Camper submitted image from Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground - 2
Official

Established Camping

Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground

Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground, near Hill City, South Dakota, is a peaceful spot that invites you to unwind in nature. With its scenic views and proximity to Deerfield Lake, it’s a fantastic place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

This campground offers a rustic experience with no electric hookups, making it perfect for tent campers and RV enthusiasts who appreciate a more back-to-basics vibe. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the restrooms, and the well-kept campsites that provide enough space for privacy. One camper noted, “The toilet was the cleanest I’ve seen at a campsite,” which speaks volumes about the upkeep here.

Outdoor activities abound, with hiking trails nearby and opportunities for kayaking and fishing at the lake. The area is also known for its wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer wandering around as you enjoy the stunning sunsets. As one reviewer put it, “The scene is very gorgeous, especially at night.”

While amenities are limited, the friendly camp hosts and the serene environment make it a great choice for those looking to connect with nature. Just remember to plan ahead, as reservations are recommended, especially during peak times. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Dutchman Campground offers a refreshing retreat into the heart of the Black Hills.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Overview

Dutchman Campground, located in a shady Ponderosa pine forested area on the northeast edge of Deerfield Reservoir at 5,000 feet. This camp is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Sites in the campground are widely spaced, and a few offer wide views of the lake. Of the 3 campgrounds in the Deerfield Recreation Area, this one is the most RV-friendly.

Recreation

Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline. It offers fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking. Across the lake, Deerfield Trail connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Sites including a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades provide visitors with a glimpse into the area's history. Deerfield Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The lake supports populations of stocked rainbow and native brown trout.

Facilities

Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline. It offers fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking. Across the lake, Deerfield Trail connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Sites including a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades provide visitors with a glimpse into the area's history. Deerfield Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The lake supports populations of stocked rainbow and native brown trout.

Natural Features

Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

Nearby Attractions

Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world

Charges & Cancellations

No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take Forest Highway 17 (Deerfield Road) for 16 miles northwest of Hill City, South Dakota.

Coordinates

44.0244444 N
103.7822222 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

63%
38%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

Nice and quiet

Great place to camp. Our spot wasn’t very level tho, and it was on the side of a hill so that was difficult for our two younger children. Wish they would also add a water hook up for RVs. Trying to get water was a pain.

Site26
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2021

Cool weather camping!

I didn't have reservations, but I drove up to the camp host. The host was very helpful and was able to get me a site late night.

The scene is very gorgeous, especially at night when the sun goes down. You see deers wondering around.

Toilets are very clean.

Campsites are very well kept, there's camping table big enough for a family.

Site40
Month of VisitAugust
  • Campfire at sunset
    Play button icon
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

Loved it!

Our spot was one of the doubles and overlooked Deerfield Lake. The host was friendly and the toilet was the cleanest I’ve seen at a campsite. It was our first time staying at Dutchman, and we’ll definitely be back! It’s about a 40 minute drive from Hill City and secluded from any road traffic and the sites are nicely spaced.

Site37
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Ashley R., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Ashley R., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Ashley R., June 12, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Best of Black Hills

This campground had super nice and friendly hosts. Definitely want to make sure you have a reservation well ahead of time. It is nestled just above a lake in the Black hills. The area is beautiful, and just around the corner of Mt. Rushmore. This is a definite stop if you want to stay near the National Monument of our founding fathers! Highly recommend this campground!

  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Timothy , August 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Timothy , August 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Timothy , August 31, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2019

Nice campground without hookups

We stayed September 5-9 . It was peaceful & enjoyed our stay. This campground has no hook ups. Most of the campground was closed except for about 10 sites. They stay open for hunters & fall campers. It was 20 a night which is spendy for no hook ups or comfort stations.The have vaulted toilet & water for personal use not for camper.We hiked around the lake & kayaking and fishing.

  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Peggy S., September 19, 2019
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Peggy S., September 19, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2018

Nice campground

We camped here Memorial Day weekend. It’s a nice campground. The host was not there so it was a little difficult to get firewood. The bathroom was really far from our campsite, but other than that, it was a very peaceful weekend.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Laura H., June 4, 2018
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2017

End of Summer

This is a delayed review. Went there last August with some friends. They stayed in a tent, I slept in my hammock. Campground is tucked in the woods but in walking distance of the beautiful Deerfield Lake. Camp sites are well maintained, large, and separated enough to not bother your neighbors.

  • Review photo of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground by Nate S., March 28, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2016

Remote car camping site

The Black Hills area is beautiful. This campsite is in the pines and near a serene lake. Good wildlife here and nearby. Tons of stuff to do in this area, though I just hiked and wished I had a kayak. Campground has nice and basic amenities, clean, well cared for, about typical privacy. Wasn't crowded when we were there in September, though you might want to make a reservation. This was my favorite frontcountry site in this part of the state, highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground?

    Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground is located at 6058 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground?

    Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground allows vehicles up to 99 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground?

    There are 45 campsites at Black Hills National Forest Dutchman Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts