Camping near Belle Fourche occurs at 3,200 feet elevation where the northern Black Hills transition into prairie landscapes. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions. Gravel roads leading to several campgrounds can become rutted after rainfall, requiring cautious driving for low-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hiking near Devils Tower: The area surrounding Devils Tower KOA provides access to trails circling this famous geological formation. "Spend a day driving Spearfish canyon and hiking to waterfalls," suggests Glenda at Rocky Point Recreation Area, noting the variety of natural formations within a day trip.
Lake activities: Fishing and boating options abound at Rocky Point Recreation Area, where water access is convenient for multiple activities. "The water was way down and appeared murky so we stayed out of it," notes Glenda, providing current conditions that can help visitors plan accordingly.
Forest exploration: The 7.5-mile nature trail at Spearfish KOA leads to the river and provides excellent dog walking opportunities. "We used their 7.5-mile nature trail entrance from the park to the river, which was great for walking our dogs," shares MickandKarla W., highlighting less-known trails in the area.
What campers like
Creekside camping: At Timon Campground, visitors appreciate the natural water features enhancing their stay. "I got a site right on the creek (#7) which the dog adored. Only a few other campers. Very peaceful," reports Leslie B., pointing to specific sites for water access.
Wide campsites: Rocky Point Recreation Area provides unusually spacious sites, a welcome feature for those wanting privacy. "The space between sites is admirable. I stepped off our space at close to 70+ feet wide," explains Tom D., providing concrete measurements rather than vague claims.
Evening entertainment: A unique feature at Devils Tower KOA includes outdoor movie showings against the backdrop of the monument. "They show 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' every night, outside with the tower in the background. Very cheesy but very cool," Julie W. mentions.
What you should know
Off-season considerations: Winter and early spring visits require preparation as services may be limited. "Bathhouse is closed for the season. The campground is conveniently located between a highway and a railway, both are highly active," reports Miguel E. about Wyatt's Hideaway Campground.
Water level variations: Lake conditions at Rocky Point fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline activities. "Water is usually calm in the morning and evening. It is a great fishing lake too," notes Billy B., offering timing tips for water activities.
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. "We did not upgrade from their free WiFi (about average but the park was not very full) and got 3 bars on Verizon," MickandKarla W. reports about Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort, providing specific carrier information.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. At Chris' Campground, families find "3 heated pools, a basketball court, recreation room, playground, & petting zoo for the kids," according to Theresa H.
Evening programs: Seasonal activities can entertain children after dark. "The city of Spearfish had activities in the park (about 1/4 mile away) every evening (magician, concerts, etc)," Megan R. mentions about Spearfish City Campground, pointing to free entertainment options.
Pet-friendly features: Many campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members. "They have a fenced pet area with an entrance fenced area then separate areas for small and large dogs," notes MickandKarla W. about Spearfish KOA.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites in the Black Hills require preparation for uneven terrain. "Most sites may be tough for a Class A to level," warns Tom D. about Rocky Point Recreation Area, providing specific vehicle type considerations.
Yurt camping alternatives: For those seeking yurt camping near Belle Fourche, South Dakota without reservations at Rocky Point, alternative glamping options exist. "The campground is large, so it was easy to roll in and find a site without a reservation. Most sites are on the water, with sweeping views of the sunset," Ben E. notes about finding last-minute accommodations.
Dump station access: When on-site facilities prove challenging, nearby options exist. "We didn't even use the dumpstation as the way it is positioned I couldn't get the tanks dumped, so that was a bummer. We went into Spearfish campground owned by the city and dumped there," shares Aaron S., providing a practical workaround for RV waste disposal.
