Black Hills National Forest manages this dispersed camping area along Calumet Road, where gravel gives way to a network of Forest Service roads that campers can explore to find their own spot. The main road is accessible without four-wheel drive, and several flat pull-offs work for tents and camper vans alike. Trailers are a different story. As Ryan P. puts it, "You're not taking a trailer down most of them if any," once you leave the main gravel surface. Some sites have existing fire rings, and the rolling, forested terrain between roads gives campers room to spread out with little neighbor noise.
The area sits close to Lake Sheridan, which reviewers mention as a spot to cool off during summer visits. The undulating landscape also makes for day hiking with varied elevation changes. Cell service is inconsistent here, with some campers reporting no signal at all, while others have had success with satellite internet setups in more open spots. Fire restrictions can apply depending on conditions, so checking with the Forest Service before arrival is worth the effort.
Campers planning a sightseeing-heavy trip will find this location convenient, given its proximity to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Hill City. Those looking for dispersed camping near Black Hills National Forest have several comparable options in the corridor, including Calumet Road Dispersed — Black Hills NF to the southwest. Pack-in, pack-out rules apply, so bring enough water and waste bags for your full stay.
Description
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.
Map & DirectionsDispersed Camping near Calumet Road is located in South Dakota near Keystone
Coordinates
43.94426279239748 N
103.44686337756312 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/25/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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.
Drive Time
- 20 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 27 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 13 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 5 hrs from Bismarck, ND
