Choosing where to camp at Sturgis can make or break your rally experience. The wrong spot means fighting for showers, dodging mud, and missing the action. The right spot becomes your base camp for the best week of the year. Here are ten campgrounds worth booking.

Buffalo Chip buffalochip.com

The legendary 600-acre destination that's become synonymous with Sturgis itself. Buffalo Chip offers world-class concerts included with your camping pass, multiple stages of entertainment, and enough space to find your own corner of the chaos. Tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options cover every budget. It's loud, it's crowded, and it's exactly what most riders come to Sturgis to experience. Book early—this one fills up fast.

Glencoe Camp Resort glencoecamp.com

Three decades of hosting rally-goers has made Glencoe one of the most reliable choices in the area. The campground offers everything from basic tent sites to air-conditioned cabins with full amenities. World-class facilities, on-site entertainment, and a reputation for taking care of their guests keep riders coming back year after year.

Pappy Hoel Campground pappyhoelcampground.com

Named after the founder of the Sturgis Rally himself, Pappy Hoel is home to the Full Throttle Saloon and features the largest stage in South Dakota. The entertainment lineup rivals the Buffalo Chip, with major acts performing throughout the week. An Olympic-sized pool, on-site food service, and a variety of cabin and RV options make this a complete rally destination.

Ride N Rest Campground ridenrest.com

Consistently voted among the best campgrounds for the rally, Ride N Rest is family and biker owned. Their world-famous steak dinners have earned a devoted following, and their shower house is repeatedly praised as the cleanest in the area. Located just north of Highway 34 with views of Bear Butte, it offers a slightly quieter experience without sacrificing convenience.

Hog Heaven Campground hogheavencampground.com

Spread across 320 wooded acres on the west side of Sturgis, Hog Heaven delivers a genuine Black Hills camping experience. Hot showers run around the clock, nightly entertainment keeps things lively, and shuttle service to downtown Sturgis means you can leave the bike parked after dark. The location offers easy access to both I-90 and the best riding routes.

Steel Pony Campground steelponycampground.com

The newly remodeled Steel Pony sits three miles east of downtown and partners with the Iron Horse Saloon. Complimentary shuttle service runs every thirty minutes from early morning until 3 AM, so you can party without worrying about the ride back. Paved sites mean no mud, and the full-hookup RV spots and cabin options cover all needs.

Sturgis View Campground sturgisviewcampground.com

Just a mile and a half from Main Street, Sturgis View has been serving rally riders since 2004. The campground lives up to its name with scenic views across twenty-plus acres. Clean cabins, full-hookup RV sites, and affordable tent camping make it a practical choice for riders who want proximity without premium prices.

Days End Campground sturgisdaysendcampground.com

Seven blocks from downtown Sturgis—close enough to walk. Days End offers newly renovated cabins, full RV hookups, and a beer garden with live music during the rally. The location makes it ideal for riders who want to be in the thick of things without dealing with parking hassles every time they head to Main Street.

Kickstands Campground kickstandsllc.com

A full-service campground, bar, grill, and music venue rolled into one. Kickstands offers everything from dry tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cozy cabins. Their glamping option lets you travel light—show up with your bike and personal gear, and they handle the rest. Live entertainment runs throughout the rally week.

Kemps Kamp kempskamp.com

If you're looking for something quieter after long days in the saddle, Kemps Kamp might be your spot. They pride themselves on maintaining a peaceful campground during the rally while still offering quality accommodations. Returning guests get priority booking through February, which tells you something about the loyalty they've earned.

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Booking Tips

Rally campgrounds book months in advance. Most open reservations by March, and prime spots disappear within weeks. If you find availability at your preferred campground, don't hesitate. Prices jump significantly for rally week—plan your budget accordingly. And if you're bringing an RV, confirm your rig's length fits the available sites before you commit.