This is truly one of the best campgrounds, period. There are a number of areas within the campground, all with their own feel. We stayed in Ranch Camp which we liked as it felt a bit remote but it was a quick bike ride to the playground, pool and camp store. The pool is nice and big with views of the mountains. The sites are clean,...moreThis is truly one of the best campgrounds, period. There are a number of areas within the campground, all with their own feel. We stayed in Ranch Camp which we liked as it felt a bit remote but it was a quick bike ride to the playground, pool and camp store. The pool is nice and big with views of the mountains. The sites are clean, well laid out and there is some privacy (although not much). The location cannot be beat as you are about 15-30 minutes from basically everything within the Black Hills. We would absolutely stay here again if we can find a site.

Gorgeous place up in the Black Hills. Spacious and expansive with great views. I can't say enough about it. Close to both Mr. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument, and restaurants in Hill City. Will absolutely be back!

I've read multiple reviews of this place being one of the top ten campgrounds in the country, and this place absolutely deserves it's reputation. You'll need to reserve early, their reservations open in November, and from what I hear they mostly fill up for the season within a couple of days. Check-in was easy, facilities were very ni...moreI've read multiple reviews of this place being one of the top ten campgrounds in the country, and this place absolutely deserves it's reputation. You'll need to reserve early, their reservations open in November, and from what I hear they mostly fill up for the season within a couple of days. Check-in was easy, facilities were very nice. Pool is awesome. Sites are very spacious, you have plenty of room between you and your neighbors. I was struck by the amount of green space here... they could easily triple or quadruple the number of campsites. Our view from the front of our campsite was acres of green grass and the mountains. We loved staying in the Lower Ranch Camp area, although really any of their areas are super nice. It's about a ten minute drive to Crazy Horse and about 20 minute windy road to Mt. Rushmore. Custer State Park is equally close and is amazing. We'll be back and will plan to stay longer next time. RV Atlas podcast has a great description of this place that fits it to a T, it is well worth a listen.

This campground is very large but well spaced out into several 'camps'. Our site in Main Camp was very nice with RV and Tenting sites plus several full service cabins. It was well looked after daily by campground staff. The welcome desk was efficient, friendly and accommodating to our special requests. We did not use the amenities ...moreThis campground is very large but well spaced out into several 'camps'. Our site in Main Camp was very nice with RV and Tenting sites plus several full service cabins. It was well looked after daily by campground staff. The welcome desk was efficient, friendly and accommodating to our special requests. We did not use the amenities like the pool etc. but many of the campers did. It is well located to all the Black Hills recreation and tourist stuff. Our site had water and electric and we were able to 'borrow' a sewer hookup from a nearby site upon departure. It is a far more attractive campground than many others in the areas as it was roomy, quiet, shady and convenient. We had cell service but no internet. Internet was available at the office. The 'camp' restrooms / showers / laundry was clean, well kept and looked after daily by staff. We would stay here again but the price was higher than we normally like to pay. It was not a bargain but worth the price.

We couldn’t have been happier! Large sites, no neighbors on either side added to the spacious feel. The ranch is immaculately kept and a great place to walk around with the dogs. Seeing the sunrise (despite the smoke haze from the west coast) in the large open field In the middle with the beautiful mountain backdrop is a must! Another ...moreWe couldn’t have been happier! Large sites, no neighbors on either side added to the spacious feel. The ranch is immaculately kept and a great place to walk around with the dogs. Seeing the sunrise (despite the smoke haze from the west coast) in the large open field In the middle with the beautiful mountain backdrop is a must! Another small but important detail: their fire wood is dry and aged - too many times we buy wood from the camp store only to realize it’s too wet to burn. Happy to pay $6/bundle for it. May want to have an extension sewage hose with you as the drain was toward the entry of our site and would limit your trailer positioning flexibility without hose extension (depending on where ones sewage tank drains). Sad to leave... internet was spotty. Both ATT and Verizon Mifi hotspots struggled to get beyond 2 bars...

