3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite offers multiple pull-off camping areas that welcome pets along Mount Roosevelt Road near Deadwood. These free dispersed sites provide tent camping opportunities for dog owners without requiring permits. The road is easily accessible from the CanAm Highway side of the mountain and puts campers within walking distance of the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hiking trail. Other pet-friendly options include Deadwood KOA, which provides full hookup RV sites, tent sites, and cabins where pets are welcome. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and trash disposal while allowing dogs. Some traffic occurs on Mount Roosevelt Road during the day, but the area remains quiet at night. Several sites near Deadwood, South Dakota are featured on The Dyrt.
The dispersed camping locations along Mount Roosevelt Road serve as an excellent base for visiting Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower with pets. Dogs can explore the surrounding wooded areas while staying at these primitive sites. Visitors with pets should note that all dispersed camping requires packing out waste and following leave-no-trace principles. For those preferring established campgrounds, Whistler Gulch Campground and Wild Bill's Campground both allow pets and provide amenities including showers, toilets, and hookups. The Deadwood KOA offers a trolley service to downtown Deadwood for $1 each way, making it convenient for pet owners to visit town while camping. High clearance vehicles are not necessary for accessing the Mount Roosevelt dispersed sites, though some washboard sections exist on the gravel road leading to the camping areas.
"We picked a site near the back of the camp grounds located near the creek and close to a small parking lot (close by to the pet exercise area on the map - though it's labelled as an ice rink on grounds"
"The area is beautiful and there is a creek that runs around edges and the fish hatchery to tour across the street. "
"It was so peaceful and relaxing, yet only minutes from Deadwood. We truly enjoyed our stay, the views, and the wildlife!"
"Strongly recommend access from the north entrance via US Hwy 85 which is a MUCH smoother dirt road. Multiple flat parking places in this spot, so good for tents and trailers."
"They have 3 heated pools, a basketball court, recreation room, playground, & petting zoo for the kids, as well as a camp store, laundry facility, free WiFi and fire pits."
"The owners are very helpful and friendly, The campground is close to lots of great activities such as Spearfish Canyon, as well as Deadwood and Lead."
from $23 - $65 / night
"Easy access off I-90 and super close to Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and all this area of South Dakota has to offer."
"Great location to visit Lead, Deadwood and spearfish. Campground is loaded with amenities and economical. Not far off I90. Easy to maneuver. Very clean and quiet. My site is level."
"It's a pretty small campground down the road from deadwood. You can take the bus into deadwood."
"Our initially reserved campground nearby was sketchy, so we called KOA Deadwood at 4:30 hoping for a last minute reservation (even though the app said they were full)."
"This little camp is not mentioned in the Deadwood promotional booklet and that's just fine with us! It was not crowded, but busy."
"Easy to find, very close to Deadwood, clean showers and bathrooms and it has a bar a grill! Bar and grill was so good and I’m still dreaming about that burger."
from $28 - $160 / night
"It has a beer garden, restroom facilities and it's right on the outskirts of town."
"Helpful convenient right next to freeway so noisy all else is great!"
Campground full this weekend
from $0 - $800 / night
"Small, but has 3 shaded sites next to the creek (1,2,3). Nice 1.1 mile hike that starts next to Host site. If you just tent camp, there are about 5 sites off by themselves with a vault toilet."
"Great little spot nestled in the woods next to a small stream. Quiet road that is part dirt at times. Would highly recommend"
"We were right across from their small fenced dog park. We were also close to the 7.5-mile nature trail entrance from the park to the river, which was great for walking our dogs."
"Nice people, very clean bathrooms, close to highway so there’s some road noise. Nature trail with off leash dog area, and a small dog park in the middle for off leash doggy play time."
"Location is quiet. There is a place to walk dogs. Deadwood trolley comes right to the CG to transport you downtown."
"They are really close to town, so it’s really convenient. We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too."
GuideFree. Talk to the local market right in town if there is any free dispersed area to camp at. I was led out here by a local on a side by side. They are SUPER friendly. Pack in pack out. during Sturgis weekend they also have biker breakfast from the volunteer fire department. It’s easy to get in and out. Wild cows. Great adventure bike trails(check out the local atv rental or Vintage USA Mike in Rapid City for a motorcycle)
TravelerExcellent laye season stay! Early on the road is very well groomed and easily accessible. There were a spots that looked really nice with people already set up so I continued in. There are plenty of spots leading all the way back until the road dead ends into trails. Which also has a nice little turn out at the very end big enough for a small site. Though the road does have some pretty rough spots and some steep ledges in areas youll have to traverse past to get to more spots. Recommend good clearance and no rigs as you get deeper in.
