Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lead, SD

Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite offers free camping with pets allowed near Lead, South Dakota. This dispersed camping area accommodates tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access, providing a more primitive experience for campers with dogs. Several established campgrounds in the area also welcome pets, including Hanna Campground which remains open year-round with picnic tables, drinking water, and trash service. The bathrooms and showers at many local campgrounds are cleaned daily, though campers should note that some sites have strict rules about picking up after pets.

Wild Bill's Campground features pet-friendly cabins and RV sites with full hookups, situated between two streams with tall pines providing ample shade. Dogs enjoy the long walks around this campground, crossing over creeks on little bridges. Several campgrounds in the region offer dedicated dog parks, including Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort which provides a dog park alongside modern full hookup connections and beautifully landscaped grounds. Spearfish KOA includes both a small fenced dog park and a nature trail with an off-leash dog area for pets to play. Campers should be aware that wildlife including deer and turkeys frequently visit these campgrounds, so keeping dogs leashed outside of designated areas is essential for safety.

Map showing campgrounds near Lead, South Dakota

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Lead, South Dakota (189)

1. Spearfish City Campground
40 Reviews
Spearfish, SD
10 miles
Website
+1 (605) 642-1340
"We picked a site near the back of the camp grounds located near the creek and close to a small parking lot (close by to the pet exercise area on the map - though it's labelled as an ice rink on grounds"

"The area is beautiful and there is a creek that runs around edges and the fish hatchery to tour across the street. "
2. Chris' Campground
17 Reviews
Spearfish, SD
9 miles
Website
+1 (605) 642-2239
$23 - $65 / night
"They have 3 heated pools, a basketball court, recreation room, playground, & petting zoo for the kids, as well as a camp store, laundry facility, free WiFi and fire pits."

"The owners are very helpful and friendly, The campground is close to lots of great activities such as Spearfish Canyon, as well as Deadwood and Lead."

3. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
11 Reviews
Deadwood, SD
3 miles
Website
+1 (605) 673-9200
"The road is easy to drive if coming off the CanAm Hwy side of the mountain. Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended."

"This is not a thru road there is only one entrance off of the CanAm Highway. Roughly about 10 sites depending on set-up. Bathroom close by the entrance/trailhead to Roosevelt Friendship Tower."
4. Wild Bill's Campground
10 Reviews
Lead, SD
5 miles
Website
+1 (605) 578-2800
$28 - $160 / night
"Nestled between 2 streams and the tall pines of the Black Hills, we stayed 3 nights with our 3 dogs. It has everything you need, though the 50 amp sites are back-in, not pull thru."

"Easy to find, very close to Deadwood, clean showers and bathrooms and it has a bar a grill! Bar and grill was so good and I’m still dreaming about that burger."

5. Deadwood KOA
9 Reviews
Lead, SD
1 mile
Website
+1 (605) 578-3830
"We have stayed at this location twice (have gotten the same cabin actually) when Deadwood is having events."

"Our initially reserved campground nearby was sketchy, so we called KOA Deadwood at 4:30 hoping for a last minute reservation (even though the app said they were full)."
6. Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins
10 Reviews
Spearfish, SD
8 miles
Website
+1 (605) 722-1800
"Easy access off I-90 and super close to Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and all this area of South Dakota has to offer."

"The park was easy to get to though our RV GPS wanted to take us up to I-90 and back around versus just taking a left across US-85 into the campground (CG). Check in was easy and informative."

7. Hanna Campground
9 Reviews
Lead, SD
7 miles
Website
+1 (605) 673-9200
"Small, but has 3 shaded sites next to the creek (1,2,3). Nice 1.1 mile hike that starts next to Host site. If you just tent camp, there are about 5 sites off by themselves with a vault toilet."

"Great little spot nestled in the woods next to a small stream. Quiet road that is part dirt at times. Would highly recommend"
8. Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park
10 Reviews
Deadwood, SD
2 miles
Website
+1 (605) 578-2092
"Location is quiet. There is a place to walk dogs. Deadwood trolley comes right to the CG to transport you downtown."

"They are really close to town, so it’s really convenient. We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too."

