Ellsworth AFB FamCamp
Overview
Ellsworth AFB FamCamp sits on Ellsworth Air Force Base near Box Elder, just outside Rapid City, South Dakota — and its location is the headliner: easy access to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, Deadwood, and the Minuteman Missile Site. The seasonal campground (open mid-May through mid-October) offers 51 full-hookup sites (30/50-amp, water, sewer) on concrete pads with patios, picnic tables, and grills — 21 pull-through — plus 12 electric-only overflow sites and tent camping. On-site are a bathhouse with showers, free laundry, free WiFi, and a dump station, with strong water pressure (a regulator is recommended). The base rounds it out with a commissary, exchange, gas station (RV-friendly), gym, movie theater, and the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. Widely regarded as one of the nicer FamCamps around, and often busy — book ahead.
Amenities
- Full Hook-Up
- 30/50 Amp Electric
- Water
- Sewer
- WiFi
- Laundry
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pet Friendly
- Picnic Tables
- Dump Station
Important Info
Seasonal — open approximately mid-May through October 15 (no water after October). Reservations are handled through the base housing office (they confirm and email details); drive-ups welcome if space is available. Check-in 11:00 AM, check-out 12:00 PM (noon). RVs up to about 40 feet; big rigs should use the Commercial gate (open until ~1:00 PM; a phone there calls security to open it) or the main/Patriot gate, where staff can move the wheeled barricades. The campground is directly next to the Patriot gate. Open to active duty, National Guard, Reservists, retirees, 0–100% DAV, DoD civilians, and guests with base access. Always confirm current rates, reservation procedures, and availability before you travel.
Information last refreshed September 2026. Always confirm details with the installation before you travel.