Best Dispersed Camping near Hill City, SD
Several dispersed camping areas surround Hill City in the Black Hills National Forest. RD 356 Dispersed Site offers secluded camping spots minutes from Mount Rushmore, featuring multiple sites along a rough forest service road. The first few sites are accessible with standard vehicles, but high clearance or 4WD becomes necessary for sites further in. A camper noted, "Some motorcyclists made it through using the SW entrance. Definitely need high clearance for the NE part of the road."
North Pole Road, Spring Creek Road, and areas near Calumet Road provide additional free camping options. Most sites permit pets and alcohol, though campfires are prohibited at several locations including RD 356 and Calumet Road dispersed areas. No amenities exist at these primitive sites—no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups. Pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. The 14-day camping limit applies throughout the national forest. Cell service is spotty, with one visitor reporting, "I barely had some Verizon service—I could get the occasional text to send through but not much more than that."
