Within Black Hills National Forest, Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground provides over 90 sites spread across four loops along a reservoir shoreline. The US Forest Service manages this established campground, where three of the four loops offer direct lakeside access that fills up quickly during peak season.
The forested hillside setting creates lake views from multiple elevations, even for sites not directly waterfront. Campers consistently note the deep tree cover provides substantial shade during warmer months. Site spacing allows for privacy between neighbors, though RV generators can carry sound across the area during permitted hours. Dan G. observed that "a few spots over look Sheridan Lake and are great if you can get them."
Fishing requires a South Dakota license, and the swimming beach sits within walking distance of all camping loops. Kayakers and paddleboarders launch directly from shoreline areas near their sites. The campground includes pit toilets that reviewers regularly describe as well-maintained, though no shower facilities exist on-site. A nearby campground offers showers for $5 per use.
Road access varies depending on GPS routing from Rapid City. The paved route proves more suitable for larger RVs, while a four-mile gravel alternative works better for smaller vehicles. Cell service remains spotty throughout most loops, with occasional signal near the main road overlooking the beach area. Reservations through Recreation.gov cost $26 per night during high season, with a $10 booking fee. Shari G. notes "back at camp, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and kayaking too" after exploring regional attractions.
For those wanting additional forest camping, Holy Smoke Resort offers a different experience five miles south.
Description
Overview
This campground is along the south shore of Sheridan Lake. Within its 5 large loops, there are many sites with direct access to the lake. Access to the south boat ramp and the Flume Trailhead from within the campground and easy access to the South Beach Area, this recreational complex has everything needed for a fun, family camping experience.
Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail. At 11 miles (plus a 3-mile loop), the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people. The Rockerville Flume carried water 20 miles, from Spring Creek west of present day Sheridan Lake, east to the placer diggings near Rockerville. The flume operated until 1885, and the trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length. Along the way are historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself. Sheridan Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming and boating. The reservoir supports populations of rainbow, brown trout, northern pike and perch. Fly fishing is popular in Spring Creek below the dam, and ice fishing is popular on the lake in winter.
Facilities
Sheridan Lake Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including 2 tent-only sites. Each campsite has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Access to the lake and beach is within walking distance, and a boat ramp is available on-site.
Natural Features
Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world. Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Location
Public CampgroundSheridan Lake South Shore Campground is located in South Dakota
Directions
From Rapid City, take Highway 16 for 18 miles west to Three Forks. Turn right (north) on Highway 385 and travel 2 miles to Calument Road at the inlet. Turn right and travel 1 mile to the campground.
Coordinates
43.9808194 N
103.4722861 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/15/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/15/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 34 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 31 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 16 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 5 hrs 17 min from Bismarck, ND


























































