Established Camping
Cottonwood Springs Campground
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from September 16, 2023 through May 14, 2024.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from September 16, 2023 through May 14, 2024.
About
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.
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
For facility specific information, please call (605) 745-5476.
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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!
Location
Cottonwood 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