Fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Cottonwood Springs Reservoir at this Army Corps of Engineers campground near Hot Springs. The circular layout features 18 sites accommodating RVs up to 67 feet, though campers note the sites sit close together with minimal shade across the open terrain.
The campground operates year-round with a modern bathhouse featuring flush toilets and sinks, plus an exterior potable water spigot. No showers are available. Most sites require levelers for RVs due to the uneven ground. A camp host occupies site #1 during peak season, and reservations are available though the facility rarely fills to capacity.
The reservoir sits below the campground elevation and requires a steep hike down from most sites, though boat access is available via a short drive to the main lake access point. "Clean bathrooms, but no showers," notes Travis A., who found the location worked well as a basecamp for exploring the region. Cell service can be spotty, particularly AT&T coverage.
Hot Springs sits 12 minutes away for supplies and dining. Campers seeking additional options can explore campgrounds near Hot Springs or consider Cold Brook Lake Campground for a different lake setting.
Description
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.
Facilities
Cottonwood Springs Campground features 17 primitive campsites with no water or electric hook-ups. Amenities like potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are provided to help increase camping experience. A camp host is also on site to greet visitors and help with any questions they may have. Access to Cottonwood Springs Lake is only a mile drive from the campground. The boat ramp at the lake is steep, limiting the size of the boat being able to be put in and no gas motors are permitted. Picnic shelters, grills, potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are also located near the lake.
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.
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
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (605) 745-5476 to speak with local staff.
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.
Location
Public CampgroundCottonwood Springs Campground is located in South Dakota
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/20/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/20/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 56 min from Rapid City, SD
- 2 hrs 41 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 24 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 3 hrs 59 min from Fort Collins, CO
