South Dakota offers a diverse range of Workamping opportunities, with the Black Hills region providing the most options.

by Greg Gerber

In the late 1800s, “Go West!” became the rallying cry for those seeking new opportunities away from the crowded eastern cities. When gold was discovered in South Dakota, adventurers flocked to the untamed prairie lands and mineral-rich hills in search of fortune.

However, South Dakota’s history stretches far beyond the arrival of European settlers. For centuries, the land was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota, who collectively formed the Sioux Nation. Unfortunately, South Dakota also witnessed some of America’s most tragic conflicts, such as the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Exploring South Dakota’s Rich History

South Dakota’s significance in America’s westward expansion is undeniable. The state boasts a wealth of historical sites and breathtaking natural beauty. The Indian Museum of North America, located at the ongoing Crazy Horse Memorial construction site between Hill City and Custer, pays tribute to the legendary Oglala Sioux chief, Crazy Horse.

South Dakota’s vast landscapes are teeming with wildlife, and bison are often seen grazing on the open plains. Every September, cowboys and cowgirls gather near Custer to round up around 1,300 buffalo as part of conservation efforts. Rodeos are so deeply rooted in South Dakota’s culture that they are considered the state’s official sport.

South Dakota’s Unique Attractions

Did you know that South Dakota has more miles of shoreline than Florida? The state’s countless lakes, rivers, and streams create stunning water landscapes. The mighty Missouri River divides the state into two distinct regions: the agriculture-rich east and the tourism and ranching-focused west.

Rapid City, known as the “City of Presidents,” features life-size bronze statues of every U.S. president, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.

South Dakota is also a popular summer destination for RV enthusiasts, and with good reason. The state offers plenty of Workamping opportunities, making it an ideal place to enjoy the “Land of Infinite Variety.”

The Coveted Black Hills Attraction Pass

One of the perks of Workamping in South Dakota is the coveted Black Hills Attraction Pass. This pass, provided to those working temporary jobs in the Black Hills area, grants free or heavily discounted access to numerous local attractions. It encourages workers to explore the sites themselves so they can better recommend them to visitors.

South Dakota’s Natural Wonders

Although South Dakota ranks 46th in population, it is home to some of the country’s most renowned natural recreation sites.

Mount Rushmore, perhaps the state’s most iconic landmark, features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, carved by sculptor Gutzon Borglum between 1927 and 1941. The best way to reach Mount Rushmore is by driving along the winding Iron Mountain Road (U.S. Highway 16A), which offers spectacular views of the monument from various angles. However, be cautious—this road is not ideal for RVs due to its tight curves, switchbacks, and tunnels.

Badlands National Park spans nearly 250,000 acres of tall prairie grass and rugged mountains. Once a haven for outlaws, the area was completely underwater millions of years ago, making it a fossil hunter’s paradise.

Jewel Cave National Monument, one of the longest caves in the world, features over 200 miles of mapped passages adorned with white calcite crystals. Wind Cave National Park, though slightly shorter, is unique for its wind drafts, created by atmospheric pressure changes, which flow through the tunnels.

The Lewis and Clark Natural Historic Trail runs across South Dakota, offering a journey through history along State Highway 1806. Visitors can explore sites rich with historical significance, tracing the steps of the famous explorers who encountered various Native American tribes.

For a glimpse into Cold War history, visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, where you can tour decommissioned underground silos and control rooms that once housed America’s first nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Mammoth Site in southwestern South Dakota is an active paleontological dig where the remains of 60 giant woolly mammoths were uncovered. Known as the “dinosaur’s playground,” it holds one of the world’s largest concentrations of fossil remains. Near the city of Faith, you’ll find one of the most famous intact Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens, affectionately named Sue.

South Dakota Climate Considerations For RVers

Workamping in South Dakota typically takes place between April and October, with summer temperatures averaging around 90°F during the day and dropping to a comfortable 60°F at night—perfect for sleeping with the windows open.

While the southeastern part of the state receives around 25 inches of annual rainfall, the northwest averages only about 15 inches. The Black Hills, on the other hand, can see up to 30 inches of rain each year. However, be prepared for South Dakota’s unpredictable weather, including an average of 30 tornadoes annually, as well as thunderstorms, high winds, and hail during the summer months.

Why South Dakota is a Top Domicile State for Workampers

South Dakota is a favored domicile state for Workampers, thanks to its tax-free status and reasonable fees for registering businesses and vehicles. You only need to spend one night in the state to meet requirements for vehicle licensing and voter registration, and you only need to return once every five years to renew your driver’s license.

South Dakota residents enjoy numerous tax benefits, including no personal income tax, inheritance tax, pension tax, or personal property tax—meaning more money for travel.

