Looking for suggestions for campgrounds that are geared for families with kids in South Dakota Black Hills area. Been to the KOA in Hill City, and the Flintstones Campground, looking for other suggestions, thanks.
Tjack9, Since you've been to the Black Hills before, you there know there are dozens and dozens of RV parks and campgrounds in the area. Assuming your desire for "family friendly" refers to things like a pool, a playground, etc. Even after eliminating parks without pool and such, you still have dozens of choices. I've stayed at almost a dozens parks in the area over the years and all but one had at least a pool. Here are some which I would call "family friendly": Rapid City KOA, Chris's Camp and Elkhorn Ridge in Spearfish, and Beaver Lake in Custer. Even the 2 main parks in Deadwood (the KOA and Whister Gulch) may work for a few days since they each have a pool and the town can be interesting (without even considering all the casinos) for kids. I'm sure others will recommend other parks that I haven't been to in my many visits to the Black Hills. Unless you really want to be there for the Stugis Rally (around the first week of August ), I would avoid being in the area from a week before until a week after the rally. Even if you think the crowds (half a million) won't be a problem, most local merchants (including many campgrounds) raise their charges for products and services.
We personally go to Rafter J Bar Ranch in Hill City. They have a nice playground,pool,and plenty of space for children to run around. We have been there 3 times and plan to go again this fall.It is also close to town for any need you may have.
I can also vouch for Rafter J being a really nice place, but we did not have kids with us so I cannot speak specifically to things for them to do.
Two-thumbs up for Rafter J! It's our all-time favorite campground. You can hike into the state forest and go quartz-hunting by just climbing over a gate at the back of the campground. Nice pool, good playground, and game room. It has historic buildings and horses in the corral. Hill City is three miles away and has a great antique train ride that the kids would love. Very convenient to Mt. Rushmore and Custer State Park.
