The Black Hills National Forest surrounding Hermosa, South Dakota sits at elevations ranging from 3,400 to over 7,000 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the region. Dispersed camping options dominate the landscape, with most sites located on Forest Service roads that become increasingly rugged beyond the first few access points. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common during July and August.
What to do
Mountain biking from camp: Access trails directly from Railroad Buttes OHV Area, where the terrain offers both beginner and advanced riding options. "It's a dirt bike place.. I had my mountain bike..so that was a plus, near sunset it was just me," notes one camper, adding that "coyote howling at night.. moo cows too" creates a unique soundtrack.
Swimming access: Horsethief Lake provides refreshing swimming opportunities within walking distance of tent sites at Wrinkled Rock. A camper reports "Swimming and cliff jumping at Horsethief lake only a short walk away," making this a popular summer cooling spot when temperatures climb into the 80s.
Winter camping: The Bob Marshall area transforms into a snowscape accessible for winter adventure. "It is open to vehicles in the summer and equestrian and hike in during the winter," explains a visitor, though they note camping conditions require thorough preparation as they "didn't even see any water for filtering" and recommend bringing sufficient supplies.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: The dispersed sites along RD 356 put campers within minutes of major Black Hills destinations. "Perfect location for exploring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave NP, Mt. Rushmore, and Jewel Cave NM," writes one reviewer, highlighting the central position for tourism.
Secluded overnight spots: Finding privacy requires timing and knowledge of the area. At Spring Creek Road Spur dispersed camping, a visitor recommends "Don't camp at the first sites you see driving further. There's better ones I assure you." The site offers natural sound benefits as "a nice stream follows along side the campsites to lul you to sleep."
Dark skies: Campers consistently mention exceptional night sky viewing from dispersed sites near Hermosa. At North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, visitors enjoy unobstructed celestial views: "The skies were beautiful at night" and "We could see the badlands off in the distance," offering perspective on the region's geographic setting.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Many dispersed sites enforce seasonal fire bans during dry conditions. "Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed" at Spring Creek Road Spur, while at North Pole Road, campers note the presence of "a fireplace" at some sites, indicating inconsistent regulations across areas depending on current fire danger.
Vehicle clearance requirements: Access to prime tent camping often requires appropriate vehicles. At RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest, a visitor notes "There's only a few spots that a high clearance vehicle might be required but most of the road can be explored without one," while another adds more detail: "High clearance required after the first 3 sites."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically by location and carrier. "Cell coverage is poor but still present" at North Pole Road according to one camper, while at RD 356, another mentions "No Verizon connection," indicating campers should prepare for limited communication capabilities.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly dispersed options: Several sites particularly accommodate families with children. One parent at RD 356 shares: "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions... my 6 year old loved it!" They plan to return specifically because of "its close proximity to everything."
Weather preparedness: The Black Hills experience rapid weather changes requiring adaptability. A camper at Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed mentions they "saw a preexisting stone fire pit from past campers" but also "did experience biting flies," suggesting bug protection is essential for comfortable family camping.
Facilities for children: For families seeking basic amenities, Bear Den Cabins and Camp offers "Fresh water, clean showers, LAUNDRY, coffee," according to reviews, with another camper noting "fun outdoor activities like target games" that keep children engaged around camp.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most dispersed camping areas near Hermosa restrict larger vehicles. At North Pole Road, "Getting to the end of the road is steep and difficult; not recommended for low-clearance vehicles," while at Camp Bob Marshall, a reviewer cautions "I wouldn't take a trailer up it, but we were in a large SUV and it was just fine."
Small trailer considerations: Campers with compact trailers report mixed experiences. One Camp Bob Marshall visitor notes they "towed in a small teardrop but I wouldn't recommend a large rig," suggesting the smallest trailers can access some sites with proper planning and vehicle capacity.
Site size awareness: RV campers should research site dimensions before arrival. At RD 356, a reviewer observed "I saw some larger RVs at the sites closer to the entrance" but advised against venturing further with big rigs due to "somewhat of a tight turn in the road" that restricts passage beyond the first few sites.
