Wildlife viewing opportunities abound at Comanche Park, where campers position themselves within easy reach of Custer State Park's scenic drives and the region's abundant outdoor recreation. This US Forest Service campground sits just west of Custer along Highway 16, operating seasonally from mid-May through early September with sites accommodating RVs up to 63 feet.
The campground spreads across a forested loop with sites that lack dense vegetation between them, though reviewers note the layout provides adequate privacy. Art S. found that "sites are large without much vegetation between them" but "we were far enough apart that it still felt private." Sites along the outer edge of the loop back up to meadow and trees, creating more separation from neighbors. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets distributed throughout the grounds.
Road noise from Highway 16 reaches the campground during daytime hours, though several campers report it diminishes after dark. The sound carries less to sites positioned deeper in the campground, away from the entrance. Water spigots appear at various locations, though some reviewers suggest bringing bottled water as an alternative. The campground host sells firewood on-site and provides helpful information about area attractions.
Weekends fill up during peak season, making reservations advisable for summer visits. The location puts campers within 25 minutes of Sylvan Lake and under 30 minutes from Jewel Cave. Lee's freelance M. appreciated that "sites were mowed around fire pits and tables" with "nicely spaced sites." For those seeking additional options in the region, camp sites around Custer provide alternatives for exploring the Black Hills area.
Description
Overview
Situated in an open Ponderosa pine forest 6.5 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, Comanche Park Campground is a campground for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the southern Black Hills National Forest. The campsites are spacious. Towering pine trees provide shade.This is the closest campground to Jewel Cave National Monument.
Recreation
The forest offers highly accessible recreation for all ages. Visitors can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. For those seeking higher elevations, a trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower at the top, once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.
Facilities
Comanche Park Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water; however, electrical hook-ups are not available.
Natural Features
Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, 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. Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of thel argest concentrations of passageways in the world. Wildlife in the area abounds. 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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
Nearby Attractions
Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world.
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Location
Public CampgroundComanche Park is located in South Dakota
Directions
In Custer, SD, at the intersection of Mt. Rushmore Rd (State Rt.89/US Rt.16 and 5th St (State Rt. 89/US Rt. 385), take Rt.16 west 5.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Coordinates
43.7363889 N
103.7022222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/2/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/2/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 54 min from Rapid City, SD
- 2 hrs 53 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 45 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 20 min from Fort Collins, CO
