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Dispersed Camping

Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping is located in the Black Hills National Forest, featuring rugged terrain with dense forest cover. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower and the historic town of Deadwood, offering opportunities for exploration and sightseeing.

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Location

Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.38848 N
103.75863 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 7/18/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Last on 6/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Last on 7/18/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Last on 6/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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 Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2025

Great place for views

Minimal traffic, about a half dozen or so sites easily accessible, another dozen or so further down you'll need 4x4 for. A few great spots for group RVs. Some nice hiking opportunities with great views. Service was okay with Verizon.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Milo D., June 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Milo D., June 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Milo D., June 12, 2025
  • (6) View All
Reviewed May. 25, 2025

Great overnight stay.

Very convenient if you are traveling between Teddy Roosevelt National Park and Mt. Rushmore. We pulled in after dark and left as the sun rose. Right outside Deadwood.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Taz G., May 25, 2025
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Taz G., May 25, 2025
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Taz G., May 25, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2024

Peaceful, great views

The first pull of recommended was too steep for our van. We pulled off at a treat spot about 1/4 mile down the road with awesome views. Close to town but quiet

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by c G., July 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by c G., July 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by c G., July 11, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 24, 2022

Beautiful and serene

There are a few dispersed camping spots along this road which also holds the trailhead for Mt. Roosevelt Friendship Tower. There was one pull through site that has no campfire signs and then two or three other spots. We seemed to be lucky and got the last open spot. We got here around 4 pm. The site we got was beautiful and had a lot of room for us to pitch a tent. Plenty of trees to go pee in but also an open spot where we could stargaze through the tent. There was some traffic on the road, more than you would think for such a windy gravel road. The first part of the road up until the trailhead had quite a bit of washboard which was a little scary on the sharp curves with steep drop offs. Enough Verizon cell service to text and make calls. Enough AT&T service to get WiFi on our SubaruLink. No water that we saw that we could use or filter. Had some people pull into our spot at different times not knowing it was taken. 9:30 pm was the last one.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Veronica S., March 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Veronica S., March 24, 2022
  • Review photo of Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping by Veronica S., March 24, 2022
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Deadwood, South Dakota?

At Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping, some specific sites have no campfire restrictions posted, so be aware of and follow any signs at individual campsites. The area accommodates both tent camping and RVs, with some spots specifically suitable for group camping with multiple RVs. Standard dispersed camping etiquette applies - pack out all trash, minimize impact on vegetation, and respect quiet hours. Since this is public land near Deadwood, the standard 14-day stay limit likely applies, though it's advisable to verify current regulations with the local Forest Service office.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Deadwood, SD?

Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping offers several free camping spots along the road that leads to the Mt. Roosevelt Friendship Tower trailhead. There are about half a dozen easily accessible sites, with another dozen further down the road that require 4x4 vehicles to access. The area provides good options for both individual campers and groups with RVs. Sites fill up relatively quickly, especially in the afternoon, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. The location is conveniently situated just outside of Deadwood.

Can I visit Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower while camping near Deadwood?

Yes, the Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping area is located directly along the road that leads to the Mt. Roosevelt Friendship Tower trailhead, making it extremely convenient for campers to visit the tower. You can easily hike to the tower from your campsite, as the trailhead is right there. This provides excellent hiking opportunities with great views of the surrounding area. The proximity to this historic landmark is one of the main advantages of camping in this location, allowing for easy access to both the tower and the town of Deadwood.

How far is dispersed camping in Deadwood from Mount Rushmore?

Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping near Deadwood is approximately 50-60 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The drive typically takes about an hour, making this a convenient base camp if you're traveling between Mount Rushmore and other attractions like Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The location offers a strategic stopping point for those exploring the Black Hills region while providing a quieter alternative to staying directly near the more crowded tourist areas.