If you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside basecamp near the Black Hills of South Dakota, Angostura Recreation Area is a hidden gem worth checking out. Located just outside of Hot Springs, this spot offers scenic views, a quiet vibe, and great access to regional attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park.
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Location
Address:
13157 N Angostura Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Located just a short drive from the town of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Angostura Recreation Area puts you close enough to enjoy the highlights of the Black Hills without the crowds you’ll find at campgrounds inside Custer State Park.
Prices (as of our visit in 2019)
- Day-use Fee: $8/day
- Campground (Electric): $26/night
- Campground (Non-Electric): $22/night
- Cabins: $55/night
✅ Reservations: Book Angostura Recreation Area Campsites or call 1-800-710-2267
Our Stay: June 17–21, 2019
We landed a site at Cheyenne Campground (site 2E) after failing to find availability inside Custer State Park—typical of late bookings during the summer season.
But you know what? This place totally exceeded expectations.
- Site Quality: Spacious, grassy, level sites
- Power: 50-amp electric (no water/sewer hookups)
- Restrooms/Showers: Clean and close to our site
- Playground: Conveniently located across from our campsite
- Staff: Friendly and attentive
- Noise: Surprisingly quiet
The Angostura Reservoir is stunning—36 miles of shoreline and some of the best sandy beaches in South Dakota. We brought our kayaks but were too busy exploring the Black Hills to use them. Next time, that lake’s getting some love.
⚠️ Tip for Night Driving
Watch out for bison, deer, atelope, cows, and horses wandering the roads after dark. Seriously. Open-range grazing is common in this part of South Dakota.
Pet-Friendliness
While there’s no fenced-in dog park, dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed. We had no issues walking our pup around the campground.
Amenities
| Amenity | Our Take |
|---|---|
| Showers | Clean and well-maintained |
| Laundry | Not sure—didn’t use it |
| Visitor Center | Nice staff and helpful info |
| Playground | Basic but well-kept |
| Pool/Spa | Who needs one with that lake? |
| Mail/Package | Not needed, so no experience |
Things to Do Nearby
Even though you’re a little farther from the main tourist hubs, it’s worth the drive. Here’s what we packed into four days:
- The Mammoth Site – Don’t skip it! Fascinating fossil exhibit and dig site.
- Custer State Park – Wildlife loop, Needles Highway, and Sylvan Lake are all must-sees.
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Badlands National Park
- Wall Drug – Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you still need to go.
👉For more things to do in South Dakota, click here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to campgrounds in the heart of the Black Hills, Angostura Recreation Area delivers in a big way. It’s quiet, scenic, family-friendly, and close enough to hit all the big-ticket attractions in a reasonable drive.
Would we stay here again?
Absolutely—and next time, we’re bringing the kayaks out on that lake!
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