Another advantage is that South Dakota does not require vehicle inspections, which means you won’t need to interrupt your travels to renew your license. Establishing a domicile in South Dakota is a straightforward process that can be completed in a day. Start by setting up mail service with companies like Your Best Address.

To demonstrate your intent to make South Dakota your domicile, consider opening a local bank account, hiring a local accountant, finding a healthcare provider, and joining local special-interest groups. However, be aware that purchasing a firearm may be more challenging if your mail forwarding service uses a private mailbox, as the federal government requires a physical address for gun purchases.

Workamping Jobs in South Dakota

Campgrounds & RV Parks

As you can imagine, with the influx of tourists coming to South Dakota every summer, there are plenty of Workamping opportunities at campgrounds and RV parks. Typical duties include checking in guests, landscaping and maintenance, housekeeping, staffing the camp store and working in snack bars.

South Dakota offers a diverse range of Workamping opportunities, with the Black Hills region providing the most options. Here are some of the roles and companies that have employed Workampers for years:

Here are some campgrounds that we know have hired Workampers in the past:

• Happy Holiday RV Resort – near Rapid City
• Hart Ranch Camping Resort – a membership resort near Rapid City
• Lake Park Campground & Cottages – in Rapid City, offering more cabins and vacation homes than RV sites
• No Name City Luxury Cabins & RV Park – near Sturgis. Listen to our podcast interview with owner Sherry Bumgardner
• Rapid City KOA – catering especially to families
• Rush No More RV Park & Campground – near Sturgis

Some campgrounds also welcome guests traveling with horses, like Bridle Ridge Horse Camp, providing a unique way to tour the historic Black Hills on horseback.

Lodging

Not everyone likes to camp outdoors. In fact, they prefer camping under just five stars. Fortunately, there are several lodging facilities In South Dakota which cater to people seeking more upscale experiences.

• Paul Nelson Farm – near Gettysburg, a world-class facility catering to sportsmen who love hunting pheasants. Workampers help maintain the 35 guest rooms and serve in the restaurant and lounges.
• Hills Hospitality – a management company operating several motels and convenience stores across the state.

Volunteer Jobs

South Dakota Parks and Recreation maintains numerous campsites, especially in the eastern and central regions. Volunteer Workampers can assist with trail maintenance, special events, and programs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also seeks volunteers annually for locations in South Dakota and along the Missouri River bordering Nebraska.

Museums

South Dakota’s rich history is preserved in its museums, many of which seek volunteer and paid Workampers to interact with visitors, sell tickets, and help with maintenance:

• Pioneer Auto Museum – in Murdo, featuring a vast collection of cars, motorcycles, tractors, rare antiques, and oddities.
• Prairie Homestead National Historical Site – near Badlands National Park, showcasing one of the last pioneer homesteads on the Great Plains.
• Saab Heritage Car Museum – in Sturgis, home to over 100 vintage cars including the oldest Saab in America.
• South Dakota’s Original 1880 Town – in Midland, a movie set recreated to resemble a late 19th-century settlement.

Retail Centers

South Dakota is dotted with popular roadside attractions and stores that are destinations in themselves. These companies hire Workampers to assist guests in many ways:

• Aramark – the concessionaire inside Badlands National Park, operates restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops. They hire Workampers for various roles, including maintenance and shuttling employees and visitors around the park.
• Coffee Cup Travel Plaza – operating several TravelCenters of America locations, hires Workampers for cashiering and working in franchised eateries like Pizza Hut, Cinnabon, and Subway.
• Dakota Stone Rock Shop – near Hill City, designed to replicate an old mining shaft.
• Jack’s Campers – with locations in Mitchell and Piedmont, offers RV sales, rentals, and service, employing Workampers for pre-delivery inspections and maintenance.
• Prairie Berry Winery – near Hill City, offering Workampers opportunities to engage visitors in wine and craft beer tastings. Listen to our podcast interview with Prairie Berry to learn more
• Wall Drug Store – a massive complex of dining rooms, gift shops, and attractions, started as a simple drug store offering free ice water to travelers in the 1930s.
• Korczak’s Heritage – the concessionaire at Crazy Horse Memorial

Find More Jobs

South Dakota offers endless opportunities for a fulfilling Workamping experience. To connect with the largest variety of Workamping jobs in South Dakota and across the entire U.S., consider becoming a member of Workamper.com.

On the Hotline Jobs page, you can find the most recent help wanted ads, search for jobs that match your specific criteria like whether an RV site is provided, all hours are paid, solos are considered, and the job start date. Workampers can also use the Resume Builder to create a resume that entices employers to reach out with job offers.

The Workamping lifestyle allows you to explore new places, immerse yourself in local culture, and keep your mind and body active. Start your Workamping adventure today and discover the exciting opportunities waiting around every curve, not just in South Dakota, but across the entire country.

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