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Dispersed Camping

Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road

Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road, near Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, offers a serene escape into nature with a laid-back vibe. This spot is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle, with plenty of space to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with many campers noting the quiet surroundings and the chance to explore the undulating landscape. One visitor mentioned, “Great day hikes and exploration opportunities abound,” highlighting the natural beauty that surrounds you. Just keep in mind that it’s a pack-in, pack-out situation, so be prepared to take your trash with you.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to have a fire and the ability to bring your pets make it a great choice for those looking to unwind. Campers have found the terrain manageable, even for those in camper vans, and there are plenty of flat spots for tents or RVs. As one reviewer put it, “There were a lot of places to pull off that were flat for a tent or camper.”

If you’re itching to explore, you’re just a short drive from iconic sites like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse, making it easy to mix sightseeing with your camping experience. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, this location provides a fantastic backdrop for relaxation and adventure.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information.

General rules: Camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Motorized vehicles allowed 300 feet off of roads as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (dots) for dispersed camping on the Black Hills National Forest. Around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Can camp for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. No open campfires in South Dakota portions of the national forest. Open campfires are permitted in Wyoming portions of the national forest, unless a special order prohibiting such is in effect. Check with the closest Forest Service office for more specific information about dispersed camping.

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Location

Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.94426279239748 N
103.44686337756312 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road needs a permit.


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2024

Lots of cool spots if….

Lots of cool spots if you can get to them. Once you leave the gravel the roads are hit and miss. You’re not taking a trailer down most of them if any.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2024

Very awesome

The ruts become somewhat steep once the entrance road terminates. There are plenty of spots to set up beforehand, but you might be able to drive around them. Only one other camper on the main road, so it's really peaceful. Great day hikes and exploration opportunities abound on this undulating landscape.

mapquest driving directions

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2024

Great find

Very close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Rapid City and Hill City. Lake Sheridan was a great place to go cool off. Very dispersed camping. Pack in Pack out. No cell service. At first we didn’t think there was a spot to pull off and then found a perfect circular area for us in our travel trailer and our friends car camping. No fires allowed when we were there. We stayed 2 nights and planned to sight see so left our stuff and was never bothered.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Angie A., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Angie A., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Angie A., July 13, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2023

Quiet, many spots to camp

We were in a camper van and the road wasn’t bad, we didn’t need 4WD. There were a few other cars that went by that were camping too, but it was very quiet and peaceful other than that. There were a lot of places to pull off that were flat for a tent or camper, I’d definitely recommend!

Month of VisitSeptember
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  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Jennifer H., October 21, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2023

Wonderful spot

After the entrance road ends, the ruts are a bit steep. May be able to maneuver around them in a car, however there are plenty of places to set up before that. Very quiet, one other camper on the main road. The undulating terrain makes for great day hikes and exploration

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Wayne L., July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Wayne L., July 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road by Wayne L., July 27, 2023
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.