Anglers and creek enthusiasts will find Box Elder Creek flowing directly alongside this small Forest Service campground in the Black Hills. The hand-cranked water well and vault toilets serve a handful of sites surrounded by pine trees, with the creek providing a natural soundtrack and wading opportunities for families.
Campers can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet with water hookups available, though the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day limit. Sites closest to the creek tend to fill first, particularly during peak season. The campground host maintains the grounds and facilities, keeping the vault toilets clean and spacious according to multiple visitor accounts. "Box Elder Creek flows nearby" and provides the main draw for many campers, as Donna E. notes.
The small town of Nemo sits about three miles away, offering restaurants, bars, and a convenience store for supplies. An RV dump station is available in town for $10. Campers exploring the broader region can find additional sites around Black Hills National Forest for extended stays. The $24 nightly fee drops to half price with an America the Beautiful pass, plus $2 for pets.
Description
Overview
Boxelder Forks Campground is host to 13 campsites, tucked into the Ponderosa Pines along Boxelder Creek near the town of Nemo, South Dakota. The campground offers easy access to both motorized and non-motorized recreation. The Centennial Trail is just 1 mile east of the campground and serves as a beautful host for hiking, biking, horseback riding and motorized recreation. Dozens of miles of OHV trails are in close proximity to the campground. Meanwhile, fishing access is just steps away from the campground.
Recreation
Dozens of miles of OHV trails originate in the area. The Centennial Trail also offers non-motorized recreation for those interested in hiking, biking or horseback riding.
Natural Features
The campground is tucked into the Ponderosa Pines and White Spruce along Boxelder Creek. Boxelder Creek offers access to fishing for Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. The surrounding forest hosts a variety of wildlife including: elk, deer, squirrels and a host of birds species.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
Fee Info
$24.00 / Night for single campsite
Location
Public CampgroundBoxelder Forks Campground — Black Hills National Forest is located in South Dakota
Directions
From Rapid City, take South Canyon Road for approximately 7.1 miles to Nemo Road. Then proceed on Nemo Road for 11 miles to the town of Nemo, South Dakata. Turn left onto Boxelder Forks Road / Forest Road 140 and stay on Forest Service Road 140 for approximately 1.7 miles. The campground will be on your right.
Coordinates
44.1978326 N
103.5352677 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/17/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 4/17/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/17/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 4/17/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 37 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 46 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 38 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 59 min from Bismarck, ND
