City: Black Hills, SD

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (877) 444-6777 (reservations o

Description: The South Dakota portion of the Black Hills National Forest has 30 designated campgrounds, from lakeside to rugged. None of these campgrounds have utilities, but that’s probably one reason you wanted to camp in the forest. In most cases, though, you do get the luxury of drinking water. Most have spacious RV sites with lots of trees and bushes for privacy. More than half of the campgrounds are open or partially open all year, but what services do exist are shut down during the winter, and you have to carry out your trash yourself. Be aware that snow can close the roads, blocking your way in or out.About half operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but others have reservable sites. Your stay is limited to 14 days. In general, fees are charged between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends only. Rates range from $8 to $17 a night, except at four remote campgrounds that are maintained with the help of donations, and at the Bear Gulch and Sheridan Lake group areas, where fees start at $40. Inquire about specifics. If your horse will be traveling with you, see the Horse Camps listings below. Also see the Hiking & Backpacking section of the Recreation chapter to learn about backcountry camping in the forest.