Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Reva, SD

Even more remote than its buddy, Reva Gap campground over in the Slim Buttes of Harding County, Picnic Spring Campground in the Cave Hills offers its own experience. Its a short drive from Highway 85 over to the hills, then up and into the Ponderosa pine forest capped butte that the campground is situated on. Small canyons border most of the campground as its surrounded by other buttes in this ancient place that is the Cave Hills, one of the oldest geological formations in North America.

There's plenty of 'trails' in the area, just check the Forest Service provided map to make sure you're still on public land. Some areas are leased out to ranchers and have cattle on them during different times of the year, so be mindful of any gates you pass through.

Different roads and trails through the Cave Hills can offer up a bunch of different sights and views from the expansive prairie stretching away from it, the little hillsides and meadows between buttes and all the wildlife that occupies it. The history of the place is fascinating as well and worth looking into.

This COE campground is leased to Bowman Water Board, to reserve a campsite with electric, $15, is https:/bowmannd.com/plan- your- trip/camping/ Marina manager: 701-206-0161 Marina landline: 701-275-6316

There is some question whether this COE Campground will honor America the Beautiful Senior Pass 50% discount since it's now leased to a private entity.

Primitive sites are on a first-come basis, $5, are much prettier and more private!

The electric campsites are not attractive, or level, and my first electric campsite #26, which was quite a distance beyond the marina, had a faulty electric, minimal Verizon signal and no privacy. I had to move to an electric campsite adjacent to the marina, not attractive either but had full Verizon signal strength. Also, the original campsite had a mercury vapor light that blinked non-stop ALL night long. As I understand, there is no water available near the campsite away from the marina.

Although the campsites need repairs, the roads throughout the campground are in excellent condition. Most electric campsites have a picnic table, grill, fire ring or a burnt area where people have campfires directly on the ground. Note: campfires are certainly not warranted at this time, the grasses are extremely dry and it's windy, strong chance of wildfire.

Don't count on swimming in Bowman Haley Lake, signs posted stating the water may contain blue green algae that can be harmful to humans and pets. (Actually, blue green algae has killed a number of pets causing them to experience convulsions and die quickly.) Blue green algae is easily seen along the shoreline. See pic.

Oh, and the flies and mosquitoes!!

Beware, if you are traveling with pets, there are small cactus throughout the grasslands and ticks.

Beyond the marina is a dump site with non-potable water to rinse tanks, a fresh potable water faucet to refill freshwater tanks, and a bathhouse with a flush toilet and a shower. The Marina has a Sunday brunch from 9 - 11:00 a.m. and serves breakfast and lunch the other days, plus beer and wine.

My initial reaction to the campground was negative due to electrical problems. However, I have since changed my mind, the surrounding areas are quite beautiful. Also, I had 4G/LTE 5 bars but that depends on where you are in the campground.

This campground is absolutely FREE with a suggested donation of $12 that we happily gave. This campground is run by the local Lions Club and each site has a picnic table that is painted the traditional Lions Club colors of purple and yellow. Some sites have a charcoal grill. There is a separate ladies and men’s restroom with toilet and sink that are very clean. Also pet clean up bags are provided as well as garbage cans. The cherry on top is the FREE dump station. Campground is very clean, quiet and well kept. Will definitely come back when I’m in the area!

We stayed here with 2 motorhomes, one with tow. Great family owned, very friendly/warm family, organized, helpful and clean. Areas to walk dogs, or yourself (lol). Surrounded by trees and farming. We bbq in the evening and sat outside enjoying the clean air. Lots of grass and trees. We even got some homemade delicious cupcakes from the hosts daughter….yum! Great overnighter and would come again. They have 30 and 50 amp hookups, lots of space. Call ahead and I’m sure they can accommodate your needs. You can fill water and a dump station avail on request.

Great little campground nestled in the pines of the Slim Buttes. Views of more buttes and the prairie to the west with certain spots. Area is gorgeous in one of the most remote areas of SD. Can drive to campging spots a fair distance in to be away from the highway, although the traffic is almost nonexistant.

Some trails to the north of Highway 20 and on the south end of Highway 79 that can take you above and along the cliffs of the buttes with some more spectacular views. You can do some back-country camping if you camp within a certain distance of the trails (grab a forest service map at the campground for reference of trails/roads and private property).

Camping spots in the campground are clean, mowed and have a small fire pit.