9. Wickiup Village Cabins
7 Reviews
Lead, SD
7 miles
Website
$146 - $285 / night
"great quiet cabins great location to see all kinds of beautiful sights.. great rides to get to your destination. Great friendly staff . love the creek that flows thru the campgrounds"

"You've shared a very useful and entertaining blog post with the public mapquest driving directions"
10. Days End Campground
12 Reviews
Sturgis, SD
12 miles
+1 (605) 347-2331
$20 - $800 / night
"It has a beer garden, restroom facilities and it's right on the outskirts of town."

"Helpful convenient right next to freeway so noisy all else is great!"

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Lead, SD

109 Photos of 189 Lead Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lead, SD

1617 Reviews of 189 Lead Campgrounds

Wendy
Scout
Aug. 31, 2020
Chris' Campground
quiet place, but a few fyi's
They advertise that they have Wi-Fi but it's almost like they shut it off at 10 o'clock at night when quiet time starts which is a great time for looking up directions or places to see, we could never connect for long and streaming- which means no Netflix its against the rules(which we never saw only overheard). They allow fires but make sure you get a metal ring because it's illegal to have a fire in south Dakota if you don't have one they have them but they don't leave them at the sites or let you know they are available. Also no petting zoo we specifically came here thinking they had one because they advertised and after we arrived they informed us it was turned into a dog park i have no pictures but there's not much to see here
B
Bob R.
Ranger
Jun. 20, 2025
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins
A True Resort
We wanted to spend a couple of days in the Black Hills and also needed full hookups and laundry after about a week of boondocking - Elk Horn Ridge gave us that and more. Easy access off I-90 and super close to Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead and all this area of South Dakota has to offer. The campground is a true resort with concrete pad sites with modern full hookup connections, beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the Frawley Ranch, and a wonderful pool, a pool-side bar, dog park, basketball and pickleball courts, coffee bar and laundry. Our rig was a dirty mess from the boondocking and Elk Horn Ridge even has local mobile companies that come to your site and clean your rig. Ours was cleaned while we hiked the Spearfish Canyon!Loved our time here and special kudos to Ellee and Jordan for their welcome at check in and drinks after dinner!
MickandKarla W.
Legend
Oct. 28, 2022
Spearfish KOA
One of the Nicer KOAs
The KOA was very easy to find right off I 90 and US 85. Check-in was quick and easy and we were guided to pull in site 65 with FHUs. The utilities are smartly placed in the middle of the pad. Our pad was plenty long enough for our 39 fifth wheel and F450 truck. The staff was super nice and helpful and the campground(CG) was well-maintained. We used their laundry room with 6 washers and 6 dryers for$2 a wash and$2 to dry. A bonus was that the dryers actually dried the clothes in 30 minutes. We were right across from their small fenced dog park. We were also close to the 7.5-mile nature trail entrance from the park to the river, which was great for walking our dogs. The CG has curbside trash pick-up plus firewood& ice for sale. The WiFi was above average for a park this size. We got two bars on Verizon. There are trees in the CG, but not enough to prevent you from getting a satellite shot into the sky. Guests with dogs here do not pick up after their dogs in the dog park and especially along the back side of the CG where we were staying. We saw dog poops all over the place and witnessed several times out our back window, and in the dog park, people not picking up after their dogs. The CG doesn't seem to enforce picking up after your pet. There is a lot to see and do in the area. As we were here in October, the leaves were changing in Spearfish Canyon and we enjoyed a really nice leaf peeper drive, and then visited Deadwood, which was having its Octoberfest.
B
Brenda A.
Ranger
Sep. 4, 2021
Heartland RV Park And Cabins
Tidy, Clean, Friendly, Attractions
This is a great place to stay. Not far from Rapid City but close to all the attractions in South Dakota. The heated pool was NOT heated and the hot tub was NOT hot. That is why I gave the CG four stars. I was really looking forward to using them. Also, both seemed overloaded with chemicals. I have owned lots of pools with blue colored bottoms, but these looked like there was “Ty-d-bowl” added. Brilliant, stark blue. I just don’t believe it can be just the basic treatment. See what you think. ???The laundry areas (3 of them) were clean and tidy, too. $2.00 for each, but 45 minutes on the dryer, so that’s fair. 😀 Our spot was a bit difficult for us to level our rig on because the rocks kept slipping. We had to go purchase extra Xchocks. There is a nice store for basic needs, and alcohol, and an event schedule for evening entertainment. The event center serves wings (no celery or carrot sticks), pizza, etc. There is a playground for kids and they said a dog park. —-I did find a big area there, but no fence around it. ???
E
Ellen W.
Guide
Jun. 4, 2020
Fish'n Fry Campground and Cabins
Relaxing & Fun Campground!
I stayed here for 3 weeks at the end of May beginning of June 2020. The staff is super friendly, they will go out of their way to help you or give you information about the area. There is a beautiful creek running through the property that allows you to fish or fall asleep to the sound of the water! Restroom & showers a very clean, as well. You are just a short drive from Lead for Grocery Shopping and mining activities and a short distance to Deadwood with their replay of the Gunfight with Wild Bill Hitcock as well as the capture and trial of Jack McCall the man who shot Wild Bill in the back as he played poker (the deadman's hand). You will not regret camping here, very beautiful area with lots to do!
Jon M.
Guide
May. 20, 2020
Spearfish KOA
Very nice campground
Nice people, very clean bathrooms, close to highway so there’s some road noise. Nature trail with off leash dog area, and a small dog park in the middle for off leash doggy play time.
Jan S.
Guide
Aug. 22, 2021
Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park
Great location for Custer State Park and surrounding area
Very friendly owners. Gravel pads, most have some grassy areas. Turkey and deer walk thru. Has small clean dogpark. Town of Custer has large clean dog park within 2 mile drive. Stayed in 53 FHU 3 nights then moved to 45 W/E as we made reservations late. Both faced away from the center of the campground which was nice. Nice laundry . Okay bath/ shower..didn't use but looked ok. Great campground for folks with dogs and for super easy access to town of Custer and the State Park.
TyAnn J.
Legend
Aug. 7, 2017
Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park
Ranger Review: OOFOS OOlala Slide Sandal at For Welikit Family Campground and RV Park in The Black Hills National Forest Custer, SD
Campground Review:

