4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Boxelder Forks Campground charges a $2 pet fee per night in addition to the standard $24 camping rate, with half-price discounts available for America the Beautiful pass holders. This Black Hills National Forest site welcomes pets at all 14 first-come, first-served campsites, providing access to a beautiful creek that dogs particularly enjoy. West Nemo Dispersed Camping offers free primitive camping with pets allowed and no designated sites, making it ideal for those seeking budget-friendly options with their animals. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch features a designated dog park behind some campsites, though reviews note this proximity can create noise issues for adjacent sites. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less, with Elk Mountain Campground specifically enforcing this policy for all dogs.
The dog-friendly trail system surrounding Nemo provides excellent exercise opportunities for pets, with the Michelson Trail approximately one mile from Fort Welikit Family Campground offering 114 miles of pet-accessible pathways through the mountains. Many campgrounds feature fenced dog parks, including Fort Welikit which recently added a second area specifically for smaller dogs. Wildlife encounters require vigilance when camping with pets as deer and wild turkeys frequently wander through campsites throughout the Black Hills region. The small town of Nemo, located about three miles from Boxelder Forks Campground, offers limited services including restaurants, bars and a convenience store. Campers needing veterinary care can find the nearest hospital approximately one mile from some campgrounds. Summer temperatures in the Black Hills can fluctuate significantly, requiring pet owners to ensure adequate shade and water access throughout their stay.
"A tent-only area, which I appreciate- those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities- tables, fire pits, bathrooms."
"A tent-only area, which I appreciate - those tend to be quieter than the RV spots, and the tent area was close to the reservoir. Standard campsite amenities - tables, fire pits, bathrooms."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"This campground offers over 90 sites along the shores of a lovely reservoir in the vacation wonderland of the Black Hills of South Dakota."
"So close to so many places to visit, which we never did (we loved every minute being disconnected). The weather was mostly perfect, besides some hail and rain a couple nights."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it."
"Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."
"24 a night (half price with America the beautiful pass) + $2 for pets. Hand cranked water well and two vault toilets. Beautiful creek right next to the campground. "
"There is also a store nearby if you forget anything. A beautiful creek flows next to the campground for wading. I would love to go back! My children still talk about it."
from $24 / night
"Hands down the best spot I have camped at in South Dakota. Would highly recommend if you ever get the chance."
"My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions. There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most spots don't have a fire ring that I could see."
"It's a nice location. Not too far from town, so you can easily drive into deadwood, for the day/night if you want. Beautiful spot, I recently stayed in a site just a short walk away from the water."
"This campground is very quiet and serene, the lake is great for fishing, floating or just swimming. Our spot I was worried about cause our tent is gigantic."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"It is a bit noisy because of the trails used by off-road vehicles."
"This spot is at the end of a forest road that runs west of Nemo, SD. There are other dispersed camping sites along the way as well."
"My parents were able to rent a deluxe cabin right next to our campsite. My parents don’t “camp,” so this was perfect for a family vacation."
"Close to Mount Rushmore and National Forests for hiking. - some highway noise but excessive"
"Situated on a small lake, you can cliff-dive here, fish or visit the needles hiking trail. The campsites are nice, but fill up quickly."
"If you're touring the Black Hills, and hitting all of the outdoor attractions, Horsethief Lake is perfectly placed to access it all."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"The location is super convenient, right off I-90 with easy access to Sturgis, Mount Rushmore, and Deadwood."
"Negs, close to highway, train. Short dirt road. Pos, nice folks, easy in/out, very clean."
GuideFree. Talk to the local market right in town if there is any free dispersed area to camp at. I was led out here by a local on a side by side. They are SUPER friendly. Pack in pack out. during Sturgis weekend they also have biker breakfast from the volunteer fire department. It’s easy to get in and out. Wild cows. Great adventure bike trails(check out the local atv rental or Vintage USA Mike in Rapid City for a motorcycle)
GuideNice, safe spot to camp. Stayed in October, so no running water or bathrooms, just the vault toilets. Quiet, clean, peaceful. No service with verizon, but they do have wifi. 30 mins out from Hot Springs. Lots of Buffalo and Prarie Dogs to watch. Pet friendly, but be careful, mountain lions and other animals in the area.
TravelerExcellent laye season stay! Early on the road is very well groomed and easily accessible. There were a spots that looked really nice with people already set up so I continued in. There are plenty of spots leading all the way back until the road dead ends into trails. Which also has a nice little turn out at the very end big enough for a small site. Though the road does have some pretty rough spots and some steep ledges in areas youll have to traverse past to get to more spots. Recommend good clearance and no rigs as you get deeper in.
TravelerNice place for October. Easy access from interstate 90. Everything looks clean and fresh. I wasn't camping with a horse trailer but campground is set up with extra wide spaces to accommodate them. Corals available for horses. Hiking and riding trail adjacent to campground.
ScoutI’m writing this as a warning to solo travelers.
I agree that the resort is lovely, and I initially had a very positive impression of the owner, Garret. Unfortunately, it seems Garret took an interest in me that moved beyond hosting. This led to what was, frankly, alarming conduct that included surveillance-like behavior.
