Pitch-black nights and the kind of quiet that registers only when wildlife moves through the grass. That's what campers consistently report at this free dispersed site in Black Hills National Forest, set off Highway 89 near Pringle, South Dakota. The site draws campers who want space and solitude without a fee, and most find it delivers on both counts.
Navigation takes some attention. GPS apps tend to drop you near the right area but not precisely at the entrance, which looks like a private driveway at first glance. The road transitions to a two-track with grass growing between the ruts, so high-clearance vehicles handle it more comfortably than low-slung cars. The terrain gives campers a choice: open meadow or tree line. One reviewer noted "open field and deeper forest options," and that split defines how the site functions. Tent campers should know the ground is uneven in places, and the area is prone to thunderstorms, so positioning near the trees offers some shelter.
Cell service improves the higher up the road you go. Rory R. describes "pitch black nights, and pure solitude," which matches what multiple visitors report about crowd levels: it's rare to encounter more than one other camper. Elk sightings have come up in reviews, and the open meadow terrain supports that kind of wildlife activity. Campfires and pets are both allowed, and alcohol is permitted. The site sits about an hour from Mount Rushmore, making it a workable base for day trips into the region. Campers who want to compare nearby options can browse dispersed camping near Black Hills National Forest before committing to a spot.
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 & DirectionsBlack Hills Dispersed Site is located in South Dakota near Pringle
Coordinates
43.5914912 N
103.612729 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/5/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Black Hills Dispersed Site - Hwy 89 needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Rapid City, SD
- 2 hrs 47 min from Casper, WY
- 3 hrs 30 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 6 min from Fort Collins, CO
