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Best Dispersed Camping near Black Hills National Forest

149 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Black Hills National Forest (36)

    1. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    33 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    8 miles
    Website

    "A perfect location. Plenty of spots on the bumpy main road, use 4wd/high clearance vehicles to go off some of the side routes for more privacy. Nice tree covered spots and very quiet."

    "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."

    2. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    33 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

    11 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. Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road

    7 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."

    5. Needles Highway Dispersed Site

    6 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"

    6. Calumet Rd Dispersed Camping

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

    "There were spots that were pretty rutted and rough, it was dry and we made it in easily but if it has recently rained I can see it being pretty difficult."

    "pretty nice for being dispersed other than the couple skeletons arround us!"

    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

    2 Reviews
    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."

    "This is my first time dispersed camping, so excuse the ignorance. You go up a steap little Hill and it's pretty much just a one car parking spot."

    9. Balsar Gulch Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    12 miles

    "We camped at this site based on location and wanting a dispersed site. Easy access and other sites available. We were the only ones there and it was so relaxing."

    "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."

    10. Wrinkled Rock Trailhead

    4 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    11 miles

    "Close to Mt.Rushmore and Blackhills national forest. Quiet and close to the main road"

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91 Photos of 36 Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Black Hills National Forest

149 Reviews of 36 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

Is there free dispersed camping near Mount Rushmore?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available near Mount Rushmore. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed offers several free camping spots along the access road, providing a convenient base for Mount Rushmore visits. This area sits off the main road through Custer State Park on National Forest land. Another good option is Spring Creek Road, which offers accessible dispersed sites suitable for ground tents, rooftop tents, and camper vans. The road isn't too rough for most vehicles. While these sites don't offer amenities, they provide free accommodation within reasonable driving distance to Mount Rushmore. Be aware that fire restrictions may be in place depending on seasonal conditions.

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Black Hills National Forest?

Black Hills National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping areas. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest is highly recommended for its strategic location just 15 minutes from Custer State Park and Hill City. It offers plenty of tree-covered spots with various pull-offs from the main road. For more seclusion, West Nemo - Dispersed Camping provides scenic views of the Black Hills and sits adjacent to Boxelder Creek. Other notable options include Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed, Spring Creek Road, and areas near Deadwood. Many sites work best with high-clearance vehicles, especially if you're seeking more private spots off main forest roads.

Where can I find a map of dispersed camping areas in Black Hills National Forest?

Official Black Hills National Forest maps showing dispersed camping areas are available at ranger district offices in Custer, Rapid City, Spearfish, and Hot Springs. The Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) specifically mark roads where dispersed camping is permitted. These maps can be downloaded from the USFS website or through the Avenza Maps app. Visitors can also stop at the Mount Roosevelt Dispersed Camping area or Calumet Road Dispersed Camping to find on-site information boards that sometimes contain maps and camping regulations. The forest service visitor centers also provide maps and can highlight popular dispersed camping areas based on your vehicle type and desired experience.

What is boondocking in the Black Hills and where is it allowed?

Boondocking in the Black Hills refers to camping on public lands without hookups or facilities – essentially off-grid camping. It's allowed in designated dispersed camping areas throughout Black Hills National Forest, typically along forest service roads. Spearfish Quarry is a popular boondocking location known for being quiet and clean, with easy access for most vehicles. Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road offers multiple flat pull-offs suitable for various camping setups without requiring 4WD. Boondocking in the Black Hills generally follows the 14-day stay limit rule. Sites must be at least 100 feet from water sources and 300 feet from developed recreation areas. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and check current fire restrictions.

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