Dispersed camping options near Hot Springs, South Dakota provide off-grid experiences in the Black Hills National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 3,500-7,000 feet with a semi-arid climate that produces cool nights even in summer. Most sites receive minimal rainfall during camping season, creating dry conditions that often lead to fire restrictions.
What to do
Visit Wind Cave National Park: Camp at Cold Springs School Road by Beaver Creek for easy park access. "This is a dispersed site that is near the entrance to Wind Cave National Park. The road in is wide and smoothly graveled," notes one visitor.
Explore Custer State Park: Spring Creek Road offers nearby camping with creek access. A camper reports, "The road follows a creek with plenty of easily accessible spots." Another adds, "I loved this place and was inspired to compose poetry overlooking a meadow with deer feeding in the morning."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to see deer, coyotes, and occasionally bison. One camper at Spring Creek Road shared, "Saw many deer near sunset, very peaceful and quiet." At Camp Bob Marshall, another notes, "Lots of coyotes in the area."
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping offers well-separated sites. "There are other people but far enough away that you don't feel crowded. Also got to listen to some coyotes in the distance," reports one camper.
Low insect populations: Many Black Hills sites have surprisingly few insects. At Cold Springs School Road, a visitor mentioned, "Pretty much devoid of biting insects except for the one tick we found." Another camper confirms, "I have never found a camping spot with almost to no bugs!"
Dark night skies: The area provides exceptional stargazing due to limited light pollution. A camper at Black Hills Dispersed Site on Highway 89 described, "Pitch black nights, and pure solitude."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Most dispersed sites prohibit campfires during dry periods. At RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest, "The area seems to not allow for campfires," according to one visitor.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access difficulty changes by location and recent weather. Cicero Peak Road requires "4x4 over some of the rocks. Slow careful driving and you can make it in most SUVs but I wouldn't recommend a van."
Limited facilities: No dispersed areas provide water or toilets. Plan accordingly as one camper at RD 356 notes: "This is a pack in and pack out site with no facilities; no running water, no bathrooms, nothing. Make sure you bring what you need with you."
Cell coverage challenges: Service varies widely between locations. At North Pole Road, "Cell coverage is poor but still present," while at Spring Creek Road, "Cell service diminished as we drove in. The other folks walked back along the road to get a signal."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed offers manageable roads for family adventures. "Several spots along the Bob Marshall camp road to pull off and camp," with options to stay closer to the main road.
Consider proximity to attractions: RD 356 provides central access to major landmarks. One visitor shared, "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions... my 6 year old loved it!"
Find level ground for tents: Some areas have uneven terrain. At Black Hills Dispersed Site on Highway 89, "We slept in our truck but there is bumpy ground, not ideal for tenting."
Watch for wildlife encounters: Spring Creek Road campers report: "We also saw cows eating their way along the road. Choose your site carefully."
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles recommended: Limestone Butte Reservoir Dispersed provides stunning isolation but requires preparation. "The road is a 2-track where I'd probably recommend medium clearance," advises one RVer.
Site size limitations: Most free camping areas accommodate smaller rigs. At North Pole Road, "Pitch black nights, and pure solitude," but one RVer noted, "Getting to the end of the road is steep and difficult; not recommended for low-clearance vehicles."
Plan turnarounds carefully: Spring Creek Road campers advise, "It may not be so kind for getting trailers turned around," while another visitor found a solution: "I chose a nice level turn out that I could drive my pickup and ATV trailer into and was able to drive through the spot so I didn't have to back in or out."
