Hot Springs SD / Black Hills KOA Holiday Blog
A Black Hills Camping Vacation The Whole Family Can Enjoy in a Peaceful Southern Hills Location!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From Wyoming - US 18 Truck Bypass to US 385. Turn right, go 5 miles east, then 1/2 mile north on Hwy 79.
From Nebraska - US 385: go 1/2 mile north of Junction Hwy 79.
From I-90 - US 16 (Elk Vale Road) to Hwy 79 for 48 miles. Located at mile marker 27.
From US 385 - go through town, then go 5 miles east past Taco Johns to Hwy 79. 1/2 mile north on Hwy 79
GPS: N43.40825. W103.39412.
Nestled at the southern point of the Black Hills, Hot Springs, South Dakota, is a hidden gem offering the perfect mix of relaxation, natural beauty, and adventure. Known for its geothermal hot springs, this charming town also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the thrill of hot air balloons drifting gracefully across the sky. Whether you're planning to soak in the healing waters or enjoy an aerial view of the stunning landscape, there are plenty of places to stay in Hot Springs—from cozy hotels and charming Airbnbs to scenic campgrounds. One of the best spots to stay? The Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA Campground.
Hot Springs offers a range of lodging options, so whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled stay, you'll find the perfect place.
Hotels and Motels: Several locally-owned hotels provide easy access to the town's hot springs and natural wonders. Many of these properties have been carefully designed to offer comfort while still capturing the essence of the Black Hills. Expect cozy rooms, friendly service, and prime locations near all the major attractions.
Airbnbs: For a more homey experience, Hot Springs has an array of charming Airbnbs. Choose from quaint houses, rustic cabins, or even historic buildings to immerse yourself in the local vibe.
Campgrounds: For those who prefer to be closer to nature, Hot Springs is home to several campgrounds offering everything from tent camping to RV spots. The Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA Campground is especially unique, providing guests with stunning views, top-notch amenities, and a front-row seat to the sky-high beauty of the region.
If you're looking for a memorable experience, the Hot Springs/Black Hills Campground offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and comfort. This campground is one of the best places to stay for those wanting to connect with nature while having easy access to all the activities Hot Springs has to offer.
What Makes Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA Campground Special?
Wide Open Views for Balloon Watching: One of the most unique features of Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA Campground is its expansive, open field that provides an unobstructed view of the sky. During the hot air balloon festivals, this is one of the best spots to watch the colorful balloons take off and drift over the stunning Black Hills. Imagine sipping your coffee while watching the balloons ascend in the crisp morning air—there's no better way to start your day!
Convenient Location: The campground is conveniently located near Hot Springs, local attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're soaking in the warm waters or exploring nearby trails, everything is just a short drive away.
Comfortable and Family-Friendly: Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA Campground offers a variety of camping options, from tent sites to RV hookups, all equipped with modern amenities like clean restrooms and picnic areas. Whether you’re camping solo, with friends, or with family, this campground is a great place to unwind and enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort
Pet-Friendly with Plenty of Space for Your Furry Friends: Traveling with pets? Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA is the perfect choice for pet lovers. Not only is the campground pet-friendly, but they also have a leash-free dog park where your furry friends can run, play, and socialize with other dogs in a safe and spacious environment. After a day of adventures, your dog can stretch its legs in the dog park, giving both you and your pet a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Dog Walk for Extra Fun: For those who want to take a more leisurely stroll with their pets, the campground features a dog walk path. This scenic walk is perfect for a peaceful morning or evening outing with your dog, offering plenty of open space and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
One of the standout features of staying at Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA is the chance to experience the hot air balloon launch up close. The mornings here are magical, as the town hosts hot air balloon events, and guests at the campground can watch the vibrant balloons fill the sky from the comfort of the campground's open field.
To make the experience even better, we offer an early morning breakfast at the campground. Grab a hot cup of coffee, and some fresh made breakfast before heading out to the field to watch the hot air balloons launch into the clear, cool morning air. This simple but satisfying breakfast provides a warm start to your day before you take in the breathtaking views above.
Whether you're a seasoned balloon-watcher or it's your first time seeing a hot air balloon in action, the sight of colorful balloons filling the sky against the backdrop of the Black Hills is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Once the balloons are up in the air and you've enjoyed your breakfast, take some time to explore everything Hot Springs has to offer. Here are a few local highlights:
Hot Springs State Park: Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the natural hot springs that give the town its name. There are several spots to relax and take in the scenery while soaking in the therapeutic waters.
Mammoth Site: A must-see for history enthusiasts, this active paleontological site features one of the richest deposits of prehistoric mammoths in the world. Learn about the fascinating creatures that roamed this area thousands of years ago.
Black Hills Trails: For outdoor lovers, Hot Springs is surrounded by an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Local Shops and Dining: Enjoy the local flavor with a visit to the charming shops, cafés, and restaurants that line the streets of Hot Springs. Don’t miss a chance to sample the local cuisine or pick up unique souvenirs.
Hot Springs, South Dakota, offers an ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, and beauty. Whether you’re soaking in the town’s natural hot springs, watching the colorful hot air balloons drift by, or enjoying a peaceful night under the stars at Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA, this destination has something for everyone. The Hot Springs/Black Hills KOA provides a unique opportunity to experience both the excitement of hot air balloons and the tranquility of nature—all while enjoying the comforts of a great campground, pet-friendly amenities, and an early morning breakfast to fuel your day.
Come for the hot springs, stay for the hot air balloons, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, with the dog park and dog walk, your furry companions can join in on the fun too!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
