Fort Meade Horse Camp sits 15 miles east of Spearfish in the Black Hills National Forest at 3,624 feet elevation. The campground remains open year-round with seasonal price adjustments from $30 per night. Black Hills equestrian trails connect directly to the campground with designated parking areas for trailers accommodating various sizes of recreational vehicles.
What to do
Trail riding access: The Black Fox Campground provides close access to multiple ATV and horseback riding trails through the national forest. "If your not into fishing, just hop on to your ATV and go explore the many trails that are situated right around the campground. Not only will you be able to enjoy nature, but you will see elk, deer, turkey and if your lucky, a mountain lion!" notes camper Hope H.
Fishing opportunities: Several horse campgrounds near Spearfish, South Dakota offer fishing options. The small creek at Black Fox Campground provides rainbow trout fishing directly behind many campsites. Iron Creek Lake Campground offers lake fishing with "Great Trout, and even some Bass fishing" according to Russ N., who adds "Wildlife all around" the mountain lake.
Water recreation: Iron Creek Lake features beach areas suitable for wading and small watercraft. "This is a great lake to have a water toy like a kayak, and there are rentals available too," explains Aaron S., who visited in late August. The lake includes "some beach area for frog catching and splashing around with little kids."
What campers like
Natural setting: The primitive nature of equestrian campgrounds near Spearfish appeals to riders seeking basic facilities. Whistler Gulch Campground offers more developed sites nearby with "full hook up" options. Camper B M. notes: "We backed up to a mountain not a bad view... You can trolley from the campground into town Deadwood it's $1.00 each way."
Quiet evenings: Most horse campgrounds maintain quiet hours and limited activities after dark. The remote location minimizes light pollution, making stargazing possible. At Sylvan Lake Campground, visitors appreciate the natural setting: "What a fantastic campsite within walking distance of picturesque Sylvan Lake. Reserve online and drive directly to the reserved site... Site had a level tent pad and tons of privacy on the corner loop," reports Katie S.
Off-season value: Several campgrounds offer reduced rates during off-peak seasons. Travis A. noted the recent change at Fort Meade Horse Camp: "It use to be free camping after October. They have raised the price to $30 a day, per site." Despite the price increase, shoulder season camping offers fewer crowds and cooler temperatures for horse activities.
What you should know
Water availability: Many horse campgrounds lack water hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. At Black Fox Campground, Jacob T. reports: "Vault toilet, no faucets. Asked the host who said just to boil the stream water for fresh water." Bring water containers that can be filled at nearby developed campgrounds.
Elevation considerations: The Black Hills horse trails involve significant elevation changes. Rafter J Bar Ranch camper Bill S. notes the area's "Plenty of room. Kids had tons of room to play... Stayed here for a week to tour the area." The elevation affects temperature swings between day and night.
Limited services: Horse campgrounds prioritize equestrian facilities over amenities. Leslie B. describes Black Fox as "Remote for the Black Hills. No water, no trash, no cell service. Please pack out your trash; unfortunately, someone thought aluminum cans would burn." Plan accordingly for limited services at equestrian sites.
Tips for camping with families
Alternative accommodations: For families mixing riders with non-riders, consider campgrounds with diverse options. Mount Rushmore KOA offers "a small town with two pools, a village of shops and restaurants, tons of activities, and a large horse stable with trail rides," according to Terrie M., who enjoyed watching "the cowgirl wake up call when they rounded up the horses and herded them to the front of the campground."
Safety precautions: Maintain distance between children and unfamiliar horses. Some campgrounds separate equestrian areas from general camping. At Iron Creek Lake Campground, Aaron S. found "The trail around the lake is easy to walk and there is some beach area for frog catching and splashing around with little kids."
Weather preparedness: Black Hills weather changes rapidly, requiring layered clothing and rain gear. Leslie B. reports that Iron Creek Lake was "wonderful, not crowded" in late August, a time when temperatures moderate but afternoon thunderstorms remain possible.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Equestrian campgrounds often have limited RV accessibility. For larger rigs, Jennifer O. advises caution at Sylvan Lake: "No dump site and the potable water fill station requires you block the road. Electric only at our site, very unlevel, hard to get into. Recommend a small rig than us, we were at 25 ft with two slides."
Leveling challenges: Many Black Hills campgrounds feature uneven terrain. Hannah P. describes Iron Creek Lake: "I have a 25' camper and the site they put me in was pretty tight and on a hill as most are here. Took all my blocks and a couple big stumps but we got it figured out."
Dump station logistics: Plan ahead for waste disposal as equestrian campgrounds often have basic facilities. Aaron S. notes at Iron Creek Lake: "We didn't even use the dumpstation as the way it is positioned I couldn't get the tanks dumped, so that was a bummer. We went into Spearfish campground owned by the city and dumped there."
