Tent campsites near Piedmont, South Dakota provide access to the Black Hills National Forest, with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet creating diverse camping environments. The area experiences significant temperature swings between day and night, with summer highs around 85°F dropping to 50°F after sunset. Rain patterns can be unpredictable, with brief afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
What to do
Climbing adventures: Near Wrinkled Rock, climbing enthusiasts find hundreds of routes for all skill levels. One visitor noted it's "perfect camp for climbers" with "tons of climbing routes within walking distance" and a bonus of "swimming and cliff jumping at Horsethief lake only a short walk away."
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: The Roosevelt Friendship Tower trail near Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite offers rewarding views after a short hike. A camper mentioned, "Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended. Tons of bees in the wildflowers but they never bothered us."
Wildlife watching: Early morning and dusk provide prime wildlife viewing opportunities. At North Pole Road Dispersed Camping, visitors can spot local fauna in their natural habitat. Campers report hearing "coyotes in the distance" during their stay, adding to the authentic Black Hills experience.
What campers like
Central location: RD 356 Dispersed Site serves as an ideal base for regional exploration. One camper found it had a "perfect location for exploring the Black Hills, Custer State Park, Wind Cave NP, Mt. Rushmore, and Jewel Cave NM" with "spacious sites" available.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A visitor at North Pole Road noted it's "a special place, away from all the sounds of cars and lights from the cities," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed tent sites near Piedmont provide good separation between campers. At North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate that "there are other people but far enough away that you don't feel crowded," allowing for a more secluded experience.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed sites can deteriorate quickly with weather. At RD 356 Dispersed Site, a visitor advised, "High clearance required after the first 3 sites" and another noted that "road had some ruts and a steep hill that turns but once we traversed that we were alone and secluded."
Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions vary by location and season. At Bogus Jim Creek Campsite, signs prohibiting campfires are posted throughout the area, which one camper confirmed noting "no campfire signs all over."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed tent campsites near Piedmont have no amenities. RD 356 Dispersed Site is "a pack in and pack out site with no facilities; no running water, no bathrooms, nothing," according to a recent visitor, so campers must bring all necessary supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly locations: Some sites are particularly welcoming for families with young children. One parent camping at RD 356 Dispersed Site shared, "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions... my 6 year old loved it!"
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations and unexpected storms require proper planning. A camper at Wrinkled Rock experienced "an intense hail/thunderstorm so ended up sleeping half the night in the car," highlighting the need for weather contingency plans.
Educational opportunities: Mount Roosevelt Camp provides learning experiences through historical sites and nature observation. A visitor described it as a "tranquil spot to escape it all," making it ideal for families seeking both education and relaxation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should carefully assess site access before committing. At Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite, an experienced camper advised, "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."
Site limitations: Larger rigs face restrictions at many dispersed sites. At RD 356, one camper observed "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."
Levelness challenges: Many tent campsites near Piedmont present challenges for RV leveling. A visitor at Mount Roosevelt Road noticed some sites had a "hard slant" that could make parking larger vehicles difficult without proper leveling equipment.