If you are looking for a family and pet friendly place to camp while visiting the Black Hills South Dakota area, look no further!! We started planning our family trip 6 months ago, and booked the Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV park based on reviews we read online. We wanted to be in between Custer State Park (Kids choice) and The Badlands (Dad and Moms choice)

There are 100 sites nestled in gorgeous tall pine trees. The tent sites are located on the south two loops, and the Tipi and Cabins sites are mixed in with the RV sites. We stayed 9 days in site 20 that is a RV 50 Amp Pull through site. Check in time is 1:00pm, and check out time is 11:00am. **Very important to know: The trees are fighting the Pine Beetle, so they DO NOT allow you to hang anything like clothes line or hammocks on them. ALSO they DO NOT allow you to bring in out of the area firewood. They do sell approved firewood at the office for $4.50 for a small bundle. The family style bathrooms were located just behind our site, and were cleaned daily. (If we ever stayed there again we would ask for a space on a further loop, as this was a high traffic area!!) The offer a laundry room with washers and dryers as well, but bring our quarters as a wash cycle was $1.75 a load, and the dryer is .25 for a 6 minute cycle. The added kids old time fort play area and the dog park area were well kept and there was plenty of room to play ladder ball and washer toss. We would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking for a family/pet friendly area. If you are looking for solitude, this would not be the place for you.

...................................................

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. I tested the OOlala Slide Sandal from OOFOS Footwear https://www.oofos.com/ that I won in the West North Central Review Contest in June. Let me begin by saying I was a little nervous when I thought about what size to order (I am an 8 & 1/2 Wide ladies) I went to the website, and immediately drawn to the OOlala Slide Sandal. When I went into the description, under the "pick your size" button is a handy little "sizing" tab. When you click the tab it reads "If you normally wear a whole size: order the same whole size OOFOS. If you normally wear a half size: Order a half size UP for best fit. (MEN: Order a half size DOWN for best fit) Problem solved!! I ordered the sandals on July 1st and they were delivered on my doorstep on July 5th. Talk about FAST shipping for a holiday week to boot!!

When I took the sandals out of the package I was very impressed with the shape and styling of the shoe. I put them on and know that this was no ordinary pair of slip on sandals!! The arch support immediately took pressure off the ball of my foot, and the cushion put a springy bounce in every single step I took. I couldn't wait to take them on our 10 day family vacation to see how they performed!!

