Dispersed camping sites throughout Black Hills National Forest near Buffalo Gap are primarily found along forest service roads at elevations ranging from 4,000-5,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and cool to 45-55°F at night, creating ideal conditions for tent camping. Forest regulations limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period at most dispersed sites.
What to do
Hiking near Mount Rushmore: North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping serves as a central base for area attractions. A camper noted, "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."
Watch wildlife: The areas around RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "Trails nearby. One Trail is gated off and seems to mainly be a horse trail." Another camper shared their nature experience: "We only stayed one night but it was quiet from other people but did hear elk rutting at night! Super cool."
Visit local hot springs: Within 30 minutes of many dispersed sites, Hot Springs offers natural spring experiences. A visitor recommended, "Several wading and sitting areas in the local springs. In town there is a great park called Brookside Park that has a great wading area, bathrooms, and plenty of parking."
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: Black Hills Dispersed Site - Hwy 89 offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. A camper commented, "Lots of space. Quiet with no traffic." This site provides open areas ideal for setting up telescopes or simply lying back to view constellations.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the spacious layout at North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful campsites. Well spaced out and road in is in great shape." Another camper appreciated that "You can see other folks but it's not too bad."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting brings frequent wildlife sightings. As one camper at RD 356 Dispersed Site described, "We are planning on staying here again in the future because of its close proximity to everything and my 6 year old loved it!" Expect to see or hear deer, elk, and coyotes, particularly at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require appropriate vehicles. At Spring Creek Road Spur, a visitor warned, "You go up a steep little hill and it's pretty much just a one car parking spot." Similarly, at North Pole Rd, "Getting to the end of the road is steep and difficult; not recommended for low-clearance vehicles."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans often affect the region. One camper at Spring Creek Road Spur noted, "Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed." Check with the Black Hills National Forest office for current restrictions before arrival.
Limited services: Pack accordingly as no amenities exist at most sites. A camper at RD 356 Dispersed Site advised, "This is a pack in and pack out site with no facilities; no running water, no bathrooms, nothing. Make sure you bring what you need with you."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select locations with easier access. At Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed, a camper shared, "We went a bit more off the path by turning right, going up past a water treatment plant and parking near the end of the road. It was secluded and pretty."
Consider noise factors: Some areas experience road or visitor noise. A North Pole Road visitor mentioned, "The place was very calm just some cars went on the road behind us." This information helps families select quieter locations away from main roads.
Pack for changing weather: Black Hills weather changes quickly. As one camper at RD 356 noted, "Weather was great, very mild. Air was fresh and crisp." However, another camper experienced "an intense hail/thunderstorm so ended up sleeping half the night in the car."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for dispersed sites: Most best tent camping near Buffalo Gap, South Dakota sites accommodate small trailers only. At Wrinkled Rock, a camper with a campervan advised, "As others stated, you probably wouldn't want to bring any larger trailers or vehicles over 30' in here. Our campervan is 22'."
Road conditions affect access: Roads deteriorate seasonally, especially after rain. At Camp Bob Marshall, a visitor noted, "The road after the turn off was in rough shape. I wouldn't take a trailer up it, but we were in a large SUV and it was just fine."
Limited turnaround space: Many dispersed camping roads have minimal space for larger vehicles to maneuver. A camper at RD 356 observed, "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."
