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Official

Established Camping

Cottonwood Springs Campground

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from September 16, 2024 through May 14, 2025.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Cottonwood Springs Lake

Overview

Located just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, SD is a hidden gem of a campground. Cottonwood Springs Campground is a quiet, peaceful campground tucked away in the southern part of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It offers beautiful scenic views within a short walk of each campsite.

Recreation

While Cottonwood Springs Lake is a small lake, it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. The non-motorized gravel path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or for letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota.

Natural Features

Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, construction of Cottonwood Springs Dam began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Cottonwood Springs Dam began construction in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it has created a park with approximately 600 acres of public lands and water that provides a variety of benefits to both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills and evergreen trees create a picturesque site.

Contact Info

For local information, please call (605) 745-5476 or call (605) 450-8000 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Popular nearby attractions include: Wind Cave National Park Black Hills National Forest The Mammoth Site Evans Plunge Buffalo Gap National Grassland Jewel Cave National Monument Badlands National Park Custer State Park Crazy Horse Memorial Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.

Fee Info

Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

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Location

Cottonwood Springs Campground is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Rapid City, SD take US-79 S, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on Couny Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate. From Chadron, NE take US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on County Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.

Coordinates

43.439306 N
103.572564 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2024

Cramped

Circular campground. Campsites are very close and narrow. If you are in an RV, levelers are a must. Clean bathrooms, but no showers. Potable water spigot at bathrooms. The lake is rather a large pond. No ATT service. Town of Hot Springs is only 12 minutes away. Nice little town. This campground makes for a great Basecamp.

Site27
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2024

Small campground

Only stayed one night. Camp host had the day off, but Ranger Kevin was very nice. Sites are mostly close together. Very little shade Lake is not accessible unless you want to boat.

Site1
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2019

Locals secret

Awesome little lake that not too many people use. Not many tourists know about it. Small quiet and peaceful. Little campground with a nice little lake. Perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Cottonwood Springs Campground?

    Cottonwood Springs Campground allows vehicles up to 67 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Cottonwood Springs Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cottonwood Springs Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Cottonwood Springs Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cottonwood Springs Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Cottonwood Springs Campground?

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

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Cottonwood Springs 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 Cottonwood Springs Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Cottonwood Springs Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Cottonwood Springs Campground?

    There are 18 campsites at Cottonwood Springs Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts