Black Hills National Forest manages Hanna Campground along a creek corridor outside Lead, South Dakota, where a paved road leads all the way in despite the campground's otherwise rustic character. The site count is small, around five developed sites plus a separate tent-only area, which keeps the atmosphere low-key even during peak summer weekends. Reviewers note the campground sits close to the road but that traffic is light enough that it rarely registers at night.
The layout divides into two distinct zones. Sites 1, 2, and 3 run along the creek and have tree cover that provides shade through much of the day. The remaining sites sit in a more open, grassy area with direct sun until late afternoon, so campers sensitive to heat should aim for the creek-side spots. "Pup enjoyed cooling off in the creek," notes Leslie B., and the water access comes up repeatedly as one of the campground's more practical draws. Bug spray is worth packing if you plan to spend time near the water.
A 1.1-mile trail starts near the host site and climbs toward a bluff overlook. It's the main hiking option on-site. Fall visitors report the surrounding canyon takes on notable color, and the road through this stretch is described as one of the more scenic routes in the area. Stars are visible at night. Cell service is listed as available, though at least one earlier review noted spotty coverage, so expectations may vary.
Hanna accommodates RVs up to 55 feet, and the paved access road makes arrival straightforward for larger rigs. The nightly fee runs around $15, and reservations are available, which matters given the limited site count. The campground operates year-round. Campers interested in dog-friendly camping around Black Hills National Forest will find pets are welcome here, with the creek providing a natural draw for dogs on warm days.
Those wanting a more dispersed setup can look into Hanna Road Dispersed Camp roughly half a mile south, or Wickiup Village Cabins to the northwest for a different style of accommodation in the same general corridor.
Description
The Hanna Campground is open one week before Memorial Day through one week after Labor Day. NOTE: Walk-in tent sites are open year round. The elevation is 5,600 ft. 13 Sites. Campground is adjacent to Spruce-lined East Spearfish Creek. A wide Spruce-lined meadow is behind campground in front of pine-covered mountains - a scenic and peaceful place to camp. Half the sites are walk-ins. The Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway begins north of campground at State Rt. 14A. There are limited groceries and gas at Cheyenne Crossing, north of campground. Hanna Campground
Map & DirectionsHanna Campground is located in South Dakota near Lead
Directions
From Lead, SD, take US Highway 85 south 7.6 miles to Hanna campground sign (just beyond Cheyenne Crossing). Turn left at sign and go 2.2 miles to campground.
Coordinates
44.2746403 N
103.85121497 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/5/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/5/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/5/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 9 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 2 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 45 min from Bismarck, ND
