Map showing campground location near Pringle, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Accessible via a wide, smoothly graveled forest road, this dispersed camping area provides several well-spaced sites tucked among pine trees within Black Hills National Forest. The road accommodates small campers and RVs, though some spots require backing in. Campers find around four main camping spots along the route, with minimal traffic passing through the area.

Cell service fluctuates between emergency-only and one bar, making this spot suitable for those wanting to disconnect. The pine canopy offers both sun and shade options throughout the day. Reviews consistently note the lack of biting insects, with campers reporting far fewer bugs than typical Black Hills locations, though conifer seed bugs appear seasonally.

"Tucked back off a side road with a perfect couple spots to camp," describes mason M.. The area sits approximately two miles from Wind Cave National Park entrance, making it convenient for park exploration. Campfires appear restricted in this section of forest. Some sites border private property lines, though this doesn't significantly impact the camping experience.

Campers seeking additional options can explore dispersed camping outside Black Hills National Forest, while those preferring developed facilities might consider Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park nearby.

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Map & DirectionsCold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek is located in South Dakota near Pringle

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

43.59482719 N
103.5114309 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 6/27/26
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 8/3/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/3/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 6/27/26
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 8/3/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/3/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets

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

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Drive Time

1 hr 4 min from Rapid City, SD
2 hrs 54 min from Casper, WY
3 hrs 38 min from Cheyenne, WY
4 hrs 13 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

A dispersed camping area near Wind Cave with shaded, well-spaced sites among pine trees. Campers regularly cited the quiet atmosphere and easy access, though cell service is very limited to non-existent.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Bill C.

Guide

Reviewed May. 9, 2026

Easy access

Little turn off with a couple spots people can set up.

Month of VisitMay

NikNak L.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2025

Nice spot for where I was

I couldn’t get to the actual spot because the fence was closed but stopped right before the fence. There was one other camper at a spot a little further down. Quiet, fluctuating service between SOS and one bar. About 2 miles from the wind cave entrance. Maybe no biting bugs as other reviews have stated but about a billion conifer seed bugs. Keep your windows rolled up! Plenty of sun and shade for your preferences.

Siten/a

Month of VisitOctober

Truly W.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2025

No service with no bugs, beautiful!

Pretty much devoid of biting insects except for the one tick we found. Easy to access, could probably get away with a low clearance since the roads are good. No campfires are allowed in the area it seems. Would stay here anytime!

Month of VisitJuly

mason M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2025

Great secluded spot

Tucked back off a side road with a perfect couple spots to camp

Month of VisitJune

Kaelyn H.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2025

no bug, no people, no service

this campsite has to be one of the best i have stayed at in the black hills, it was about 6:30 when we started looking for a spot we found this one right away! the road appears to only have 4 spots on the road but we only saw one other person! although you can see road from both sides very minimal traffic. and let me just say i have never found a camping spot with almost to no bugs! it was crazy i found one tic but that was it, at night we even kept our screen open! very close to wind cave! no service at all unfortunately. someone property line is right along the road unfortunately. can somewhat see some hills inside the trees!

Month of VisitJune

(6) View All

James M.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2024

Excellent camping spot for travelers

I found the place easily and the spots were well apart from each other. The weather was great camping in the pine trees, very quiet and cozy. Will definitely camp at again.

Sitei couldn't find the site number.

Month of VisitOctober

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Dispersed campsite

This is a dispersed site that is near the entrance to Wind Cave National Park. The road in is wide and smoothly graveled. This spot has room for a small camper - our bus backed in fine. The trees hug you keeping you shaded. We didn’t have much Verizon signal. It fluctuates between sos and just text. This was a great discovery. The Dyrt entry says cold springs road but the road sign said rifle pit road.

Month of VisitJuly

(7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cold Springs Creek campground located in South Dakota?

Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek is a dispersed camping area located near the entrance to Wind Cave National Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It's situated about 2 miles from the Wind Cave entrance, making it a convenient base for exploring the national park. The campground is nestled among pine trees off a side road, offering a secluded woodland experience while maintaining relatively easy access.

What amenities are available at Cold Springs Creek campground?

This is a true dispersed camping area with no formal amenities. There are no restrooms, water sources, or electrical hookups available. The site offers natural features like shade from pine trees and some privacy between camping spots. Cell service is limited with Verizon fluctuating between SOS and one bar of coverage. Campfires appear to be prohibited in the area, so visitors should plan accordingly for alternative cooking methods.

When is the best time to visit Cold Springs Creek in South Dakota?

Late spring through early fall is ideal for visiting Cold Springs Creek. Summer offers pleasant weather with the pine trees providing welcome shade. Fall camping is particularly enjoyable with cooler temperatures and quieter conditions. The area is largely free of biting insects except for occasional ticks, making it more comfortable than many summer camping destinations. Weather conditions in the Black Hills remain favorable through October before winter weather becomes a concern.

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Map & DirectionsCold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek is located in South Dakota near Pringle

Coordinates

Connectivity

Connectivity

Access

Site Types

Features

For Campers

DISPERSED CAMPING

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

Drive Time

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Where is Cold Springs Creek campground located in South Dakota?

What amenities are available at Cold Springs Creek campground?

When is the best time to visit Cold Springs Creek in South Dakota?