Dispersed camping near Lead, South Dakota centers primarily in the Black Hills National Forest at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 6,200 feet. Weather patterns can shift rapidly in this mountainous terrain, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. Most dispersed sites reach capacity by Thursday during peak season from June through August, with virtually no availability during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in early August.
What to do
Visit Roosevelt Friendship Tower: A short hike from the Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite provides panoramic views. "Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended. Tons of bees in the wildflowers but they never bothered us," notes camper Heather S.
Mountain biking on nearby trails: Forest service roads around West Nemo - Dispersed Camping connect to an extensive trail network. "This spot butts up right next to a cliff with the Boxelder Creek running below and gives good views of the Black Hills to the south," explains Jim H.
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Several campers report deer sightings within camp boundaries. "We truly enjoyed our stay, the views, and the wildlife!" shares Misty B. about her experience camping in the area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing between dispersed sites at Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping. "Spots are spread out so you have privacy. Pretty quiet area," according to Olivia E.
Cell service for remote work: Verizon users report usable service at many sites. "Enough Verizon cell service to text and make calls. Enough AT&T service to get WiFi on our SubaruLink," notes Veronica S.
Proximity to town amenities: Sites along Mount Roosevelt Road provide convenient access to Deadwood. "Great base to visit Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower," states Heather S., highlighting the strategic location for exploring regional attractions.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Nearly all dispersed sites prohibit campfires year-round. "No campfire signs all over," reports SAM about Mount Roosevelt Camp.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Spring can bring significant mud and ruts. "The road is a little rough. A lot of spots to choose from but can get busy," warns Anna B. about Camp 5 Dispersed.
Water sources require treatment: Some sites have seasonal creeks or ponds for filtering. "There is even a little pond that you can filter water from," mentions Parker D. about West Nemo.
Vault toilet locations: Limited toilet facilities exist at specific trailheads. "Our spot was nice and a short walk to a vault toilet and trailhead," shares TexasRed about their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Arrive early afternoon: The best level sites fill quickly, especially those suitable for family setups. "We got here around 4 pm. We seemed to be lucky and got the last open spot," recalls Veronica S.
Pack extra water: With no potable sources, families need 1-2 gallons per person per day. "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," advises Connor M. about RD 356 Dispersed Site.
Watch for glass at tent sites: Some popular areas have broken glass. "Be aware that there is some broken glass in some of the tent sites," warns Sam S. about dispersed camping options.
Tips from RVers
Evaluate road conditions first: Scout roads before bringing in larger rigs. "Roughly about 10 sites depending on set-up. This is not a thru road there is only one entrance off of the CanAm Highway," explains Bruce S. about Spearfish Quarry.
Look for pull-through options: Several areas offer pull-through spots suitable for medium-sized trailers. "We were hauling a 20 ft camper looking to find the pull through spot we saw on the maps. The gravel road was accessible and pretty easy with the camper," reports TexasRed.
Prepare for variable terrain: Many RV-accessible sites require leveling. "The first pull of recommended was too steep for our van. We pulled off at a great spot about 1/4 mile down the road with awesome views," advises camper c G.
