sept., tent sites $21, RV sites $27, cabins $43) is a favorite of children, even though Fred, Barney, Wilma, and Betty are not as famous as they used to be. The campground is located on a hilltop meadow with good views but not much shade. There are several camping cabins, tent sites, electrical sites, and full hookups available. There are showers, a laundry room, and game room on-site. The campground is affiliated with the adjacent theme park [3]; campers who wish to visit the theme park pay the full admission once, after which admission to the park is free for the duration of their stay.

Close to Custer State Park, the Fort Welikit Family Campground (Hwy. 89, 24992 Sylvan Lake Rd., 605/673-3600 or 888/946-2267, www.fortwelikit.com [4], open year-round, tent sites $20–25, RV sites $34, tipis and covered wagons $25, cabins $99–119) has location, location, location going for it. Nestled in the pines and just minutes from Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park [5], it’s a large park, but it’s nicely laid out. Showers, horseshoes, badminton, and basketball are available. Tents, tipis, covered wagons, and all kind of RV sites are offered. There is also a covered wagon available, but it is very narrow and is best for children. This might well be a good way for parents to carve out a little privacy and be fun for the kids as well. This property also has horse stalls available for $3 per head and there is direct access from the property to the Black Hills National Forest. An RV repairman is on-site as well.

The Big Pine Campground (12084 Big Pine Rd., 605/673-4054 or 800/235-3981, www.bigpinecampground.com [6], open year-round, $21–37) is a large campground with 90 wooded sites nestled into the hillside. The campground is located two miles west of the downtown area of Custer [7]. Amenities include DSL cable Internet service, a playground, volleyball court, shower house, horseshoe pits, a rec room, and a small store.