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Cottonwood Springs Campground
Public Campground

Cottonwood Springs Campground

Hot Springs, South Dakota
4.5 (40 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Cottonwood Springs Campground

Campground in South Dakota.

Cottonwood Springs Campground offers a genuine escape into the natural beauty of South Dakota, where visitors can experience the authentic character of the Great Plains. Located in a region known for its wide open spaces and genuine hospitality, this public campground serves as an ideal base for exploring some of South Dakota's most compelling natural and cultural attractions.

The area surrounding Cottonwood Springs provides the kind of peaceful, uncluttered landscape that draws RV enthusiasts seeking respite from busy highways and crowded tourist destinations. You'll find yourself immersed in the genuine South Dakota experience, where the pace of life slows down and the connection to the land feels real and meaningful. The campground's location offers convenient access to the broader region's attractions while maintaining a sense of solitude and natural calm.

South Dakota's landscape is remarkably diverse, and camping here puts you within reach of several notable destinations. The state is renowned for its geological formations, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you're interested in learning about American history, exploring geological wonders, or simply enjoying time outdoors with family and friends, the region offers plenty to discover. The area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the South Dakota landscape displays its most dramatic beauty.

The campground itself appeals to a wide range of travelers. Families appreciate the safe, welcoming atmosphere and the chance to introduce children to outdoor camping in a well-established public facility. Couples seeking a romantic getaway find the peaceful surroundings perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other. Solo travelers and retirees enjoy the accessibility and community feel of a public campground where fellow campers often share recommendations and stories. Road-trippers value the convenient location as a strategic stopping point for longer journeys across the region.

The natural rhythms of South Dakota camping create their own kind of magic. Spend your days exploring nearby attractions and your evenings enjoying the clear night sky that makes stargazing particularly rewarding. This is the kind of destination where you'll want to linger a few extra days, discovering hidden corners and local favorites that don't appear in guidebooks.
4.5

Rating

40

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Hot Springs is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

South Dakota weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Hot Springs.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Hot Springs. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Cottonwood Springs Campground Reviews

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G
Jean Dupre

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Jean Dupre

Wide, deep sites. Grounds are well kept. Flush toilets and an outside water spigot. Campground is high above the springs. Personable camp host and rangers.

G
Brian Gillaspie

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Brian Gillaspie

This was a great little campground. Only had about 20 sites so it was nice and quiet. Had some trees for some shade in some sites. The restrooms were in pretty good shape and had running water. We slept in a tent but it looks like all sites had plenty of room for campers or RVs. This was about 20 minutes from Wind Cave a National Park and about 1 hour away from both Mount Rushmore and Jewel Cave N... This was a great little campground. Only had about 20 sites so it was nice and quiet. Had some trees for some shade in some sites. The restrooms were in pretty good shape and had running water. We slept in a tent but it looks like all sites had plenty of room for campers or RVs. This was about 20 minutes from Wind Cave a National Park and about 1 hour away from both Mount Rushmore and Jewel Cave National Monument.

G
Brian Gillaspie

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Brian Gillaspie

This was a great little campground. Only had about 20 sites so it was nice and quiet. Had some trees for some shade in some sites. The restrooms were in pretty good shape and had running water. We slept in a tent but it looks like all sites had plenty of room for campers or RVs. This was about 20 minutes from Wind Cave a National Park and about 1 hour away from both Mount Rushmore and Jewel Cave N... This was a great little campground. Only had about 20 sites so it was nice and quiet. Had some trees for some shade in some sites. The restrooms were in pretty good shape and had running water. We slept in a tent but it looks like all sites had plenty of room for campers or RVs. This was about 20 minutes from Wind Cave a National Park and about 1 hour away from both Mount Rushmore and Jewel Cave National Monument.

G
Daniel Burkard

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Daniel Burkard

Great location. fantastic sites, lots of really big(deep) sites suitable for long rigs, well maintain, flushable toilets & sinks (1 pit toilet too), kids playground, just above the Lake. Camp host is unobtrusive, but the park ranger is really annoying doing rounds after dark between 9 & 10 pm. Drives around with headlights on stopping to mess with reservation signs while his headlight are pointed... Great location. fantastic sites, lots of really big(deep) sites suitable for long rigs, well maintain, flushable toilets & sinks (1 pit toilet too), kids playground, just above the Lake. Camp host is unobtrusive, but the park ranger is really annoying doing rounds after dark between 9 & 10 pm. Drives around with headlights on stopping to mess with reservation signs while his headlight are pointed directly into camps blinding everyone and he takes multiple minutes at each stop. Really shouldn't be making those rounds at that time or at least have the courtesy to not use headlights the entire time Overall a really great campground!!

G
Daniel Burkard

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Daniel Burkard

Great location. fantastic sites, lots of really big(deep) sites suitable for long rigs, well maintain, flushable toilets & sinks (1 pit toilet too), kids playground, just above the Lake. Camp host is unobtrusive, but the park ranger is really annoying doing rounds after dark between 9 & 10 pm. Drives around with headlights on stopping to mess with reservation signs while his headlight are pointed... Great location. fantastic sites, lots of really big(deep) sites suitable for long rigs, well maintain, flushable toilets & sinks (1 pit toilet too), kids playground, just above the Lake. Camp host is unobtrusive, but the park ranger is really annoying doing rounds after dark between 9 & 10 pm. Drives around with headlights on stopping to mess with reservation signs while his headlight are pointed directly into camps blinding everyone and he takes multiple minutes at each stop. Really shouldn't be making those rounds at that time or at least have the courtesy to not use headlights the entire time Overall a really great campground!!

G
Erica Rude

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Erica Rude

Nice small campground, we were on site 18. Had a beautiful view. Only issue is you had to go into Hot Springs to dump.

G
Erica Rude

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Erica Rude

Nice small campground, we were on site 18. Had a beautiful view. Only issue is you had to go into Hot Springs to dump.

G
VJ Garske (VJ Garske)

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by VJ Garske (VJ Garske)

COE campground. Not sure hwy cost 18.00. So close together we moved on. No water or power only one site had a view. Check out number 6

G
VJ Garske (VJ Garske)

Mar 18, 2026

3.0

Google Review by VJ Garske (VJ Garske)

COE campground. Not sure hwy cost 18.00. So close together we moved on. No water or power only one site had a view. Check out number 6

G
Sam Paine

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Sam Paine

Beautiful campground and lake away from the city. Also an amazing view.

G
Sam Paine

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Sam Paine

Beautiful campground and lake away from the city. Also an amazing view.

G
Sam Paine

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Sam Paine

Beautiful campground and lake away from the city. Also an amazing view.

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