Day #1 we hiked the Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak). It is the highest summit in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. After our 7 mile hike, I couldn't wait to put my OOFOS sandals on and let the recovery begin!! I wore them while showering and walking back to the campsite. My feet did not slip or slide in them, and they were dry within minutes!! The next day we headed to The Bad Lands, and I wore them all day long. They kept my feet comfortable and energized while putting on another 7 miles of walking!! After returning home from our vacation I have worn my OOFOS gardening, fishing, and even washing my SUV. I am 100% hooked on OOFOS!!
Tammy B.
Scout
Oct. 6, 2023
Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park
Best campground in the Black Hills SD
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Tammy B

Local Guide·293 reviews·337 photos

an hour ago

NEW

We were camphosts for the 2023 season.I can't say enough on how Kelly, Steve and his entire family makes sure your well taken care of..they added a second dog park for the little pups, renovated 5 site to give a better camping experience in … More

Amy Kinzler Illg

4 reviews

a month ago

Vacation | Family

Stayed two nights here and overall a very good experience. Nicely equipped campground with a little shop for necessities. We stayed in a tent site with no electricity. Was a very pretty campground with deer, turkeys, a little play area for … More

Travis Trussell

Local Guide·74 reviews·256 photos

a month ago

Vacation | Family

I can't say enough good things about this campground after staying for 6 nights. The spots are spacious and the hookups are located in a perfect spot to make things easy. Bathrooms and showers are very nice and clean. They have a nice dog … More

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Houston & Carolynn

Local Guide·168 reviews·289 photos

a month ago

A very quiet campground. The staff are friendly and I love the showers for they are private little rooms. They have a playground, laundry and these cute little kegs you can stay overnight in. I would recommend this place. The site are very nice. Houston enjoyed the shade and met another friend. … More

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Fort Welikit Family Campground - Custer, South Dakota

Ft. Welikit was lovely and well-maintained. The owners are onsite and very helpful. If you are traveling with small children, this is your place! They ...

9/10(135) · $$$

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Fort Welikit Family Campground Reviews updated 2023

Oct 29, 2013 — This is a really cute family-owned campground. The staff is friendly and helpful. They shared a lot of good information about the area with us.

4.0(11) · 50

Fort Welikit Family Campground

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Fort Welikit Family Campground: Black HIlls Campgrounds

· · · OPEN MAY 1st to OCTOBER 15th · · Located on the scenic Norbeck Byway away from the aeras busy highways yet just one mile North · of the ...

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Fort Welikit Family Campground - Custer, SD

Aug 30, 2016 — It is a very nice place to spend your evenings. Deer and turkeys in the campground everyday. Has a fenced dog park and a small playground for ...

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Fort Welikit Family Campground and RV Park Camping

Absolutely loved our stay here!! Our check in was easy and the staff super pleasant. This is a family oriented campground with a great play area for the kiddos.

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Fort Welikit Family Campground | Custer SD

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Feb 20, 2019 — We are planning a visit to Mt. Rushmore in May and are thinking of staying at Fort Welikit Family Campground. They have some good reviews but

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Fort Welikit Family Campground

It was very quiet and peaceful even though we were there during a peak summer period. The campground is well maintained, family owned and well run. The ...

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Tammy B

Local Guide·293 reviews·337 photos

an hour ago

NEW

We were camphosts for the 2023 season.I can't say enough on how Kelly, Steve and his entire family makes sure your well taken care of..they added a second dog park for the little pups, renovated 5 site to give a better camping experience in those sites. If you need something they are on it..they have the best options for camping.. cabins, teepees, barrel kegs, tent, electric tent, w/e 30 amp, 30 amp full h/hu, 50 amp f/hu, and big rig sites..they have worked endlessly to supply you with the best experience. The campground is not your typical parking lot camping..each site is individually unique..it was made around hills, tons of shade trees,and rock formations. Each site is as level as possible. Restroom are individual with shower sink and toilet.. they are very clean. There is a fort playground for the kids that's fantastic. There is a pavilion that can be used for family gatherings. Several reunions are hosted every year..You will have local wildlife visit daily including deer and turkeys. In the spring the new fawns and chick turkeys are born and are adorable. They are centralized to all attractions..perfect location to everything. The several clients that have been repeat customers for years..staying for 6 to 8 weeks..that speaks for it self..everybody loves it. It's very quiet, the store has everything you need. Michelson trail is approximately 1 mile away which can be walked or ride bikes the 114 miles through the mountains. The hospital is 1 mile away. If your in the area, and you need an excellent place to stay..at the best price.. this is where you want to be.. It's very family friendly including your dogs and cats.

