Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Springs Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Springs Campground - 2
Official
Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Springs Campground - 3
Animals
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Cottonwood Springs Campground

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.

Contact Info

This location is staffed. Please call (605) 745-5476 to speak with local staff.

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.

Suggest an Edit

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

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Cottonwood Springs Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park 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

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

34%
50%
0%
17%
0%

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2025

Great find for us needing a single night camping

On our way from Colorado up to the SD black hills we discovered this gem of a campsite. The host is in site #1 and site #2 was taken, then only one other site had a RV occupying it. We were surprised being the last weeks of summer and Sturgis 25 starting next week.
We chose site 11 and we secluded and happy. There is a really clean bathhouse, no showers that I saw and a pit toilet for the winter. The bathhouse has an outside marked potable water spigot. The lake is below the campsite and not accessible without a steep hike down. The lake access is 5min drive down the main road.

Site11
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Springs Campground by Gregg & Sally W., July 31, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2025

Hidden jewel

Campground with eighteen sites. The beginning of June and we were one of only two campers here. Extremely quiet. Bathroom with flush toilet and sink and drinking water faucet outside. Dry camping only. Reservations required but you can drive around, select a spot and call or go online and make a reservation for that day. The ranger said they are never full. We were at site #8 and ranger said it was his favorite spot.

Site8
Month of VisitJune
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 amenities are available at Cottonwood Springs Campground in South Dakota?

Cottonwood Springs Campground offers basic amenities including flush toilets, sinks, and potable water available at the bathroom facilities. The campground has 18 sites total, designed primarily for RVs and mobile campers with limited tent spots that tend to be gravelly and sunny. No showers are available, and it's dry camping only with no hookups. Campsites are arranged in a circular layout, though they can be close together and narrow. Levelers are essential for RVs due to uneven terrain. Reservations are required for all sites.

Are there photos of Cottonwood Springs Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Cottonwood Springs Campground are available online. While browsing campground reservation platforms and official park websites, you can find images showing the campground layout, individual sites, the small lake, and surrounding landscape. These photos can help you visualize the circular arrangement of the sites, their proximity to each other, and the limited shade mentioned by visitors. Viewing photos before your trip will give you a better idea of what to expect regarding site spacing and the overall environment.

Is there a lake at Cottonwood Springs Campground?

Yes, there is a lake at Cottonwood Springs Campground, though it's described by some as more of a large pond. It's a quiet water feature that doesn't get heavy use, making it peaceful and uncrowded. While the lake exists, access may be limited—some visitors note it's primarily accessible for boating rather than from the shore. The lake adds to the scenic value of the campground, even if swimming or shore access might be restricted.

How far is Cottonwood Springs Campground from Hot Springs, SD?

Cottonwood Springs Campground is approximately 12 minutes from Hot Springs, SD. This makes it a convenient base for exploring the town, which visitors describe as a nice little community with amenities and services. The short drive allows campers to easily access additional supplies or enjoy the attractions in Hot Springs while staying at this quieter, more secluded campground.