Black Hills National Forest dispersed camping sites near Nemo, South Dakota typically range from 5,000-6,000 feet elevation, offering cooler temperatures than lower elevations during summer months. Most tent camping areas sit among ponderosa pines with needle-covered ground that provides natural padding for tents but can be uneven or sloped in many spots. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with higher elevation sites generally offering better connectivity.
What to do
Hike to Roosevelt Friendship Tower: The trail at Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite offers a short walk to a historic lookout structure. "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.
Rock climbing access: Tent campers can access numerous climbing routes from Wrinkled Rock camping area. A visitor shared, "Super convenient for climbers. Scenic campgrounds with 100s of climbing routes within walking distance...Swimming and cliff jumping at Horsethief lake only a short walk away."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or evening hours are best for spotting deer and other wildlife. "We truly enjoyed our stay, the views, and the wildlife!" reports Misty B. about her stay at Mount Roosevelt Road. The higher elevation sites often provide better wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate the central location for exploring the region. At North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, Francois T. noted, "During our stay, we toured Custer State Park, Jewel and Wind Cave, as well as Mt. Rushmore. We found the location to be very central."
Peace and quiet: The dispersed nature of sites means more solitude than developed campgrounds. "Tranquil spot to escape it all," writes Christine C. about Mount Roosevelt Camp. Most campers report minimal noise after dark on forest roads.
Solar and satellite access: Some areas have adequate clearings for those needing power or communications. "The trees are spread out enough for solar/starlink," notes Kelda C. about North Pole Road camping areas. This can be crucial for remote workers needing connectivity while camping.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to the best tent camping near Nemo depends on your vehicle. At RD 356 Dispersed Site, Tyler M. advises, "The road is well maintained and easy to get down. I saw some larger RVs at the sites closer to the entrance, but I would not recommend venturing too far down in a larger rig as there is somewhat of a tight turn in the road."
Fire restrictions common: Many areas prohibit campfires regardless of season. Sam S. notes at RD 356, "Road noise is blocked pretty well by the topography, but not the views. Be aware that there is some broken glass in some of the tent sites."
Limited number of accessible sites: Popular areas fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Josh Z. reports about North Pole Road, "The only spot open is probably considered 'the first spot'. All the other spots down the road were taken so we pulled into a field across from the private road."
Tips for camping with families
Scout for flat spots: Finding level tent areas can be challenging with kids. At Bogus Jim Creek Campsite, SAM notes, "Small slant unlevel but good...Fr202 turn uphill but not muddy...on right." Arriving early gives families better site selection.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer easier access to family activities. Connor M. shares about RD 356, "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions...We are planning on staying here again in the future because of it's close proximity to everything and my 6 year old loved it!"
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly, requiring extra clothing and rain gear. "Be prepared for some snow, even in late May," warns Kelda C. about North Pole Road camping. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common.
Tips from RVers
Stay near entrance roads: For RVs and trailers, sites closest to main roads offer easiest access. At Whispering Pines Campground, Susan D. advises, "Kind of packed in here, but we needed a place to scout from, so this was perfect. Sites are big enough to accommodate most any size rig."
Site availability timing: Weekday arrivals dramatically improve chances of finding suitable spots for larger vehicles. "Great spot for a night. The only spot open is probably considered 'the first spot'," notes Josh Z. about attempting weekend camping at North Pole Road.
Leveling requirements: Most dispersed sites require significant leveling for RVs. "The road does have some bumps in it but overall you do not need a four-wheel drive," shares Ben H. about RD 356, though he warns that most sites aren't perfectly level.
