Free camping along the Belle Fourche Reservoir comes with one caveat: the initial access road is corrugated and rough, so drivers should slow down until they reach the turnoff to the side loops. Once past that stretch, the multiple loops around the reservoir provide easy access for large rigs. Reviewers have brought 30-foot fifth wheels and Class A motorhomes with trailers without difficulty.
Sites are spread out around the reservoir's perimeter, with metal fire rings at most spots and pit toilets distributed across the loops. Shade is limited in many areas, which matters in summer when temperatures can reach triple digits. Wind is common, though campers note it helps offset the heat. The shoreline is muddy rather than sandy, making swimming possible but not straightforward. Boating activity is frequent on the water. Cell coverage varies by site, with some spots farther back losing signal entirely, while moving a few spots closer to the road typically restores service.
Bugs, particularly mosquitoes in the evenings, are a consistent presence. As Tania N. puts it, she "stayed one night camped on waters edge" and loved it despite the mosquitoes. The campground sits near Orman Dam and Rocky Point Recreation Area, both within a couple of miles. Water and dump station access is available at the nearby state recreation area for a daily entrance fee, or free at the Belle Fourche visitor center. This free, drive-in campground works best for self-sufficient campers who want waterfront access without a fee.
Description
The park offers 62 campsites and is located 8 miles east of Belle Fourche off SD Hwy 212. Additionally, the park offers camping cabins, fish cleaning stations, toilets, showers, picnic tables, boat ramp access, and other great amenities that will make you stay a blast. Rocky Point is popular with local anglers for walleye, bass, perch, catfish and tigermuskie. Enjoy a fun, relaxing stay at Rocky Point Recreation Area!
Map & DirectionsBelle Fourche Reservoir is located in South Dakota near Belle Fourche
Public CampgroundCoordinates
44.727846745417594 N
103.71491846654928 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/12/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/12/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/12/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 8/12/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Belle Fourche Reservoir needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 33 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 16 min from Bismarck, ND
- 4 hrs 18 min from Billings, MT
