7 Great South Dakota Glamping Spots, from Budget to Lux

Though perhaps best known by tourists for Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is also home to a rich history, arts, culture, and outdoor recreation scene. And the Badlands are pretty damn cool.

Whether you want to head out hiking or biking or simply want to take a scenic drive in hopes of spotting wildlife like bison, South Dakota is home to over 50 state parks plus a whopping national parks. From the pine-forested slopes of the Black Hills to the stunning colors of Badlands National Park, you can find some truly remarkable corners of South Dakota if you know where to look.

If your favorite kind of vacation includes basic conveniences while still sleeping in nature, these places to glamp in South Dakota should help give your getaway that extra something to go from a great trip to a favorite trip.

1. Under Canvas at Mount Rushmore

Why you should stay: Upscale accommodations with unreal views.

• Location: Keystone
• Sleeps: 2+
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $189/night

The Under Canvas glamping experience really takes luxury to the next level. Whether it’s the high-end accommodations or the camp concierge, you’ll be treated to just the right amount of pampering. They even offer children’s tents if you want to set the kids up in their own South Dakota glamping accommodations.

And you can’t really beat the location. The resort itself is peaceful and the tents are tucked in the woods to give you a sense of privacy. On an original gold mining settlement, you’re less than four miles from Mount Rushmore National Monument. It’s also a great spot if you want to explore Custer State Park and the Black Hills. Be sure to bring your mountain bike, paddleboard, kayak, UTV, or ATV to take advantage of all the outdoor recreation the area has to offer.

All Under Canvas properties offer a variety of camp programs like music nights, camp fires, and yoga classes.

2. The Still House

Why you should stay: Perfect privacy under glittering starry night skies.

• Location: Rapid City
• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $199/night

Tucked in the pines of a private 10-acre forest, this luxurious tent is a secluded getaway in the heart of the Black Hills. The cozy tent has a wood-burning stove, a private bathroom (with unlimited hot water), and a 300-square foot deck with a fabulous view from your hillside vantage point. You can bring a dog for a $30 fee, too.

From this spot, you can pop into the town of Keystone for shops, restaurants, and other entertainment, and Mount Rushmore is only 10 minutes up the road. You can also drive to Crazy Horse Memorial to see the in-progress monument and explore the museums and exhibits. Custer State Park, where you can go hiking, biking, swimming, or fishing, is under 30 minutes away. Or simply lace up your hiking boots and head out the front door to explore the thousands of acres of nearby national forest right out your tent door. This is a great place to glamp in South Dakota if you’re planning to see a lot in the state.

Related Read: 12 Best Airbnbs in Wyoming for a Taste of the American West

3. Sibley Tent at Evans Cliff

Why you should stay: A romantic, resort-like vibe to unplug and unwind with a loved one(s.)

• Location: Hot Springs
• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $130/night

You get so much more than just a canvas shelter at the glamorous Sibley Tent. Between the large deck, covered outdoor kitchen area, gas fire pit, and hot tub, this getaway might feel more like a trip to a spa than a camping outing. Plus with the nearly 40 acres of forested hills around your private canyon, you’re guaranteed to find some peace and quiet during your stay.

On the southern end of the Black Hills, you’ll be close to outdoor attractions like Wind Cave National Park, Cascade Falls, Angostura Recreation Area, and Evan’s Plunge Mineral Springs. And you’ll be just five miles from the town of Hot Springs, where you can check out the shops and restaurants or take the family to see the historical sites. Don’t miss the intriguing Mammoth Site Museum, a working paleontological site where researchers have unearthed over 60 mammoth fossils.

4. The Gold Digger

Why you should stay: Strike it rich at this luxurious off-grid tent.

• Location: Rapid City
• Sleeps: 4
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $230/night

On the side of a forested mountain ridge, the Gold Digger tent is perched on a hill that gives you extraordinary mountain views over the pine-covered slopes of the Black Hills. The already glamorous tent gets a few even more memorable touches with the gold-mine-themed bathroom and outdoor shower that cascades over a large boulder. There’s no electricity and no running water, but this is a pet-friendly place to glamp in South Dakota, with just a $30 fee (and no pets allowed on the bed.)

From the peaceful 10-acre property, you can strike out on any number of adventures, hiking, running, or biking on the many miles of trails close by. And you’re close to plenty more, whether you want to pack a lunch and head out on a picnic or spend an afternoon out walking around the nearby town of Keystone.

“This place was PERFECT. We had never been glamping before and The Gold Digger blew our expectations out of the water.”

5. Snowkitty Yurt

Why you should stay: A rustic yurt for outdoorsy living at its best.

• Location: South Lawrence
• Sleeps: 6
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $98/night

If you’re looking for a quiet location for a little R&R, the Snowkitty Yurt provides the perfect secluded retreat. This rugged yurt will give you a taste of camping without the hassle of setting up a tent. The front deck may be the best “room” in the house as it’s a great vantage point for the area’s spectacular sunsets and starry night skies. This is very rustic South Dakota glamping, so make sure to read up on what is and isn’t included before booking.

In the summer, you can head out on foot to explore the woods and hillsides. Try hiking, biking, or running part of the nearby 109-mile Mickelson Trail, a rails-to-trails route that passes through the heart of the Black Hills. In the winter, you can carve some turns at Terry Peak Ski Resort, conveniently right up the road.

6. Timber Frame Treehouse

Why you should stay: Escape to a secluded treehouse in the woods.

• Location: Elk Point
• Sleeps: 2
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $298/night

Nestled among the trees on an 80-acre property in south-eastern South Dakota, the Timber Frame Treehouse is the perfect nature retreat. If you enjoy hearing — hello bullfrongs — and seeing wildlife, this is the place for you!

Spend your days hiking the grounds or swinging peacefully in the hammock. Summer nights are great for stargazing and watching the fireflies, while evenings in the cooler months are best spent snuggling by electric color-changing fireplace.

This private escape for two certainly makes for a romantic glamping getaway, and it’s also conveniently located just 30 minutes away from Sioux City, Iowa.

7. Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort Teepees

Why you should stay: A decked-to-the-nines teepee with a retreat-style vibe.

• Location: Custer
• Sleeps: 2+
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $90/night

It’s not every day that you get the chance to spend a night in a teepee. And at Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort, not only will you have this chance, but you can bet your teepee will be suitably posh. This upscale adventure resort combines modern style with comfort and convenience while getting you back to nature. The resort also offers cabins and luxury camping tents for your South Dakota glamping pleasure. Cabins start at $78 per night.

Between the heated pool and hot tub, playground, volleyball court, and easy access to trails, there’s plenty to do at the resort. And it’s just a quick drive to Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Custer State Park, making this a great spot to spend a family vacation.

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