Dispersed camping opportunities near Black Hills National Forest range from higher elevation sites at around 5,000 feet to lower valley locations at approximately 3,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day, dropping to 45-55°F at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the forest, with northern areas generally having better connectivity than southern sections.
What to do
Hiking to Roosevelt Tower: Located near Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite, campers can take a short walk to a historic lookout. One visitor shared, "The trail led to a cool tower that we climbed to watch the sunset," making this an ideal evening activity just minutes from camp.
Swimming at Horsethief Lake: Tent campers staying at Wrinkled Rock can enjoy water recreation within walking distance. A camper mentioned, "Swimming and cliff jumping at Horsethief lake only a short walk away," providing a refreshing option during hot summer days.
Wildlife viewing: Many dispersed sites offer opportunities to see native wildlife. At North Pole Road, a camper noted, "Lots of coyotes in the area," while another mentioned hearing "coyotes in the distance" during their stay, creating memorable wilderness experiences.
What campers like
Natural privacy between sites: At RD 356 Dispersed Site, the forest layout provides seclusion. One camper reported, "Several great campsites along a 2WD-friendly (albeit bumpy) road. Road noise is blocked pretty well by the topography, but not the views."
Central location for attractions: North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping serves as an excellent base for regional exploration. A visitor explained, "During our stay, we toured Custer State Park, Jewel and Wind Cave, as well as Mt. Rushmore. We found the location to be very central."
Streamside sites: Some locations offer tent camping alongside water features. At Spring Creek Road Spur, a camper described, "A nice stream follows along side the campsites to lul you to sleep," creating a peaceful natural soundtrack for overnight stays.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Forest-wide fire bans are common, particularly during dry periods. At Spring Creek Road Spur, visitors noted, "Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed," though restrictions vary by location and season.
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions affect site accessibility throughout the forest. At RD 356, a camper advised, "High clearance required after the first 3 sites," while another clarified, "Plenty of spots for all with multiple campsites and all sites have enough room for 1-2 cars/trucks."
Reservation requirements: Most dispersed camping in Black Hills National Forest operates on a first-come basis. However, at established sites like Wrinkled Rock, some visitors found "This was changed to day use only. You can not park there over night," indicating changing management policies.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly sites: Some areas are particularly welcoming for younger campers. A visitor to RD 356 shared, "My 6 year old loved it!" while another mentioned they were "planning on staying here again in the future because of it's close proximity to everything."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations affect comfort for family camping. One visitor at RD 356 noted, "Weather was great, very mild. Air was fresh and crisp," but others reported experiencing "an intense hail/thunderstorm" requiring flexibility with sleeping arrangements.
Education opportunities: The forest offers numerous learning experiences for children. At Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed, families can explore historic sites while enjoying natural areas, with one visitor mentioning the area includes "several spots along the Bob Marshall camp road to pull off and camp."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite, a visitor observed, "Lots of places to pull off with a few bigger spots for groups or big rigs," but cautioned about limited availability.
Alternative amenities: When full hookups are needed, established campgrounds provide options. One RVer at Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins mentioned, "We hadn't had full hook ups for over a month. Kind of packed in here, but we needed a place to scout from, so this was perfect."
Parking considerations: Site layout affects how rigs can be positioned. At RD 356, a visitor noted, "I saw some larger RVs at the sites closer to the entrance, but I would not recommend venturing too far down in a larger rig as there is somewhat of a tight turn in the road."