We had stayed here a couple of times, maybe 10-15 years ago in a tent but recently stayed in our RV. We had reserved a spot in The Island sites. We had a large back-in spot with more than enough room to accommodate our 30ft trailer plus truck. These spots in The Island would comfortably accommodate a 35ft+ trailer with plenty space ...moreWe had stayed here a couple of times, maybe 10-15 years ago in a tent but recently stayed in our RV. We had reserved a spot in The Island sites. We had a large back-in spot with more than enough room to accommodate our 30ft trailer plus truck. These spots in The Island would comfortably accommodate a 35ft+ trailer with plenty space for your tow vehicle.One of the things that always stood out to me about this campground from our tent visits was how spacious the sites were and how much privacy that gave you. Same comment for this visit after all these years. Lots of space, lots or privacy and very quiet sites even when busy.The campground has great facilities for children, a well stocked camping store with necessities and a big outdoor pool.One downside, at least for our site was how un-level it was. It took several attempts to get level and even when we did our Anderson Levellers were as far back as they could go. Other sites looked a lot more level though. A minor gripe; if you like WIFI at your campsite, you wouldn't be happy here. The WIFI is only available in the Office and at the Base Camp sites. Verizon signal was good enough though. Will definitely stop here when in the Black Hills again.

Rafter J Bar is perfectly located amongst the top attractions of the Black Hills and Custer State Park. RV sites are large and lots of grass between them. Large field in the center of the park which was outstanding. Pool was large and great lounge chairs. If you want wooded spots, the Island or Ranch Camp sections are the best. For a w...moreRafter J Bar is perfectly located amongst the top attractions of the Black Hills and Custer State Park. RV sites are large and lots of grass between them. Large field in the center of the park which was outstanding. Pool was large and great lounge chairs. If you want wooded spots, the Island or Ranch Camp sections are the best. For a wider open feel and unobstructed satellite access, the Line Camp is perfect. Base camp was a little tight. Best view of the mountains was in Lower Ranch Camp. Only negative was the loud highway noise but it was less at night. We’ll be back!

This place was top-notch. Huge open areas and sites. Very near to Mount Rushmore and Crazyhorse. Full hook ups, with a swimming pool and all amenities. Downfall was the Wi-Fi as it is only at the clubhouse and add a few close by sites. This site is huge so the chance of having Wi-Fi is very slim. Biggest negative here is that even thou...moreThis place was top-notch. Huge open areas and sites. Very near to Mount Rushmore and Crazyhorse. Full hook ups, with a swimming pool and all amenities. Downfall was the Wi-Fi as it is only at the clubhouse and add a few close by sites. This site is huge so the chance of having Wi-Fi is very slim. Biggest negative here is that even though there is a ton of sites open they clumped everyone together in tight groups. The other negative would be the high price for what it is. We recommend it as it is a great park.

We’ve traveled across 11 states in 3 months & this park is definitely a favorite! Kids loved it, lots of space, & fantastic laundry facilities-what more can you want!

Perfect spot to visit Rushmore, Custer State Park, Needles Hwy, and more. Hill City is less than 3 miles away and has cute restaurants and some great breweries/wineries. Would def stay here again.

We loved it here! Spotless site and bathrooms, with good pressure showers and hot water. This time of year, we were limited to the main camp loop, but had a site in a heavily pined area backing up to a hill and a great view of Black Hills. 15 minutes to Rushmore, 15 minutes to Crazy Horse, 20 minutes to Custer. Plus the beginning of th...moreWe loved it here! Spotless site and bathrooms, with good pressure showers and hot water. This time of year, we were limited to the main camp loop, but had a site in a heavily pined area backing up to a hill and a great view of Black Hills. 15 minutes to Rushmore, 15 minutes to Crazy Horse, 20 minutes to Custer. Plus the beginning of the Needles Highway and the Michelson Bike Trail are right in front of the entrance. We took some fabulous bike rides. Our site was clean and mostly level. Heated bathrooms.

