Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground accommodates RVs up to 77 feet across four loops within Black Hills National Forest, with reservations available through Recreation.gov at $28 per night during the mid-May through late August season. The Forest Service maintains over 90 sites on a forested peninsula, where three loops offer direct lake access and the fourth provides interior positioning with partial lake views through the trees.
The Woodsy Loop draws frequent mention from campers for its proximity to Sheridan Lake's shoreline. "You can launch a SUP just a short walk to the water," notes Laura K.. Sites sit on sloped terrain leading down to the water, which works well for RVs but can challenge tent campers seeking level ground. Ponderosa pines provide substantial shade throughout most sites, though campers report being able to see and hear neighbors across the moderately spaced layout.
Fishing produces consistent bluegill catches in the lake's backwaters, while two designated swimming beaches serve families with children. The campground provides vault toilets that reviewers consistently describe as clean, along with potable water, fire rings with cooking grates, and firewood sales through camp hosts. Cell service remains unavailable throughout most of the campground, with occasional signal possible near the main road overlooking the beach area.
Access requires attention to GPS routing, as some devices direct drivers down a rough gravel road unsuitable for large RVs. The paved route provides better access for bigger rigs, though the gravel option works for smaller vehicles and offers an alternate approach. The campground fills quickly on weekends, particularly lakeside sites, and becomes especially busy during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore sites near Black Hills National Forest.
This campground works well for RV campers prioritizing water access and families seeking swimming and fishing opportunities within easy reach of Black Hills attractions.
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 3/20/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 3/20/26
- 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


























































