A central Black Hills base about 55 minutes from Mount Rushmore
Camping Near Mount Rushmore, Without the Crowds
Stay central and see more. Mount Rushmore is about 55 minutes from camp, and Deadwood, Sturgis, and Pactola Reservoir are even closer.
A central base for a Mount Rushmore trip
There's no camping at Mount Rushmore National Memorial itself, so everyone looking for camping near Mount Rushmore picks a base somewhere in the Hills. The campgrounds right around Keystone are convenient for one day, but most Black Hills trips include more than the faces: Deadwood, Crazy Horse, the lakes, Sturgis, and the scenic drives.
Custer Crossing Family Campground sits at 22036 Hwy 385, about 33 miles (roughly 55 minutes) from Mount Rushmore. That puts the memorial within reach, keeps you about 25 minutes from Deadwood and Lead, and gives you a quieter spot in the pines to come back to.
Planning your Mount Rushmore day
- Go early or late. Mid-day in summer is the busiest time at the memorial. Morning light on the faces is good, and the evening lighting ceremony runs during the summer season. Check the National Park Service site for current schedules.
- Plan for parking. The memorial charges a parking fee (the park itself has no entrance fee). Check NPS for current details.
- Walk the Presidential Trail. The trail loop below the sculpture gets you closer to the faces and the sculptor's studio.
- Pair it up. Crazy Horse Memorial is about 1 hour 5 minutes from camp, Keystone about 45 minutes, and Hill City about 40 minutes. A Rushmore and Crazy Horse loop makes an easy full day.
Why stay here
- About 20 full-hookup RV sites, about 11 camping cabins, and tent sites
- Custer's Last Meal, our on-site restaurant (see the menu page)
- Camp store, fuel, and propane right at the entrance
- UTV rentals on site
- Wi-Fi across the whole park
- Dogs welcome (dog-friendly camping details)
After a long sightseeing day, it helps to come back to dinner on site and a fuel stop at the entrance. Pick a full-hookup RV site, a camping cabin, or a tent site.
Drive times from camp
- Deadwood and Lead: about 15 miles, roughly 25 minutes
- Pactola Reservoir: about 13 miles, roughly 20 minutes
- Sturgis: about 29 miles, roughly 40 minutes
- Rapid City: about 28 miles, roughly 45 minutes
- Hill City: roughly 40 minutes; Keystone: roughly 45 minutes
- Mount Rushmore: about 33 miles, roughly 55 minutes
- Crazy Horse Memorial: about 38 miles, roughly 1 hour 5 minutes
- Spearfish: roughly 45 minutes
- Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP): roughly 1 hour 5 minutes
A sample Black Hills week from camp
Day 1: arrive, set up, and eat at Custer's Last Meal. Day 2: Mount Rushmore in the morning, Keystone for lunch, and Crazy Horse in the afternoon. Day 3: Deadwood and Lead. Day 4: Pactola Reservoir for swimming, paddling, or fishing. Day 5: a UTV ride or a drive to Spearfish. If your dates line up with August, read about Sturgis Rally camping first.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp at Mount Rushmore?
No. There is no camping at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, so visitors stay at campgrounds around the Black Hills.
How far is Custer Crossing from Mount Rushmore?
About 33 miles, roughly a 55-minute drive.
How far is Crazy Horse Memorial from camp?
About 38 miles, roughly 1 hour and 5 minutes.
What kinds of sites do you have?
About 20 full-hookup RV sites, about 11 camping cabins, and tent sites.
How do I book?
Book online. The booking page shows live availability and exact rates for your dates.
More answers on our campground FAQ.
Your Black Hills trip starts here