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Map showing campground location near Sturgis, South Dakota
Camper submitted image from Camp 5 Motorized TrailheadView 3 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Sturgis, South Dakota

Camp 5 Motorized Trailhead

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts will find Camp 5 Motorized Trailhead serves as both a staging area and overnight camping spot within Black Hills National Forest. This Forest Service site requires crossing a dry creek bed to reach the main camping field, making high-clearance vehicles recommended though compact cars have managed the route.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day limit and no campfires allowed. Most campers settle in the large field area beyond the initial creek crossing, where sites accommodate everything from tent camping to motorhomes with trailers. Verizon provides reliable cell service with multiple bars reported throughout the area. "After you go past Trailhead parking lot there's ample camping for almost any vehicle," notes one reviewer who found the field area well-shaded and level.

UTV and ATV activity creates daytime noise as riders use the trailhead access, though the sounds diminish in evening hours. The location puts campers roughly five miles from Deadwood's casinos and restaurants via the main highway. Sites closer to Camp 5 Road experience some traffic noise, while the back field offers more separation from vehicle sounds.

For additional options in the region, see campgrounds around Sturgis. Basic amenities include vault toilets and picnic tables, with no water, electric, or sewer hookups available.

Location

Public Campground

Camp 5 Motorized Trailhead is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.38425035 N
103.61676767 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 3/20/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 3/20/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 3/20/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 3/20/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 3/20/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 3/20/26

Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Free dispersed camping with 14-day limits and good cell service. No facilities or campfires allowed, but spacious sites accommodate various vehicles. Some road noise and UTV activity expected.

DThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 27, 2025

Camp 5 Motor Camp

Nice scenery. Lots of UTV noise during day. I was in desperate need of a sun view for my solar and got some here when the weather cleared. The road in is very rough on steep. High clearance and four wheel drive recommended but I have seen compact cars make it in and out

Sitedispersed camping
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Camp 5 Motorized Trailhead by Doug G., May 27, 2025
LThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2022

Free camping between Deadwood and Sturgis

After you go past Trailhead parking lot there's ample camping for almost any vehicle even motorhomes pull behind trailers Etc on the , you see the sign for flood warning. I am truck camping I saw no need to even go explore found a perfect spot. I can see the parking lot very shaded very even. 14 day limit. No fires. I have three bars Verizon. This is a very popular spot for four wheeling and side by sides but I'm very far back so they really don't bother me either or a little bit of Highway noise.

Dean W.
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Quiet, Free, Dispersed camping area off the main highway between Deadwood and Sturgis

I have stayed at this dispersed camping area once during the Sturgis rally. This is a free camping area located Off the main highway between Sturgis and Deadwood, South Dakota. After you pull off the highway onto camp 5 Road there are a few single campsites, but if you continue down the hill, across the dry creek bed, You will find a huge field for camping. The creek bed crossing is fairly easy, especially if you have a SUV or a pick up truck. I probably wouldn’t recommend it with a low clearance car. During our stay, there were Porta potty’s located in this area. I’m not sure if the Porta potty’s remain throughout the summer or if They were placed there just for the Sturgis rally guests. This field area is located a bit further from the main highway, so it’s also a bit quieter. I am aware that this area is also considered an ATV trail head parking area, but we did not see any ATVs during our stay. This camping area does not have any access to water, electricity, or sewer hook ups. The sites closer to the highway will have some traffic noise, but the field area is fairly quiet, And the price for this camping area is awesome - FREE. I did not see any fire rings, and the forest service probably prohibits campfires. This camping area also allows for quick access into Deadwood If you want to visit casinos, historical sites, gas stations, Restaurants and bars, or just grab some groceries.

SiteDispersed field camping
Month of VisitAugust
Lucy L.
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2021

Easy pulloff - No services

This was a good last minute place to park our campervan. There are not any facilities, just a dirt road with pulloffs for camping. It is free but you can not have any campfires. We only went down the road about 1/4 mile and found a pull-off for our van. The road went farther but we didnt bother pulling down anymore. There were a couple of small RVs around that seemed to do okay. It is a dirt road, but seemed in pretty good condition. Free camping and a 14 day limit. Verizon had cell service there.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitJuly
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Camp 5 Trailhead located in the Black Hills of South Dakota?

Camp 5 Trailhead is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, situated off the main highway between Sturgis and Deadwood. This positioning makes it a convenient base for exploring both towns and the surrounding Black Hills region. The trailhead itself serves as the starting point, with camping areas extending along Camp 5 Road past the main parking lot.

What camping facilities are available at Camp 5 Trailhead near Sturgis?

Camp 5 Trailhead offers primitive dispersed camping with minimal facilities. There are no developed amenities such as restrooms, water sources, or designated fire rings. The area consists of a dirt road with various pull-offs where campers can set up. Campfires are not permitted in this area, so campers should plan accordingly with alternative cooking methods. The site is best suited for self-contained camping setups like campervans, truck campers, and RVs that don't require hookups or facilities.

Is Camp 5 Trailhead a free camping option near Sturgis, SD?

Yes, Camp 5 Trailhead offers free dispersed camping near Sturgis. There are no fees to stay at this location, making it a budget-friendly option, especially during high-demand periods like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. While camping is free, remember that this is a no-frills experience without amenities or facilities, and campfires are prohibited.

What is the road access like to Camp 5 Trailhead in South Dakota?

The road to Camp 5 Trailhead is rough, steep, and challenging in places. High clearance and four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for optimal access, though some compact cars have been known to make it in and out successfully. After turning off the main highway, you'll find some initial campsites, but continuing down the hill and across a small creek opens up to more spacious camping areas. The road beyond the trailhead parking lot can accommodate various vehicles including motorhomes and trailers, though caution is advised due to the terrain.

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