Camping sites near Camp Crook, South Dakota sit in the northwestern corner of the state, where the rolling prairie meets the ponderosa pine forests of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 3,000-4,000 feet, creating significant temperature drops after sunset even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Macnab Pond Campground, visitors can fish in a spring-fed pond that's wheelchair accessible. "Nice little spring feed pond, Ada accessible," reports one camper who enjoyed the serene setting.
Rock exploration: The sandstone formations at Medicine Rocks State Park Campground provide natural playgrounds for children and adults alike. A visitor noted, "The rocks are fascinating, the sites are shaded and quiet. We were hoping for good stargazing, but it was too cloudy—the night sky is very dark, though, so I'm sure it would be breathtaking on a clear night."
Hiking trails: Several primitive trails wind through the Slim Buttes area near Reva Gap Campground. "A not difficult path leads you upward to a beautiful view of The Castles formation in the Slim Buttes," writes one camper who visited during summer. Many trails are unmarked but allow access to spectacular viewpoints of the surrounding prairie.
What campers like
Separation between sites: At Picnic Spring Campground, the layout provides exceptional privacy. One camper remarked, "We have a great site for our 23ft trailer. This campground is so private and the sites are spaced far enough away you can't see each other." Another visitor mentioned arriving on a Tuesday afternoon to find only two other campers there.
Dark skies for astronomy: The remote location of Camp Crook camping areas means minimal light pollution. A camper at Medicine Rocks State Park noted the "sky at night is something else!" Many sites throughout the area offer unobstructed views of the night sky, particularly during new moon phases.
Abundant wildlife: Reva Gap Campground provides opportunities to observe native species. "Coyotes serenaded us throughout the night!" reported one visitor. Deer sightings are common at dawn and dusk, with many campers reporting close encounters from their sites.
What you should know
Water availability: Most camping areas require you bring your own water or have a plan to filter/treat natural sources. At Medicine Rocks State Park, "There is water at the gate but it's a hand pump with no way of attaching a hose to fill a camper so I would bring water."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads. For Picnic Spring Campground, "It was over 6 miles down a dirt gravel road. The road was fairly nice." However, conditions can deteriorate quickly after rain.
Limited services: Lantis Spring Campground offers basic facilities with no hookups. A camper noted, "No electric or water, but a spring nearby for filtering water, established fire rings, and a very clean pit toilet." Most sites throughout the region have similar limitations.
Cell coverage: Reception varies dramatically between locations and providers. At Lantis Spring, "I had 1 bar of cell service in the campground that came and went but strong service at the top of hill before entering the campground and at the nearby fire look out."
Tips for camping with families
Pack plenty of water: With limited water sources, families should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day. One visitor to Picnic Spring Campground warned, "Note the nearest groceries or any store for that matter is 25 miles away in either direction on Route 85."
Plan for temperature swings: The high desert climate means hot days and cool nights. Layered clothing is essential, especially in spring and fall when overnight temperatures can drop below freezing.
Bring your own entertainment: North Shore Bowman Haley Lake offers lake activities, but swimming may be restricted. "Don't count on swimming in Bowman Haley Lake, signs posted stating the water may contain blue green algae that can be harmful to humans and pets," warns one visitor.
Watch for small hazards: One camper cautioned, "Beware, if you are traveling with pets, there are small cactus throughout the grasslands and ticks." These same hazards apply to children playing in undeveloped areas.
Tips from RVers
Limited leveling options: Many sites require blocks for stabilization. A camper at Medicine Rocks State Park advised, "Very basic sites and a little uneven so you will want blocks to level up."
Water filling challenges: RVers should arrive with full tanks. "There is water at the gate but it's a hand pump with no way of attaching a hose to fill a camper," noted one RVer at Medicine Rocks State Park.
Site selection timing: For the best spots, mid-week arrivals are recommended. "I made the trip from Medora on a Tuesday morning and I arrived around noon. I gambled that the people who came in for the weekend would be gone and the ones who were coming for the next weekend would not be there for another day or two," shared a strategic camper at Picnic Spring Campground.