We have stayed here before and love the location. You will be close to Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave NP, Jewel Cave NM, and Rapid City. There is a TON to do within the Black Hills, much more than we expected. This RV park is awesome. We stayed in the Ranch Camp section, which made it feel like you were in a state or USF...moreWe have stayed here before and love the location. You will be close to Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore, Wind Cave NP, Jewel Cave NM, and Rapid City. There is a TON to do within the Black Hills, much more than we expected. This RV park is awesome. We stayed in the Ranch Camp section, which made it feel like you were in a state or USFS campground. It was far from the office and pool, which may be a drawback if you want to be close to those items. However, I would recommend staying in Ranch Camp if you want to feel like you are far from everything. Very cool place.Custer State Park has some great state park campground options, too.

For being here during the Sturgis Bike rally the sites are very quiet. We had full hook ups with no cable. Cable is available in the loop closest to the office if that is one of your factors. Wifi is only available near the office. They have a heated pool and hot tub. Electric service was good always between 116 and 120 volts, but...moreFor being here during the Sturgis Bike rally the sites are very quiet. We had full hook ups with no cable. Cable is available in the loop closest to the office if that is one of your factors. Wifi is only available near the office. They have a heated pool and hot tub. Electric service was good always between 116 and 120 volts, but then again we did not use AC during our stay as the temps were very reasonable. Water pressure was sometimes low but manageable. Sites in the Island Loop were large and semi private. Would stay here again if in the area.

Loved our stay. The location is perfect for Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Hill City, etc. The sites are good and there is plenty of open space. It also backs onto (I believe) Forestry Service land, so you can walk for miles if you choose.We had 4 bars of Verizon LTE at one of the sites and 2 bars at another. The WiFi is...moreLoved our stay. The location is perfect for Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Hill City, etc. The sites are good and there is plenty of open space. It also backs onto (I believe) Forestry Service land, so you can walk for miles if you choose.We had 4 bars of Verizon LTE at one of the sites and 2 bars at another. The WiFi is only in the office, so ok for emergencies. Hill City is only a few miles down the road and has decent Verizon so we took our mifi with us to lunch/dinner. Rapid city has T-Mobile, but most of the rest of the area has calling with T-Mobile, but no data.We will definitely go back on our next trip to the area.

We spent two nights here during our visit to the Black Hills area in late August. The campground is huge and beautifully maintained. We stayed in the “Island” area. The sites are very spacious and accommodate any size rig. There are large grassy meadows between each area. The pool looked nice and the campground was very quiet. We s...moreWe spent two nights here during our visit to the Black Hills area in late August. The campground is huge and beautifully maintained. We stayed in the “Island” area. The sites are very spacious and accommodate any size rig. There are large grassy meadows between each area. The pool looked nice and the campground was very quiet. We stayed in site 247. Which was level and had full hookups. We had a large lawn area around our site. We typically prefer state or national parks, but wanted the hookups after several days of dry camping. This was a fantastic RV resort that didn’t feel like you were piled on top of your neighbor. The campground is a couple of miles from he Crazy Horse memorial and Custer State Park, maybe 15 minutes from Mt. Rushmore and a few more to Jewel Cave.

Big as far as space this place was very very nice.

Nice RV park. Nice laundry. Great views. Nice location. What I didn’t like was the RV parking apota we’re not real level and gravel. For the money it should be paved or concrete and level. Pool rules are not enforced but I made my grandkids follow them.

We decided to pamper ourselves and spent 9 lovely days at the RV Resort. What everyone prior said was true...it's a great place to stay. However, I can't give it a 5 because of how the staff handles the pool rules. When you check it, you are handed a set of rules (on the campground map) that clearly state "After 7:00 p.m., no one und...moreWe decided to pamper ourselves and spent 9 lovely days at the RV Resort. What everyone prior said was true...it's a great place to stay. However, I can't give it a 5 because of how the staff handles the pool rules. When you check it, you are handed a set of rules (on the campground map) that clearly state "After 7:00 p.m., no one under the age of 16 allowed in the hot tub." Well, there were kids of all ages in the hot tub after 7:00...along with their splashing, etc. We didn't want to play cop and enforce the campground rules. But the next day, when I asked in the office who enforces the "after 7:00 rule", I was told "We don't have any such rule." I pointed it out to them on their list of rules. I was given excused like "It's hard to enforce." etc. etc. etc. Just put a sign by the hot tub that states what the rule is so other campers can point to it OR change the rule.Other than that, we enjoyed our stay. Just keep in mind that everything in the area is expensive. That includes $3 to use a washing machine at the campground.Also be warned that the WiFi is VERY slow. You can't do much more than email. We used our Jetpack the entire time.

