City: Black Hills, SD

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (605) 745-5476

Description: If you’re looking for solitude and outdoor activities rather than modern amenities, these small recreation areas run by the US Army Corps of Engineers are excellent choices. Somewhat remote, both are situated at reservoirs that are off-limits to noisy, high-speed watercraft. Cold Brook, reputed to have the clearest, warmest water in the Black Hills, has a small beach for swimming; Cottonwood doesn’t have a beach but offers fine fishing. Both have hiking opportunities, a wildlife area, and playgrounds. Neither campground has hookups or showers, but Cottonwood Springs has flush toilets and running water. Reservations are not accepted: It’s first-come, first-served only. Cold Brook has 13 campsites and is open year-round; Cottonwood Springs has 18 sites that are open from mid-May to mid-Sept or longer if the weather permits. Both cost $5 a night, payable through self-registration. Cold Brook is less than a mile northwest of Hot Springs; follow Evans Street and take the hard left that leads to the project. Cottonwood Springs is west of town off US 18; follow the signs from either direction, then go 2 miles on gravel roads. Credit cards are not accepted.