Ripple Creek Campground

05/27/2026

One of our last finishing touches to really give them that full ‘cabin vibe.’ 💡
Make sure to book your stay to get the FULL experience! 🏕️
ripplecreekcampground.com
605-584-0036

05/21/2026

Although the rain isn’t on our side, we are still here (in our covered pavilion) for the Lead Chamber mixer until 6pm tonight! Stop by, grab a snack, and see the campground! ☺️

05/16/2026

Absolutely LOVING our new cabin signs. 😍 They are just the perfect addition! 🌲🏕️

05/13/2026

We have joined the world of Instagram! Feel free to follow us here as well to see even more from yours truly! 🥰💚🌲

05/13/2026

Our first mixer! How EXCITING! 🥹🤗🥳

Join us for our last Chamber Mixer before the busy summer season kicks into full swing! ☀️

On Thursday, May 21st, from 4–6PM, we’ll gather at beautiful Ripple Creek Campground (formerly Carsten Cottages) at 21981 N. Rochford Road for an evening of networking, refreshments, and a tour of this scenic local gem 🏕️✨

Come meet the new staff, check out the campground, and help us support this locally owned business as they begin an exciting new chapter! 🎉🤝

05/08/2026

In honor of our FIRST season as Ripple Creek Campground kicking off tomorrow, it’s time to show everyone what we have been busy working on!

With every change we made, there was so much thought and consideration into each and every decision. Everyone’s comfort, privacy, and enjoyment remained the guiding light for everything we did and all the things we chose, and we truly hope that shows when you stay with us. We know change can be tough, but we promise to always keep our guests best interest above all else! 🩵
Please enjoy these pictures of what has become our pride and joy. 🥹🌲🏕️

Don’t forget- if you like what you see, book your stay now at ripplecreekcampground.com or call 605.584.0036!

💚 Your favorite host, Laura ☺️😉

04/15/2026

Good morning everyone! 🌞
We are getting sooo close to letting you all in to see what we have been working on for the last couple of months!
Who is ready to see?! Who is ready to come and stay?! 🙋🏼‍♀️🥳 I hope everyone is as excited as I am!

Don’t forget to keep us in mind if you are looking for a little escape, planning a trip on the Mickelson Trail, or you just want to see what all the excitement has been about! 😌😏

Reserve online or call me to book! 🤩
ripplecreekcampground.com
605.584.0036

🩵Laura

Stay in the Black Hills with cabins, RV sites, and tent camping in Lead, South Dakota. Enjoy trail access and a convenient base near historic towns.

04/10/2026

Happy Friday everyone! 🤗
Through the next couple weeks, before our FIRST season begins as Ripple Creek Campground, I thought it would be fun to take everyone on a journey along what we are doing, and also who we are - in a big picture kind of way. ☺️
Some may be wondering where our name came from, maybe you’re curious to know the story behind who we are and our vision? 🤔
For us, we want to host guests and give you all a stay where you can slow down, find peace, enjoy the beauty of the 🌲Black Hills,🌲 and feel well taken care of while you’re staying. (Anyone that knows me, knows I haven’t stopped talking about my excitement! 🤭)
But, it’s even more than that and I thought this would be a perfect place to start the journey.
All in all, the vision with our team is simple; offer not just help, but hope, because one small ripple can change an entire tide. 🌊That’s where The Ripple Effect comes in.
If you want to know more, definitely take a moment to visit our website for The Ripple Effect to see more of what we hope to accomplish through our time as well as who founded the non-profit, who is involved, and even how your ripple can impact our community. 💙

https://www.onesmallripple.org

With love,
Laura 🌞

Our Story Founded in 2025, The Ripple Effect was created to address the needs of children and families in our area. Our goal is to serve children in our

01/29/2026

🌲 A New Chapter at Ripple Creek 🌲

Good morning everyone! Laura here with Ripple Creek Campground. I wanted to go over a few changes that have happened as well as share our vision so everyone can see who we are and our goals of this next chapter!

At the beginning of January, our (local) team officially took ownership of the campground, and I wanted to personally reach out to say how honored we are to be stepping into a place that already means so much to so many. When a place has been loved the way Carsten Cottages has, you can feel it. In the memories, the returning guests, and the sense of community that’s been built here over the years.
We have so much respect for what Carsten Cottages created. Places like this don’t just exist, they’re shaped by care, connection, laughter, traditions, and the people who come back season after season.

Though the name has changed, the spirit of this campground is something we deeply intend to carry forward.

Carsten Cottages represented community, friendship, family, gathering, and a place where people felt welcomed and cared for. Neighbors around a fire, and guests who felt known, not just checked in. That same heart is exactly what we want Ripple Creek Campground to continue to be.

You’ll be seeing a lot of me as I’ll be the one welcoming you, helping during your stay, and doing everything I can to make sure this still feels like the kind of place you look forward to coming back to year after year. Taking care of our guests isn’t just part of the job to us, it’s the whole point.

Whether you’ve been coming for years or are planning your very first visit, we are so excited to meet you, hear your stories, and continue the traditions that make this place feel like home.

In the meantime, we are busy working on programming to make booking as easy as possible, as well as creating a website that allows everyone to see who we are, see what we offer, and hopefully book your next stay! I have updated the page with the correct contact info, and you can find the same info on our website at ripplecreekcampground.com. Though there is not an option to book, I have been busy making accommodations for ones that have reached out so far, and would love to do the same for you! I will continue to post and keep everyone updated through the process and can’t wait to let everyone know when we are fully live and ready to go! Thank you so much for trusting us, for your patience, and for the kindness shown already. I cannot wait to start meeting all of you! 🤗

Here’s to new beginnings, lasting traditions, and many more memories made at the campground. 💙

12/01/2025

Carsten Cottages officially under new ownership 12/1/2025. Here's to maintaining the property, relationships and future events to come!

Send a message to learn more