Rifle Pit

Rifle Pit is a primitive, non-reservable campground that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It features basic amenities including bathrooms without showers. There are 27 sites available, but limited facilities overall. This is primarily a pack-in, pack-out campground, so come prepared with everything you need, including water and waste disposal solutions.

Rifle Pit may not be suitable for larger RVs or buses. The access road can be challenging and may not appear well-maintained. Consider smaller vehicles or camping setups for this location. If you're traveling with a larger vehicle, you might want to scout the area first or look into the dispersed camping options nearby on Rifle Pit Road instead.

Reservations are not accepted at Rifle Pit Campground. All 27 sites operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak seasons or weekends, arrive early to secure a spot.

Rifle Pit Campground is located at coordinates 44.60622, -103.90540 in the Black Hills National Forest area. The campground is accessible via Rifle Pit Road, which also has some dispersed camping options nearby.

The area around Rifle Pit Campground offers several recreational opportunities. Angostura Recreation Area is worth visiting, and the Norbeck Trail provides excellent hiking nearby. Wildlife viewing is also notable, with elk sometimes heard rutting in the area at night. Bring binoculars and hiking gear to make the most of your stay.

Yes, dispersed camping is available on Rifle Pit Road near the main campground. These sites offer an alternative if the main campground is full or inaccessible to your vehicle. However, be aware that dispersed camping spots in this area are limited, so have backup options ready.

Elk are known to frequent the area around Rifle Pit Campground, with some campers reporting hearing elk rutting calls at night. This can be an exciting wildlife experience. Always maintain appropriate distance from wildlife and store food properly to avoid attracting animals to your campsite.

The road to Rifle Pit Campground can be challenging. Some visitors have noted that it may not appear well-maintained and could be difficult for larger vehicles like buses or big RVs. Consider a vehicle with decent clearance when planning your visit.