About 28 miles to Rapid City
Camping Near Rapid City, SD
Custer Crossing is a campground with full-hookup RV sites, camping cabins and tent sites at 22036 Hwy 385, about 28 miles (45 minutes) from Rapid City. Book online at booking.staylist.app/custercrossingrvpark.
How far is camp from Rapid City?
Downtown Rapid City is about 28 miles from camp, roughly 45 minutes, and Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is about 39 miles, roughly 1 hour 5 minutes. That makes Rapid City an easy arrival day: land at RAP or roll in on I-90, stock up in town, then drive into the pines to camp.
From camp, the rest of the Black Hills spreads out in every direction. Deadwood is about 15 miles north, Pactola Reservoir about 13 miles, and Mount Rushmore about 33 miles. Here is the full list:
| Destination | Miles | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City (downtown) | 28 mi | 45 min |
| Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) | 39 mi | 1 hr 5 min |
| Pactola Reservoir (visitor center) | 13 mi | 20 min |
| Deadwood | 15 mi | 25 min |
| Lead | 15 mi | 25 min |
| Mickelson Trail, Dumont Trailhead | 11 mi | 35 min (gravel roads) |
| Hill City | 27 mi | 40 min |
| Sturgis (downtown) | 29 mi | 40 min |
| Spearfish | 31 mi | 45 min |
| Keystone | 31 mi | 45 min |
| Custer State Park (nearest entrance, Hwy 16A) | 32 mi | 55 min |
| Mount Rushmore | 33 mi | 55 min |
| Needles Highway, Needles Eye Tunnel | 37 mi | 1 hr |
| Crazy Horse Memorial | 38 mi | 1 hr 5 min |
| Wind Cave National Park visitor center | 61 mi | 1 hr 35 min |
What is there to do in Rapid City?
Rapid City has two free, family-friendly stops that fit easily into an arrival or departure day, plus the stores you need for a big supply run.
- Dinosaur Park: according to Travel South Dakota, the park is one of the area's original tourist attractions, sits on a sandstone ridge where Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous dinosaurs have been found, and has seven life-sized concrete dinosaur replicas. It is a free park.
- City of Presidents: life-sized bronze statues of U.S. presidents stand on street corners in downtown Rapid City, making a walkable trail through downtown (Travel South Dakota).
- Supply run: if you have a big grocery list, do it in Rapid City before you head to camp. For the basics, ice, firewood, fuel, and propane, Custer's Last Store and Gas is at our entrance.
- Flights: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is about 39 miles from camp, so a rental car gets you to your site in a little over an hour.
Town and attraction details come from the official sources linked above. Check them for current hours, fees, and closures before you go.
Why camp outside Rapid City?
Camping outside Rapid City puts you in the pines in the middle of the Black Hills instead of on the edge of them. From 22036 Hwy 385, Deadwood and Lead are about 15 miles away, Pactola Reservoir about 13 miles, Hill City about 27 miles, and Crazy Horse Memorial about 38 miles. Staying in Rapid City puts you in town with the stores and the airport; staying here keeps every day trip shorter, with dinner, fuel, and a hot shower waiting when you get back.
Planning a Rushmore day? See camping near Mount Rushmore. Bringing a big RV? Read our Black Hills RV driving guide before you choose a route.
Your base at Custer Crossing
- About 20 full-hookup RV sites with water, sewer, and electric, plus a fire pit and picnic table
- About 11 camping cabins with two queen beds, heat and A/C, mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and a deck (cabins)
- Tent sites with a picnic table and campfire ring (tent camping)
- Clean bathrooms, hot showers, and laundry
- Custer's Last Store and Gas: fuel including 91 octane, propane, ice, firewood, and supplies
- Custer's Last Meal, our on-site restaurant, home of the Burger Challenge
- Dog-friendly camping and on-site UTV rentals; see every campground amenity
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How far is Custer Crossing from Rapid City?
Downtown Rapid City is about 28 miles from camp, roughly 45 minutes by car from 22036 Hwy 385.
How far is the Rapid City airport from camp?
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is about 39 miles from camp, roughly 1 hour 5 minutes.
Is Dinosaur Park in Rapid City free?
Travel South Dakota lists Dinosaur Park as a free park with seven life-sized concrete dinosaur replicas. Check current hours before you go.
What can I book at Custer Crossing?
About 20 full-hookup RV sites, about 11 camping cabins, and tent sites, open April 15 to November 1.
Can I get fuel and propane at camp?
Yes. Custer's Last Store and Gas at the campground entrance sells fuel, including 91 octane premium, and propane.
More answers on our campground FAQ.
Open April 15 to November 1