The Rafter J Bar Ranch could easily be our favorite campground and we really enjoyed our stay there. While the campground has over 150 sites you don't feel like it's that big because of how the loops are spread out. Each of the loops has a bit of a different personality and so I highly suggest you speak with the staff when making you...moreThe Rafter J Bar Ranch could easily be our favorite campground and we really enjoyed our stay there. While the campground has over 150 sites you don't feel like it's that big because of how the loops are spread out. Each of the loops has a bit of a different personality and so I highly suggest you speak with the staff when making your reservations about what you are looking for in a site. We loved the outer ring of the Ranch Camp loop, but if you were concerned about solar or satellite it would likely not be a good fit.We felt that this campground was well positioned in the area and allowed us to easily get out and explore. The sites that we looked at were all good sized and fairly easy to get in and out of. In some of the loops with trees, some maneuvers are a bit more difficult but totally doable.The pool and playground areas are nice and when we raised an issue with the staff they were immediately out there to address it. The Camp Store was well stocked with odds and ends and they even had hand scooped ice cream.We would stay here again in a heartbeat, even sooner if we lived closer...

Even though we made our reservation just a week and a half before we arrived, we asked for the best covered and remote space available and were pleased to be given a spot partially in the trees with a great view. We were the end spot on a small roundabout of four campsites closest to the main buildings and close to the road, but noise ...moreEven though we made our reservation just a week and a half before we arrived, we asked for the best covered and remote space available and were pleased to be given a spot partially in the trees with a great view. We were the end spot on a small roundabout of four campsites closest to the main buildings and close to the road, but noise and activity was not an issue. Campsites were fairly well spread-out and mostly level. Our site had a nice open grassy space, the only hitch was that our particular space was too close to a tree to use our awning- but I think we were probably the only site with that issue. Almost no cell service (AT&T was pretty much non-existent, spotty Verizon) and no wi-fi away from main building, so disconnecting is not a problem (unless you need service, which was LTE in both nearby towns).Campground was just 8 miles from Mount Rushmore, 6 miles from Harney Peak and the Needles Highway, a few miles south of Hill City and a few miles north of Custer- great easy access to lots of attractions! Also, the Mickelson Trail (a former railroad bed converted to a 100+ mile multi-use trail) runs along the edge of the property, which was perfect for walking our dog a few miles each day (note: there is a $4/person per day user fee). Would definitely stay here again if we were in the area!

Towering pines and rolling green hills make Rafter J Bar Ranch one of the most beautiful private campgrounds we've visited. Divided into several distinct sections, this RV park offers a site to suite anyone's tastes and needs. During our stay, we opted to stay in the area known as the Ranch Camp, a wooded section at the top of a hill....moreTowering pines and rolling green hills make Rafter J Bar Ranch one of the most beautiful private campgrounds we've visited. Divided into several distinct sections, this RV park offers a site to suite anyone's tastes and needs. During our stay, we opted to stay in the area known as the Ranch Camp, a wooded section at the top of a hill.Our large, beautiful site backed up to the Black Hills National Forest lands, making it especially scenic. In addition to the natural beauty of the park, we appreciated the amenities. Our kids loved the huge pool and playground, and we enjoyed having plenty of space to walk and jog as we explored the large campground. The Mickelson Bike Trail runs along the edge of the park, and visitors can also hike into the surrounding forest lands.The campground WiFi was not functional while we were there, but we were pleased to have an excellent Verizon signal.Rafter J puts you in the center of many Black Hills attractions. It is close to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and more. It is the perfect basecamp for exploring the region or for hanging out by a campfire. If you are heading to the Black Hills, I highly recommend a stay at Rafter J. I almost shed a tear when it was time to leave this beautiful park.

This place looks like it has everything. Tents/RV/cabins along with lots of activities and riding.Good Verizon No Boost 3 bars LTE 20.51/3.35 mbps down/upBooster 2 bars LTE 18.34/11.77 mbps down/up