Dispersed camping near Hermosa, South Dakota provides access to the Black Hills' eastern foothills at elevations between 3,500-6,000 feet. Weather patterns here feature warm summer days with temperatures in the 80s and cool nights dropping into the 50s, making extra layers necessary even in summer. These free camping areas typically operate on a first-come basis with a 14-day stay limit.
What to do
Hike Black Elk Peak: Only a 10-minute drive from Needles Highway Dispersed Site, this trail leads to the highest point in South Dakota. "I suggest staying here if you plan to hike Black Elk Peak the next morning as it's only a 5min drive," notes one camper.
Visit nearby lakes: Lake Sheridan offers cooling options during hot weather. When staying at Balsar Gulch Dispersed Camping, you can "do some hikes around Lake Sheridan and Custer State Park. Really enjoyed it."
Motorcycle touring: Free camping sites make good bases during motorcycle events. At RD 356 Dispersed Site, one visitor noted, "Stayed the week before official Sturgis week so it was getting to be super busy with bikers and travelers. Once you pull off the highway and on the road the chaos of Sturgus goes away."
What campers like
Strategic location: Many dispersed sites offer good positioning for regional attractions. At RD 356, one camper appreciated the "Perfect location for exploring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave NP, Mt. Rushmore, and Jewel Cave NM. Spacious sites."
Night sky viewing: Without light pollution, stars are visible from most camping areas. A Buffalo Gap camper shared: "The stars were gorgeous and the sunrise was unrivaled." Another noted needing to "get in early otherwise you'll do what my neighbors did and make light pollution hard to see the beautiful night sky."
Wildlife sightings: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities for wildlife observation. At Spring Creek Road, one camper "saw many deer near sunset, very peaceful and quiet" and another was "inspired to compose poetry overlooking a meadow with deer feeding in the morning."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements vary: Road conditions can limit access for some vehicles. On North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, "Getting to the end of the road is steep and difficult; not recommended for low-clearance vehicles."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by location and carrier. At RD 356, one camper noted "No Verizon connection" while another found "I was able to have decent Verizon signal however the area is a bit spotty for Verizon."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations and wind require proper equipment. In Buffalo Gap, a camper advised: "The wind was a little bit of a struggle but we have everything tied down and all our windows are open."
Arrival timing: Sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper at North Pole Road noted "finding a spot was a challenge since we arrived at 10:30p. so most of the spots were taken."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly locations: Some sites work particularly well for children. At RD 356, a father reported: "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions... my 6 year old loved it!"
Site selection for families: Look for level areas with natural features. On Spring Creek Road, families can find "plush sites" with "a small babbling stream winding through the forest, camp sites and meadows."
Wildlife education: Use sightings as learning opportunities. At Dispersed Camping near Calumet Road, "Wildlife is everywhere big and small" making for impromptu nature lessons.
Safety considerations: Some areas require extra supervision. One camper warned about Calumet Road: "NOT A PLACE FOR CHILDREN. It would be very easy getting lost or hurt."
Tips from RVers
RV access points: Some dispersed areas accommodate larger vehicles. At Balsar Gulch, a reviewer noted it's "big rig friendly" and "Gorgeous spot right off the paved Sheridan Lake Road... 1 caution = if driving a long rig, it's a sharp right hand turn off Sheridan Lake Road coming from Rapid City."
Site positioning: Flat spots suitable for larger rigs exist but require searching. On Calumet Road, "There were a lot of places to pull off that were flat for a tent or camper" but another camper advised "You're not taking a trailer down most of them if any."
Advance scouting: Check routes before bringing in larger vehicles. At RD 356, "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."
