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Established Camping

Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dalton Lake Campground is situated in the Black Hills National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of pine and deciduous trees. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the scenic Spearfish Canyon and the historic town of Deadwood, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring local history.

Fee Info

$21.50 / Night for single campsite $5.00 / Day Use Fee

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Location

Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sturgis, I-90 exit 32 take Vanocker Canyon Hwy south for approximately 12.5 miles to Dalton Lake Road. Dalton lake is a gravel road. Take Dalton Lake Road east for 3.7 miles to Dalton Lake Campground. The Campground and lake will be on the left-hand side of the road.

Coordinates

44.231 N
103.475 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Nice little campground

Pleasant location. Sites are a bit close together, but they are right on the lake. Easy access to the centennial trail. Only downside was the small herd of cattle wandering around leaving messy cow pies all over.

Site#4
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Perfect place!

My boyfriend and I were looking for a last minute campsite after a day in Rapid City and Deadwood. We checked out Boxelder Campground in Nemo but they were full so we did a google search for other places near by. When we arrived at Dalton, we spoke with the host to find out if there were any open spots. The host was super nice and helpful. He allowed us to set up a tent in their picnic area, which they use for overflow campers. The spot was secluded and looked over the lake. It was absolutely perfect for us!

  • Review photo of Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest by Jessy H., July 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest by Jessy H., July 19, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2019

Ranger review of Dalton Lake Campground with Stream2Sea sunscreen

Campground Review: Dalton Lake is a primitive camp in the Black Hills. It’s an hour to either Sturgis or Rapid City with a few small towns in between. The campground is lakeside with a day use area as well. 11 sites means that it fills up quickly. We arrived around 1 on Thursday and got one of the last sites. Things empty out on Sunday so plan accordingly. 

We stayed a few days and enjoyed our time. A family filled up a number of sites and nearly everyone has an ATV. Off road trails lead right out of camp. There’s a vault toilet in camp and another by the day use area. Walk down the grass to fish in Dalton lake. A few piers and a bridge give fishing choices. 

We are hikers so the draw for us was being right on the long Centennial Trail. It’s also the trail head for the Little Elk Canyon Trail. We loved hiking the Little Elk as it follows along a small river. 

Note: There is a warning on the water hand-pump that says it has some impurities that may make it unsafe to drink. We stuck with the water we brought(the host doesn’t drink the water either). 

Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I sometimes get products to review. This trip I tried out the Stream2Sea sunscreen. We carried a 3 oz bottle and certainly found that a little goes a long way. It’s a mineral sunscreen so you just use a dab and rub it in. The videos on their website clearly show how to apply it. 

Hiking the Little Elk trail on a sunny day was beautiful. As someone who grew too tall for their hair, I am always concerned about the bald head getting too much sun. I used the white sunscreen(not the tinted) and it went on with just a bit of white sheen. It does absorb in with more rubbing and became less noticeable. Using just enough was key. I liked that it didn’t run down into my eyes as I hiked the almost 10 miles. The sun was hot but I didn’t get burnt. I did use my hat for part of the way for a bit of shade but mostly my head was in the sun. 

I did have trouble cleaning off the sunscreen. Since water is a bit unsafe at camp now, I tried to conserve by using a wet wipe. My skin was left with a sheen of sunscreen that lasted for a little while. This shouldn’t be an issue when enough water is available to clean up. 

The Stream2Sea products don’t harm the environment which is a big plus. I receive emails from the company that consistently talk about their commitment to not harming the planet. This adds to the positive feeling I get using their products. Thanks, Stream2Sea, for protecting my skin as much as the environment.

  • Review photo of Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest by Art S., June 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest by Art S., June 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Dalton Lake Campground — Black Hills National Forest by Art S., June 23, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dalton Lake Campground located in South Dakota?

Dalton Lake Campground is situated in the beautiful Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. The remote, primitive campground is approximately an hour's drive from both Rapid City and Sturgis, offering a peaceful retreat in the forest. The location provides a nice balance of seclusion while still being accessible to several small towns scattered throughout the Black Hills region.

What amenities are available at Dalton Lake Campground?

Dalton Lake Campground is a primitive camping area with limited amenities. The campground features 11 individual sites situated alongside the lake. There's a dedicated day use area for visitors. As a rustic campground, don't expect full hookups or modern facilities. Be prepared for a more natural camping experience with basic accommodations. For the most current amenity information, contact the Black Hills National Forest office before your visit.

Is Dalton Lake Campground near Nemo, SD?

Yes, Dalton Lake Campground is located near Nemo, South Dakota. The small town of Nemo is one of the closest communities to the campground. Boxelder Campground in Nemo is another nearby camping option in the area. If Dalton Lake is full, Nemo offers alternative camping possibilities within a short driving distance.

What recreational activities can you do at Dalton Lake?

Dalton Lake offers numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The lakeside location provides water-based activities like fishing or simply enjoying the peaceful shoreline. Hiking is popular with easy access to the Centennial Trail directly from the campground. The surrounding Black Hills National Forest offers additional trails and exploration opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing, though be aware that cattle occasionally wander through the area. The campground's proximity to both Rapid City and Deadwood makes day trips possible for additional activities.