Camping near Whitewood, South Dakota offers options ranging from National Forest dispersed sites to full-service RV resorts within a 20-mile radius. At an elevation around 3,600 feet, the Black Hills camping season typically runs from late April through October, though winter camping is available at select locations. Visitors report mild summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-85°F with occasional afternoon thunderstorms during July and August.
What to do
Hike Spearfish Canyon trails: The scenic byway offers multiple trail options within 15 minutes of Whitewood camping areas. "Spend a day driving Spearfish canyon and hiking to waterfalls," notes a visitor at Spearfish City Campground, which provides access to "beautiful, peaceful trails everywhere" and allows campers to "hop your bike and go down the canyon and have brunch at Latchstring Restaurant."
Visit Roosevelt Friendship Tower: This short hike near dispersed camping areas provides panoramic views. A camper at Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite reports: "Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended. Tons of bees in the wildflowers but they never bothered us."
Fish at Bear Butte Lake: Located about 30 minutes east of Whitewood. "Beautiful lake you can walk completely around. Seems like a good spot to go fishing/kayaking/SUP/boating," comments a visitor to Bear Butte State Park Campground. The lake is accessible for small watercraft with tent sites near the shore.
Explore historic Deadwood: Gaming and historic attractions are minutes away from several campgrounds. Some camps offer direct shuttles—"The trolley to town runs on the hour, it cost $1. Best deal in town," notes a camper at Deadwood KOA.
What campers like
Direct access to OHV trails: Some campgrounds provide immediate access to forest service trails. "We have a larger side by side, so when I called they made sure that we would have a spot to fit that too," explained a guest at Whistler Gulch Campground & RV Park.
Swimming pools during hot days: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer relief. According to a camper at Chris' Campground: "They have 3 heated pools, a basketball court, recreation room, playground, & petting zoo for the kids, as well as a camp store, laundry facility, free WiFi and fire pits."
Free dispersed camping options: Forest Service roads offer no-cost alternatives. "Nice and quiet spot!" reports a camper about Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite, which features multiple pull-off areas along the road leading to the monument.
Private bathroom facilities: Many campers appreciate upgraded shower areas. A visitor to Spearfish KOA mentioned: "Very clean bathrooms and showers. Nice pool area. Convenient off the interstate." Some resorts feature private shower/bathroom combinations rather than communal facilities.
What you should know
Rough roads at dispersed sites: High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for some free camping areas. A visitor to Mount Roosevelt Road noted: "Road was in good shape. Lots of deer and wild life so watch out. Nice views but not that many spots before the super bumpy road about a mile in so we didn't go further."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. "We tent camped here once, which has a lot of space for it, and have also stayed with our camper trailer. This is a busy campground so reserving is the best way to get a spot especially if you want to bring an RV," advises a camper at Days End Campground.
Seasonal amenities: Pool facilities typically operate Memorial Day through Labor Day. A camper at Chris' Campground noted: "2 separate pools depending on if you want to listen to a bunch of screaming kids or not." Many campgrounds close entirely from October to April.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. "We got T mobile and we got 2 bars," reported a camper at Mount Roosevelt Road, while others note stronger Verizon coverage throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Several locations offer dedicated children's areas. A visitor to Spearfish City Campground shared: "Across the street is a fish pond hatchery (and aquarium like) and a big fun playground. Lots of bike/walking paths that go into the cute town."
Consider evening entertainment options: Some campgrounds organize activities. "The city of Spearfish had activities in the park (about 1/4 mile away) every evening (magician, concerts, etc). The hatchery was great as well," notes another Spearfish City Campground visitor.
Look for creek-side sites: Water features keep kids entertained. "There is a lovely creek you can sit by and enjoy. Facilities clean. Management is friendly and laid back," explained a Spearfish City Campground visitor, while another mentioned "it was nice going to sleep and waking up with the sound of the water."
Select campgrounds with wildlife viewing: Many kids enjoy animal sightings. "Woke up to deer munching on acorns right outside our rig," reported a visitor at Wild Bill's Campground, which features a creek running through the property.
Tips from RVers
Reserve pull-through sites when available: Backing into tight spots creates challenges. "The campground itself is wonderful. It is however not really set up for a 45' Class A, but it is navigable," noted a visitor to Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort & Cabins. The reviewer advised: "Sites 1 and 30 are pull throughs. 31-34 easily accommodate large RVs."
Consider campground layout: Amenity proximity matters for large rigs. "Bathrooms and showers were nice but they need a path so you don't have to walk all the way around the campsite loop at night and in the rain," commented a Spearfish City Campground visitor.
Check site levelness: Many Black Hills campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Sites are very close and there were lots of unattended barking dogs in the morning and evenings we stayed as a rally going on," reported a Spearfish City Campground visitor who otherwise enjoyed the facilities.
Utility placement matters: Review site layouts before booking. "The utilities are smartly placed in the middle of the pad," mentioned a Spearfish KOA visitor, highlighting why some campgrounds work better for certain RV configurations than others.