TravelerNice place for October. Easy access from interstate 90. Everything looks clean and fresh. I wasn't camping with a horse trailer but campground is set up with extra wide spaces to accommodate them. Corals available for horses. Hiking and riding trail adjacent to campground.
ScoutI’m writing this as a warning to solo travelers.
I agree that the resort is lovely, and I initially had a very positive impression of the owner, Garret. Unfortunately, it seems Garret took an interest in me that moved beyond hosting. This led to what was, frankly, alarming conduct that included surveillance-like behavior.
For example, he told me he noticed where I was on the property and who I was talking to. One night, I came out after midnight to walk my dog and discovered he’d been sitting in the dark watching my camper; he called me over, and during that conversation told me he’d been photographing my camp without my knowledge or consent. He also told me he wondered whether I was single and told me he himself was single, while in reality his partner was living with him on the property at the time.
The inappropriate advances continued even after I left the resort.
The land is beautiful, but if you go alone, I would be careful to maintain very clear boundaries with the host both during your stay and after you leave.
GuideThis is a nice, quiet spot. There are technically only 4 spots to camp, as you are not supposed to camp down in the big open area by the trailhead. The spots are on the smaller side so large RVs would have a hard time fitting.
ScoutBeautiful area great staff
ScoutGreat location to visit Lead, Deadwood and spearfish. Campground is loaded with amenities and economical. Not far off I90. Easy to maneuver. Very clean and quiet. My site is level. Has a nice fenced in dog park, pool, hot tub, basketball and tennis courts, playground. Very little shade., cable tv,
ScoutThe drive to the campsite was mostly on a paved road then on a regular gravel road. Could fit 3-4 vehicles plus at least one tent spot. A couple deer encounters since it’s close to the creek too.
GuideThis is a beautiful little spot along a bumpy dirt road. The silence and peace here are incredible with lots of trees and shade.
It is, however, one of the most unlevel spots I’ve ever stayed in. I’m in a 22 foot camper and used up all of my blocks just trying to get level. Although my camper fit fine, it was a long bumpy slog to get here. I’m terrible at backing in but decided to back into the site so I could easily pull out if I changed my mind.
In 24 hours, I’ve only seen one truck and one ATV. If you’re looking for quiet and remote, this is a great spot. You can definitely get a camper up here, but it’s probably a site better suited for vans, tents, and off-road vehicles. The stillness up here is very striking.
Mount Roosevelt Road near Deadwood features multiple dispersed camping sites located in the Black Hills at approximately 5,300 feet elevation. The gravel road runs through pine forest with several pull-offs suitable for tent camping and small to medium-sized RVs. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with cooler nights even in July and August. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer and wild turkeys, especially at dawn and dusk.
Visit Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike: The trailhead is accessible directly from the Mount Roosevelt dispersed camping areas and offers panoramic views. "The trail led to a cool tower that we climbed to watch the sunset. Overall great spot and we'll worth the short drive of the highway," reports TexasRed from Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite.
Explore Spearfish Canyon: Located about 25 minutes from Deadwood, the canyon offers beautiful hiking trails and fishing opportunities. "Spend a day driving Spearfish canyon and hiking to waterfalls," recommends Glenda from Spearfish City Campground. The canyon features Roughlock Falls and various trails suitable for all skill levels.
Take the Deadwood Trolley: Access public transportation from several pet-friendly campgrounds. "The trolley to town runs on the hour, it cost $1. Best deal in town," says Brian W. who stayed at Deadwood KOA. This provides an economical way to visit historic downtown without parking concerns.
Quiet evenings in wooded settings: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere away from town. "Pretty quiet area. Spots are spread out so you have privacy. Only maybe 6 spots before the road gets bad so pick one of those BEFORE you come to a fork in the road," advises Olivia E. about Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite.
Creek access at certain campgrounds: Water features provide cooling recreation during summer. "The stream running through the campground is crystal clear and the kids loved playing in it," shares Joe W. from Spearfish City Campground. These waterways often run cold even in summer months.
Dog-friendly accommodations: Numerous campgrounds welcome pets with designated areas. "We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too," mentions Danae P. about Whistler Gulch Campground. The campground provides several dog-friendly sites but requires leashes.
Road conditions vary: Some dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "Road was in good shape. Lots of deer and wild life so watch out. Nice views but not that many spots before the super bumpy road about a mile in so we didn't go further," notes Tuyet R. about Mount Roosevelt Road.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies throughout the area. "We have T mobile and we got 2 bars," reports Tuyet R. about Mount Roosevelt. Verizon typically offers better coverage in the Black Hills region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Deadwood, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Deadwood, SD is Spearfish KOA camp with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Deadwood, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 201 dog-friendly camping locations near Deadwood, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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