Belle Fourche serves as a gateway to the northern Black Hills, where camping terrain varies from 3,200 feet in elevation to over 6,000 feet in the nearby mountains. The region experiences significant temperature shifts between day and night, even during summer months. Equestrian campers can access both open prairie trails and forested mountain paths within a 30-mile radius of town.
What to do
ATV trail access: Multiple campgrounds near Belle Fourche connect to off-highway vehicle trails through the Black Hills National Forest. Black Fox Campground features direct access to trail systems, with camper Jacob T. noting: "Lots of OHVs driving around. Despite all that I really enjoyed our stay there."
Trout fishing: Streams throughout the region offer fishing opportunities without traveling far from camp. At Black Fox Campground, Hope H. describes: "There is a small creek that runs right behind many of the camp sites so if you feel like doing a little rainbow trout fishing, you can."
Historic town visits: Deadwood's historic sites remain accessible while camping in the area. From Days of 76 Campground, Jenifer K. shares: "It's a short and safe walk into downtown Deadwood, if you'd like to do some drinking and walk home... which is exactly what we did."
What campers like
Mountain lake access: Cold mountain water draws campers to certain sites, particularly during warmer months. At Iron Creek Lake Campground, Russ N. reports: "This is one of our favorites. It's a Beautiful Mountain Lake. Wildlife all around. Great Trout, and even some Bass fishing."
Walking trails: Several campsites offer walking paths without requiring driving elsewhere. Aaron S. observed at Iron Creek Lake: "The trail around the lake is easy to walk and there is some beach area for frog catching and splashing around with little kids."
Remote locations: Some campers prefer campgrounds with fewer neighbors and more space. Art S. found Black Fox provided this balance: "Although some of the sites had a bit too much water and were muddy, the bulk of the 9 sites were perfect."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in the Black Hills have limited or no connectivity. At Elk Creek RV Park Lodge & Resort, Sandra E. reported: "The only downside is there's absolutely zero data connection or internet connection. I have a hotspot for my RV because I watch internet TV and for two days I couldn't do anything."
Seasonal pricing changes: Some campgrounds adjust rates based on season. At Ft. Meade Horse Camp, Travis A. noted: "It use to be free camping after October. They have raised the price to $30 a day, per site."
Water access limitations: Not all sites provide potable water sources. Leslie B. warns about Black Fox Campground: "No water, no trash, no cell service. Please pack out your trash; unfortunately, someone thought aluminum cans would burn."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water recreation: Sites with swimming options provide entertainment for children. At Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park, Danae P. shared: "We had a great site close to the pool. The pool was clean and not busy. Our kids wanted to spend all day everyday there."
Consider transportation options: Some campgrounds offer shuttles to nearby attractions. Leslie B. mentions: "Deadwood trolley comes right to the CG to transport you downtown."
Check bathroom proximity: Tent sites at some campgrounds may be far from facilities. At Whistler Gulch, Chrissy D. cautioned: "Tent sites are all the way at the top of the hill. Not even in walking distance to bathrooms, showers or the pool."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Black Hills campgrounds have uneven terrain. Hannah P. advised about Iron Creek Lake Campground: "I have a 25' camper and the site they put me in was pretty tight and on a hill as most are here. Took all my blocks and a couple big stumps but we got it figured out."
Dump station positioning: Consider dump station access when selecting a campground. Aaron S. shared this experience at Iron Creek Lake Campground: "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."
Rental options for equestrian camping: For those interested in horseback riding near Belle Fourche without bringing their own mounts, several outfitters operate in the region. Various trail ride services provide guided excursions ranging from 1-hour trips to full-day adventures, with most requiring reservations during summer months.
