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Dispersed Camping

Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping

Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping, near Belle Fourche, South Dakota, offers a laid-back experience right by the water. This location is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of space and the freedom to choose their own spot, with plenty of options scattered around the reservoir.

The area is known for its stunning waterfront views and spacious sites, making it a great choice for both tents and RVs. Campers have mentioned the beauty of the water, with one reviewer noting, “The water is absolutely beautiful.” While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the chance to enjoy a campfire and the natural surroundings makes up for it.

Facilities include pit toilets and trash disposal, but be prepared for a bit of mud near the shore. Some visitors have pointed out that the beach area can be muddy, which might not be ideal for swimming, but the sunsets over the water are worth it. As one camper put it, “The sunset was gorgeous on the water.”

If you’re looking to unwind and soak in nature, this spot is a great pick. Just remember to bring your bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be a bit pesky in the evenings. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping has a relaxed vibe that many campers appreciate.

Description

South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks

The Belle Fourche Dam is a dam on Owl Creek in Butte County, South Dakota, approximately eight miles east of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Its construction created the Belle Fourche Reservoir, the Belle Fourche National Wildlife Refuge, and the Rocky Point Recreation Area.

The reservoir has approximately eight thousand acres of water surface, 6,700 acres of land, and 58 miles of shoreline. It's stocked with walleye, catfish, and white bass. Average depth is twenty-five feet, but it has areas as deep as sixty feet at full capacity. Common activities at Belle Fourche Reservoir include boating, fishing, ice fishing, ice skating, camping, cooking out, and water skiing.

At its 1911 completion by the Bureau of Reclamation, Belle Fourche Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world. The dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989 it was listed among the approximately 250 Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks.

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Location

Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.727846745417594 N
103.71491846654928 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2024

Nice, spacious spots Shady or open

Initial road in is seriously corrugated- just drive slowly until you turn off to side road.

Different roads if loop provided easy access. We bought out 30” 5th in without problems, and our (distant) neighbors were a class A with trailer

Random pit-toilets, but not much else

Lake is low, shore is mud

Nice with breeze most days we were there

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Kevin H., August 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Kevin H., August 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Kevin H., August 10, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2024

Good for an overnight and nice view

I stayed for just one night and it was perfect for that. I had no issue finding a spot, as there are so many around the reservoir! They are spaced out, but not many trees for privacy. The “beach” is very muddy so you can’t really get in the water. The bugs were bad in the evenings, but nothing I couldn’t handle. The sunset was gorgeous on the water.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Stephanie W., July 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Stephanie W., July 24, 2024
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Stephanie W., July 24, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2024

Super pretty! Great spot

Was looking for somewhere to stay the night after visiting the black hills, and so glad we picked this one. The water is absolutely beautiful. There’s two bathrooms on each side. The sites are spread out so you have privacy and a pretty sure each one had a metal fire pit (ours did). The first spot we picked (farther back) we couldn’t get service on our Verizon jet pack or t-mobile phones but we moved to one 3 spots away and had great service. The water is muddy close to the shore, so not perfect swimming conditions but you could. We saw some people swimming. Place wasn’t crowded mid July. There were bugs but nothing crazy. If I could handle them, you could too. I’d definitely come back!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Olivia E., July 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Olivia E., July 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Olivia E., July 10, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 7, 2023

tranquil

Stayed one night camped on waters edge. Loved it however the mosquitoes were vicious.

Siteprimitive dispersed
Month of VisitJune
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Tania N., June 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Tania N., June 7, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2022

Lake receding

But pretty. Spots easy to park on. Many screened from lake winds by trees.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Sharon F., September 22, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Sharon F., September 22, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2022

Lovely reservoir, Free

Camped one night on Loop 3. Quiet, easy to find, lots of sites available on a Saturday evening, easy to set up on a level site on the water (reservoir was way down so a distance to the water), and no more bugs than would be expected by water.

SiteLoop 3
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Elizabeth W., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Elizabeth W., September 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Elizabeth W., September 18, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2022

Windy but space

It’s windy, but honestly it’s good because it’s 106 out. Lots of space here for rigs of all sizes. Just be aware it’s hot, windy and bugs in the area of shade

Site17
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Bradee A., August 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Bradee A., August 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Bradee A., August 1, 2022
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2022

Great waterfront campground

Great waterfront camping. tons of space around, we stayed on middle loop in spot 12 near pit toilets. Water and dump available in state rec area with daily entrance fee, or in belle fourche visitor center for free

Sitemiddle loop 12
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping by Nathan B., July 21, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.