A gravel forest road off the main corridor near Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch leads into RD 356, a free dispersed area within Black Hills National Forest that draws campers who want proximity to the region's main attractions without paying for a developed site. The road is bumpy but generally passable in a standard 2WD vehicle, at least for the first half mile or so. Reviewers with 24-foot RVs have made it work, though most note the road deteriorates further in, and pulling a camper through the rougher sections takes careful judgment. After heavy rain, expect large puddles and soft ground.
Several dispersed sites are scattered along the road, each set back enough from the others to give some separation. As Sam S. puts it, "road noise is blocked pretty well by the topography, but not the views." Sites closer to the entrance tend to be more accessible and level; one reviewer noted a grassy patch behind their pull-out large enough for a four-person tent. Fire rings are scarce, and campfires appear to be prohibited, so plan accordingly. A few sites have had broken glass reported in the tent areas, so take a look before setting up.
Cell coverage is inconsistent. Verizon users report occasional signal at some spots, while others have no service at all. There are no facilities of any kind here, no water, no toilets, nothing. Everything comes in and goes out with you. Nearby trails include a horse trail that is gated to foot traffic, and the surrounding terrain gives access to climbing and fishing within a short distance. The Willow Creek Horse Camp sits close by for those who want a developed alternative.
RD 356 works well as a base for visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area without booking a paid campground, which matters during peak summer months when places to camp near Hill City fill up fast. Campers also use it as a fallback when developed sites are fully booked. Mark your location before driving in since cell service may not be available when you need it most, and bring enough water for your full stay.
Map & DirectionsRD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest is located in South Dakota near Hill City
Coordinates
43.90099434 N
103.524 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/6/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/6/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/6/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 8/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 36 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 39 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 25 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 5 hrs 17 min from Bismarck, ND