For example, he told me he noticed where I was on the property and who I was talking to. One night, I came out after midnight to walk my dog and discovered he’d been sitting in the dark watching my camper; he called me over, and during that conversation told me he’d been photographing my camp without my knowledge or consent. He also told me he wondered whether I was single and told me he himself was single, while in reality his partner was living with him on the property at the time.
The inappropriate advances continued even after I left the resort.
The land is beautiful, but if you go alone, I would be careful to maintain very clear boundaries with the host both during your stay and after you leave.
GuideThis is a nice, quiet spot. There are technically only 4 spots to camp, as you are not supposed to camp down in the big open area by the trailhead. The spots are on the smaller side so large RVs would have a hard time fitting.
ScoutBeautiful area great staff
ScoutGreat location to visit Lead, Deadwood and spearfish. Campground is loaded with amenities and economical. Not far off I90. Easy to maneuver. Very clean and quiet. My site is level. Has a nice fenced in dog park, pool, hot tub, basketball and tennis courts, playground. Very little shade., cable tv,
ScoutThe drive to the campsite was mostly on a paved road then on a regular gravel road. Could fit 3-4 vehicles plus at least one tent spot. A couple deer encounters since it’s close to the creek too.
Camping options near Nemo, South Dakota range from small, primitive forest service campgrounds to larger sites with a variety of amenities. Located in the northern Black Hills at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, the Nemo area experiences temperature fluctuations between 40-85°F during summer months. The region sits at the intersection of several forest service roads, making it a popular access point for OHV trails and dispersed camping options.
Explore OHV trails: West Nemo dispersed camping area connects to multiple off-road vehicle trails. "There are other dispersed camping sites along the way as well. 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," notes Jim H. about West Nemo - Dispersed Camping.
Fish in mountain lakes: Several nearby lakes offer fishing opportunities within 20-30 minutes of Nemo. "There's a trailhead 'Black Elk Wilderness' nearby that takes you into the woods. The lake below is a popular fishing spot," explains Shelly S. about Horsethief Lake Campground.
Enjoy water recreation: Sheridan Lake, about 25 minutes south of Nemo, offers swimming and fishing. "Reserved a site in the Chipper loop for a last minute trip to SD, worked out pretty well and snagged #86 by the lake. Great views, although it was a little close to other sites for my personal preference," shares Alexis R.
Proximity to attractions: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Nemo provide easy access to regional attractions. "15 minutes from Deadwood and Lead, 1 hour from Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial (a must see!)," reports Angela M. about Wild Bill's Campground.
Secluded forest sites: Smaller campgrounds provide privacy compared to larger facilities. "Clean small and private campground, the campsites here are perfect for tent camping and the area is absolutely gorgeous. Would definitely recommend and forsure coming back," writes Conor P. about Boxelder Forks.
Accessible water features: Campers value sites with easy water access. "Had private lake access from our site. Well kept primitive camp ground," mentions Kara S. about Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground. Many pet-friendly sites in the Nemo area feature creek or lake access.
Seasonal availability: Many smaller campgrounds operate on limited seasonal schedules. "Hand cranked water well and two vault toilets. Beautiful creek right next to the campground. I stayed in a 24ft travel trailer," reports Tom B. about Boxelder Forks Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Most forest service campgrounds have vault toilets with varying cleanliness levels. "The vault toilet was clean and spacious. It's quiet and private. You're surrounded by pine trees, and Box Elder Creek flows nearby," says Donna E.
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds in the area work on a first-come, first-served basis. At Roubaix Lake, "This campground is very quiet and serene, the lake is great for fishing, floating or just swimming. Our spot I was worried about cause our tent is gigantic. It fit it, as well as everyone else's that we were with," says Rachael R.
OHV rentals: For families with older children, several locations offer vehicle rentals. "This campground is very clean, well kept, and VERY Large! There are UTVs that you can rent to go out on the trails," recommends Lynn N. about Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch.
Kid-friendly lakes: Select campgrounds with swimming beaches suitable for children. "The lake is small but still great," notes Shiloh D. about Roubaix Lake, which maintains a designated swimming area away from fishing zones.
Scheduled activities: Some larger facilities offer organized events. "There's always an evening event and breakfast is available-do not miss out on the pancakes. Geared toward RVs but there are a few decent sites for small tent with trees for shade," explains AJ L. about Rapid City KOA.
Limited hookups: Most forest service campgrounds near Nemo have no hookups. "No electricity or running water but well worth it. We had a spot just above the lake and plenty of room to do whatever we wanted!" shares Ryan M. about Pactola Reservoir.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "One of the largest KOAs in the US. It's basically a small town with two pools, a village of shops and restaurants, tons of activities, and a large horse stable with trail rides. We had a nice back in site on the edge of a hill with plenty of privacy. However most the full hookup sites were really tight and had no shade," warns Zach H. about Palmer Gulch.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management at commercial facilities. "There is an RV park in Nemo and you can use their dump station for $10," advises Tom B. about options near Boxelder Forks Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nemo, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nemo, SD is Pactola Reservoir Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nemo, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 204 dog-friendly camping locations near Nemo, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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