Best Dispersed Camping near Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest has many spots for dispersed camping throughout its pine-covered landscape. Driving down the road to Bob Marshall Camp, you'll find quiet places to camp away from crowds. Glen Erin Roadside Camp gives you a basic camping experience with zero facilities - you need to be completely self-sufficient. All campers need to follow Leave No Trace rules and pack out everything they bring in. To protect streams and lakes, you must set up your camp at least 100 feet from any water. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many of the forest roads get muddy and rutted after rain, so vehicles with good clearance work best. The forest often has fire bans during dry periods, so check with rangers before planning to have a campfire. This is real wilderness camping where you might not see another person for days. The nearest stores for food, water and supplies are typically 30-45 minutes away in towns like Custer or Hill City.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Black Hills National Forest (34)

    1. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    28 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    8 miles
    Website

    "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions. There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most spots don't have a fire ring that I could see."

    "The road to get in was very rocky and steep! We decided to go out a different way and it was even worse then the way in. Luckily our promaster van was able to get us out safely."

    2. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    26 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    15 miles
    Website

    "Black Hills can be hard to find cheap or free camping during busy season. Great free camp down a gravel/dirt road with cows on both sides and one in the road (it moved eventually)."

    "We've been fulltiming since January and this was the first place we actually stayed the whole 14 day limit."

    3. Spring Creek Road

    8 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    8 miles

    "Was easy to drive in. The road wasn’t too rough. Got there in the dark was able to find a spot, can be hard to see the turn off to the sites at night."

    "The turn off from the highway is easy to find. Smaller trailers or overlanding setups are best here. It may not be so kind for getting trailers turned around."

    4. Needles Highway Dispersed Site

    5 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    9 miles
    Website

    "The location by the road has a pull-through and could fit a decent size camper. Get there early as it's taken most nights ."

    "Nothing special, but the location is good ! Stayed at the first spot when you pull in because I didn’t want to take my sedan up either bumpy hills. Would recommend 4wd for any site other than 1"

    5. Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road

    5 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "We were in a camper van and the road wasn’t bad, we didn’t need 4WD. There were a few other cars that went by that were camping too, but it was very quiet and peaceful other than that."

    "Very close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Rapid City and Hill City. Lake Sheridan was a great place to go cool off. Very dispersed camping. Pack in Pack out. No cell service."

    6. Calumet Rd Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "Lots of trees and shade. We came in on a Friday evening and found a spot no problem. Close to Keystone, Mt Rushmore, and Crazy Horse."

    7. Spring Creek Rd Mine Site Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    6 miles

    "I was able to drive to this spot easily in a car for a quick overnight stop."

    "Need a 4wd truck to get up the hill. Nice and flat when you get to the top. We stayed near the mine site sign and hunted for agate rocks. Cows were kinda loud in the evening before dark."

    8. Spring Creek Road Spur

    1 Review
    Hill City, SD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    "Notes: Don't camp at the first sites you see driving further. There's better ones I assure you. Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed."

    9. Fishy Wilderness

    1 Review
    Hill City, SD
    8 miles

    10. Balsar Gulch Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    12 miles

    "This site is big and relatively flat. There are three other dispersed campers here while I write this. There’s enough space where our spot still feels private."

    "There was some trash left behind by some previous people but it was just some mayo packets pretty stupid not to pick those up honestly."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Black Hills National Forest

127 Reviews of 34 Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds



Guide to Black Hills National Forest

Dispersed camping near Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the stunning landscapes.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Black Hills National Forest

  • North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping provides a secluded experience with flat sites and plenty of space, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without feeling crowded.
  • RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest is located near Mount Rushmore, offering great views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to combine sightseeing with camping.
  • Spring Creek Road features a picturesque setting with a small creek winding through the area, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and wildlife watching.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The proximity of West Nemo - Dispersed Camping to popular trails and attractions makes it a great base for outdoor adventures, including hiking and exploring the Black Hills.
  • Cicero Peak Road Dispersed Campsite offers stunning views and access to UTV trails, making it a favorite for those seeking both adventure and breathtaking scenery.
  • Spring Creek Rd Mine Site Dispersed is a remote location that allows for exploration of the surrounding wilderness, perfect for those who enjoy solitude and natural beauty.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota

  • When visiting Calumet Rd Dispersed Camping, be prepared for limited amenities and bring your own water, as this area does not provide drinking water or trash disposal.
  • At Glen Erin Roadside Camp, expect some road noise, but the site offers a quiet retreat with decent cellular service, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
  • For those camping at Black Hills NF FR307 Dispersed Camping, be aware that the access road can be narrow, so it's advisable to scout the area before bringing in larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Black Hills National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Black Hills National Forest is RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest with a 4.9-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Black Hills National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 dispersed camping locations near Black Hills National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.