The Black Hills region surrounding Nemo, South Dakota sits at elevations ranging from 4,000-6,000 feet, creating distinct temperature variations between day and night. Cabin accommodations near Nemo typically require early reservations, especially for holiday weekends when temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer. Most cabin camping options cluster along Highway 385 and nearby forest roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Roubaix Lake Campground offers access to a small mountain lake popular with families. "The lake is small but still great," notes one visitor, while another adds, "The lake was too cold to 'swim' in. Wading to your knees was fine considering it's a mountain lake in June."
Trail riding adventures: Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch provides extensive horseback riding options. "There are UTVs that you can rent to go out on the trails... there's a fun zone for the kids that has bouncy houses, the pools, Mini Golf and more! There are over 500 sites at this campground plus cabins, a restaurant, a hotel, riding stables etc," explains one camper.
Local entertainment: Wild Bill's Campground features on-site dining and entertainment close to cabin accommodations. "Park had a pub to eat and watch some football," notes one visitor, while another adds, "Bar and grill was so good and I'm still dreaming about that burger. Has a shuttle to get you into Deadwood if you aren't able to drive."
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Sylvan Lake Campground offers tent camping options with remarkable privacy. "My family camped at a walk in site. It was about .15 miles uphill to the site. A bit of work to get everything up the hill but it was worth it. The views and seclusion were amazing. There are huge rocks my kids enjoyed scrambling up."
Forested settings: Roubaix Lake features wooded campsites with easy lake access. "Lots of trees and sites were nicely spread out. Loop C seemed to have more tent only or van camping. But all types of camping units were dispersed throughout," reports one visitor who stayed in June 2024.
Evening activities: Mount Rushmore KOA organizes nightly events for all ages. "There's a lot to do here—trail rides, cookouts, and lots of programs each day and evening geared towards the family," explains a reviewer, while another adds "by far my favorite thing every morning was the 'cowgirl wake up call' when they rounded up the horses and herded them to the front of the campground along a channel near our campsite."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Night temperatures in the Nemo area regularly drop into the 30s even during summer months. "The pad is very well elevated in case a sporadic storm moves through as it did this night," notes a visitor at Roubaix Lake, highlighting the importance of preparation for changing conditions.
Reservation requirements: Rafter J Bar Ranch fills quickly during peak season. A visitor explains, "Great place to stay with a little something for everyone. Tough to get reservations and a little spendy, but the staff was great, lots of space and tree cover, great activities, and amenities."
Off-road vehicle traffic: Several camping areas near Nemo permit ATV/UTV access, affecting noise levels. A Roubaix Lake visitor noted: "ORV use is heavy in area and some periodically came thro main road, but not too bad."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Rapid City KOA provides multiple water features for children. "Kids loved the playground & we had a nice time at the pancake breakfast. People working there are very kind & made us smile with the fun pancakes!" writes one family camper.
Playground amenities: Several cabin camping locations offer dedicated play areas. A visitor at Rafter J Bar Ranch mentions "Kids loved the pool, hot tub, basketball, and volleyball court. I loved the wide open feel of the campground."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented programs. "There are lots of different site designations—some have water/electric but no waste, etc... There's a lot to do here—trail rides, cookouts, and lots of programs each day and evening geared towards the family," reports a visitor at Mount Rushmore KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Steel Wheel Campground offers premium sites along a creek. "Our campsite was along a creek so sleeping was relaxing," notes one RVer, while another adds, "Not a lot of privacy between sites, but plenty of room. Full hookups with convenience store adjacent."
Bathroom facilities: Many cabin camping areas near Nemo feature high-quality shower buildings. "Bathrooms and showers were cleanest and roomiest we experienced in 2.5 month travels," reports a visitor at Steel Wheel Campground, while a Days End Campground visitor noted the "clean shower houses, very friendly staff."
Temperature variations: Prepare for significant day-night temperature swings. "Higher elevation above Deadwood, so a bit cooler," notes a Steel Wheel camper, explaining one advantage of the location.
