Belle Fourche Reservoir offers multiple camping options within 20 miles of Spearfish. Located at 3,000 feet elevation in western South Dakota, the area has hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August. Mosquitoes become particularly active during summer evenings near waterfront campsites, especially when water levels are high.
What to do
Hiking to Roosevelt Tower: Visit Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite for free camping near the Roosevelt Friendship Tower trail. "The trail led to a cool tower that we climbed to watch the sunset. Overall great spot and we'll worth the short drive of the highway," notes camper TexasRed.
Fishing at reservoir: Belle Fourche Reservoir provides shoreline fishing access from multiple points. "Stayed one night camped on waters edge. Loved it however the mosquitoes were vicious," reports Tania N.
Visit Spearfish Canyon: Drive 20 minutes south from Belle Fourche to explore waterfalls and hiking trails. "Spend a day driving Spearfish canyon and hiking to waterfalls," recommends Glenda from Spearfish City Campground.
What campers like
Level sites with views: Most shoreline camping areas around Belle Fourche Reservoir feature relatively flat terrain. "Easy to find from town and can set up anywhere around the reservoir. Some shaded areas. There are fire rings and gravel paths," explains Paula S.
Natural sound barriers: Wyatt's Hideaway Campground offers tent sites where flowing water helps mask road noise. "Tent site was near the river, and the sound of the river helped drowned out the nearby highway noise," writes Beverly A.
Morning water conditions: Early risers enjoy calm water conditions for paddling or swimming. "Water is usually calm in the morning and evening. It is a great fishing lake too," Billy B. comments about fishing at the reservoir.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some dispersed areas have rough access roads. "We drove out without the RV to scope out the area and are glad we did. The road was a washboard for a long way, and we decided that the potential damage it might cause our rig was not worth the savings from dispersed camping," warns Pallah B. about Belle Fourche Dispersed Site.
Private property boundaries: Free camping areas near Spearfish have limitations. "There are one or two spots on this road good for camping — it's surrounded by private property & what looks like newly-developed neighborhoods going up so i'm not sure how long this location will be available," cautions lauren C. about Free Dry Camping areas.
Variable water levels: Reservoir water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting shoreline camping. "We stayed one night and enjoyed the waterfront view and sunset. The water was way down and appeared murky so we stayed out of it," notes Glenda about Rocky Point Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rocky Point Recreation Area has family-friendly facilities. "Camped at site 27E, which was close to showers/bathrooms and playground. Site was on water's edge," shares Marci S.
Swimming conditions: Beach areas become muddy during low water periods. "The shore is mud. Nice with breeze most days we were there," explains Kevin H. about conditions at the reservoir.
Tent site selection: When tent camping with children, prioritize sites away from highway noise. "The tent sites are right on the river and it makes for a peaceful sleep. The highway is very close but the road noise is pretty low considering the proximity," advises Nicole C.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Spearfish KOA offers wider sites than some area campgrounds. "Sites were wide and spacious. Grass in between so we had a nice pot for our dogs. It was easy to walk them around the park," reports andrew.
Leveling challenges: Many waterfront sites require leveling equipment. "Most lots are not level so pick accordingly if unable to self level," advises Glenda about Rocky Point Recreation Area.
Seasonal closures: Check facility availability during shoulder seasons. "I showed up mid October and the bathhouse is closed for the season. The campground is conveniently located between a highway and a railway, both are highly active," explains Miguel E. about amenities at Wyatt's Hideaway Campground.
