Black Hills National Forest manages a handful of dispersed sites along Mount Roosevelt Road, and this free pull-off area sits just minutes from Deadwood with no reservation required. The road is accessible from two directions, but entry point matters. Reviewers consistently recommend coming in from the north via US Highway 85, which provides a smooth gravel surface suitable for trailers and larger rigs. The southern approach up Denver Avenue through town is noticeably rougher and can be difficult even without a trailer. This is a dead-end road, not a through route, with a single entrance off the CanAm Highway on the north side.
Roughly six to ten pull-off spots are spread along the road before conditions deteriorate further in. Sites are separated enough to provide a reasonable buffer between neighbors, and several open toward views across the valley where Deadwood sits below. A vault toilet is located near the entrance at the Roosevelt Friendship Tower trailhead, so there is no need to walk far for a basic facility. "The spots are spread out so you have privacy," notes Olivia E., who also confirms Verizon gets good service here while T-Mobile pulls around two bars.
The trailhead at the entrance leads to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower, and multiple reviewers call the hike a worthwhile addition to any stay. The summit overlook faces the Deadwood valley, and the tower itself can be climbed for a broader sightline. Wildflowers along the trail attract bees in summer, though campers report they are not a problem. Deer are commonly spotted along the road. The campsite also works as a base for day trips to Lead, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower.
Reed E. notes "multiple flat parking places in this spot, so good for tents and trailers," which holds true when approaching from the north entrance. Weekends in summer see several spots fill by afternoon, so arriving earlier in the day improves the odds of securing a pull-through or flat area. Campers who prefer more structured sites can browse places to camp around Deadwood or explore free camping near Black Hills National Forest for additional no-cost options in the region. Nearby alternatives on the same road include Mount Roosevelt Camp to the east and Along Mt Roosevelt Rd Dispersed Camp to the southwest.
Pack-in, pack-out rules apply, and multiple reviewers emphasize leaving the area as found. The combination of free access, a short drive from town, and a walkable trail makes this a practical overnight stop worth adding to a Black Hills itinerary.
Map & DirectionsMount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite is located in South Dakota near Deadwood
Coordinates
44.39396910174819 N
103.75335437037687 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 7/30/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/30/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 32 usersLast on 7/30/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/30/26
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
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
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 Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 48 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 20 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 30 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 32 min from Bismarck, ND
