Black Hills National Forest manages Deerfield Reservoir Complex, a drive-in campground set among forested terrain alongside a creek and reservoir in western South Dakota. Sites accommodate both tents and RVs. Water and fees vary by season: one camper noted the water was shut off by late September and no fee was collected at that point. Weekdays tend to stay open; weekends fill up. Anglers have access to the reservoir, and ATV traffic is common in the area. Nearby options include Whitetail and Custer Trail, both within a mile. Arrive mid-week in shoulder season to avoid crowds, and confirm water availability before heading out.
Description
Deerfield Reservoir is located 20 miles west of Hill City, SD. The Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and water. Castle Creek flows into and out of the reservoir and provides additional fishing opportunities. Ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice skating are popular winter sports here. The complex has three campgrounds, two boat launches, two picnic areas and the Deerfield Lake Loop Trail (Trail #40L). Travel on the reservoir is limited to five miles per hour and there is a no-wake restriction which provides for peaceful fishing and boating experiences. Reservoir water levels and boat ramp data can be found on the https://www.usbr.gov/gp/lakes_reservoirs/south_dakota_lakes.html: http://www.usbr.gov/gp/boat/ Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Spin, Ice; Boat Launch available
Map & DirectionsDeerfield Reservoir Complex is located in South Dakota near Black Hills National Forest
Directions
Take highway 17 west of Hill City 20 miles to Deerfield Reservoir; a dead end 3 mile road, FSR 607 is the first access you have to Dutchman Campground and boat ramp off Highway 17; continue on past this road a mile or two and you will come to Whitetail Loop; a campground and 2 picnic areas are on this loop.
Coordinates
44.0180001 N
103.79900082 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/15/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 48 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 33 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 5 hrs 41 min from Bismarck, ND
