Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Spearfish, SD
Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins offers a fenced dog park for pets to exercise off-leash while camping near Spearfish. Several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area accommodate dogs with varying amenities and policies. Chris' Campground, previously featuring a petting zoo that has been converted to a dog park, welcomes pets at their tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. Spearfish KOA provides a small fenced dog park and access to a 7.5-mile nature trail along the river that's perfect for walking dogs. The KOA staff is noted as super nice and helpful, though some guests observe that dog waste pickup rules aren't consistently enforced throughout the grounds. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite allows pets in a more primitive setting for those seeking free camping with dogs.
Spearfish Canyon offers excellent dog-friendly hiking opportunities with several trails accessible from local campgrounds. Campers report that many sites feature grassy areas between campsites, providing comfortable spaces for pets. Rocky Point Recreation Area, located at Belle Fourche Reservoir, includes a dedicated dog park alongside its camping facilities. During summer months, temperatures in the Black Hills region can reach the 80s-90s, requiring extra attention to pet hydration and shade access. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed except in designated off-leash areas, with leash lengths typically restricted to six feet or less. Wildlife encounters are possible in this region, so keeping dogs secured is essential for both pet safety and wildlife protection.
