Comanche Park
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.
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.
Need to Know
- These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only.
- Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come-first served basis
A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times.
- The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses the card holder.
- If multiple sites are reserved on one card, the rest of the camping fee will be collected upon arrival unless another card holder occupies the site.
Drinking water is available but you CANNOT hook up to fill.
During the off season, fewer sites may be available.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
- Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.
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.
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.
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.
Changes & Cancellations
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Forest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168 1019 N 5TH STREET Hill City SD 57745
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 012, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop COMA, Type Standard Nonelectric