Guide to Lead

Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite offers free camping near Lead, South Dakota, situated in the northern Black Hills at elevations around 5,000 feet. The area features ponderosa pine forests with scattered meadows and limestone formations. Campsites along Mount Roosevelt Road provide primitive accommodations with no hookups but offer relatively easy access from paved highways.

What to do

Hike to Roosevelt Friendship Tower: Located at the Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite, this short trail leads to a historic lookout. "Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended. Tons of bees in the wildflowers but they never bothered us," notes a camper from Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite.

Explore Spearfish Canyon: The canyon offers multiple hiking trails and waterfalls within 20 minutes of Spearfish. "Spend a day driving Spearfish canyon and hiking to waterfalls," recommends a visitor at Spearfish City Campground.

Visit historic mining towns: Both Lead and Deadwood provide glimpses into the region's gold rush past. "We spent a lot of time exploring Spearfish Canyon/Roughlock Falls/Lead/etc but spent one day just to relax at the campground/hatchery/Park. It was great."

What campers like

Creek access: Several campgrounds feature streams running through the properties. At Wild Bill's Campground, "Nestled between 2 streams and the tall pines of the Black Hills, we stayed 3 nights with our 3 dogs. It has everything you need, though the 50 amp sites are back-in, not pull thru."

Proximity to attractions: Most campgrounds provide convenient access to regional highlights. "Great base to visit Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower," according to a visitor at Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite.

Wooded settings: Many campgrounds offer shaded sites within pine forests. One camper at Hanna Campground described it as "Primitive campground, but absolutely!....the most beautiful spot to unwind, see the stars at night, and hiking is amazing."

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most established campgrounds close by early October. "We stayed one evening when traveling thru. Had a hard time finding a spot open (and with bathrooms) after October 1st!" reported a visitor at Wild Bill's Campground.

Reservation requirements: During peak summer months, securing spots in advance is essential. "It was a Saturday afternoon when we arrived and a lot of the spots were taken, however we found an area to pull off the road that was perfect for our tent!" noted a camper at Mount Roosevelt Road.

Varied terrain: Many campgrounds have uneven sites, particularly important for RVs. At Whistler Gulch Campground, "The sights are small and very Unlevel, a picnic table could not be used and was in poor shape."

Wildlife presence: Animal encounters are common at Black Hills campgrounds. "Wildlife including deer and wild life so watch out," warns a camper about Mount Roosevelt Road.

Tips for camping with families

Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming options during summer months. At Chris' Campground, "They have 3 heated pools, a basketball court, recreation room, playground, & petting zoo for the kids, as well as a camp store, laundry facility, free WiFi and fire pits."

City park activities: The Spearfish area features organized summer events. "The city of Spearfish had activities in the park (about 1/4 mile away) every evening (magician, concerts, etc)."

Creek exploration: Children enjoy wading in the gentle streams at many campgrounds. "The stream running through the campground is crystal clear and the kids loved playing in it," shared a visitor to Spearfish City Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, careful site selection is important in this mountainous region. At Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort, "The park was easy to get to though our RV GPS wanted to take us up to I-90 and back around versus just taking a left across US-85 into the campground."

Pet-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds accommodate dogs with dedicated areas. "They do have a fenced pet area with an entrance fenced area then separate areas for small and large dogs. There are also walking trails."

Road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality. For Mount Roosevelt Road, "Road was in good shape. Lots of deer and wild life so watch out. Nice views but not that many spots before the super bumpy road about a mile in so we didn't go further."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lead, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lead, SD is Spearfish City Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 40 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lead, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 189 dog-friendly camping locations near Lead, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring

Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lead, SD

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Lead, South Dakota (189)

1. Spearfish City Campground

2. Chris' Campground

3. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

4. Wild Bill's Campground

5. Deadwood KOA

6. Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins

7. Hanna Campground

8. Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park

9. Wickiup Village Cabins

10. Days End Campground

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Lead, SD

109 Photos of 189 Lead Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lead, SD

1617 Reviews of 189 Lead Campgrounds

quiet place, but a few fyi's

A True Resort

One of the Nicer KOAs

Tidy, Clean, Friendly, Attractions

Relaxing & Fun Campground!

Very nice campground

Great location for Custer State Park and surrounding area

Ranger Review: OOFOS OOlala Slide Sandal at For Welikit Family Campground and RV Park in The Black Hills National Forest Custer, SD

Best campground in the Black Hills SD