Rod & Gun Campground, near Lead, South Dakota, is a cozy spot that offers a peaceful escape for those looking to connect with nature. With a handful of sites tucked away in a serene setting, it’s perfect for tent camping or RVs, especially if you enjoy a bit of privacy.

This campground is all about simplicity and tranquility. Visitors have raved about the clean facilities, including well-maintained toilets, and the drinking water is reported to be quite palatable. You’ll find a lovely creek nearby, complete with a small waterfall that adds to the ambiance and helps drown out any noise from passing UTVs. As one camper noted, “There was a small waterfall that helped drown out some of the noise.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a dream. You can hike along beautiful trails, bike ride, or take a quick drive to explore multiple full-size waterfalls. The lack of light pollution makes for stunning stargazing at night, so don’t forget to look up after dark. 

While the campground doesn’t offer many amenities—no showers or trash services, for instance—this is part of its charm. It’s a great spot for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience. Campers have mentioned the quiet atmosphere and the chance to unwind in nature, making Rod & Gun Campground a solid choice for your next adventure.

Rod & Gun Campground

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Lead, SD has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lead. Find the best campgrounds near Lead, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Lead

The Best Camping Near Lead, South Dakota

Spent almost 2 weeks here in the off season. Was busy, but the sites are far enough apart for privacy/quiet. Beautiful trail along the creak (nice bike riding) and yes, did stop at the "Dance with Wolves" film site. (oh yea, it did snow on us)

Not too far town or the climbing areas (always important to us) Would definitely recommend this place and stay here again.

Nice & secluded

Serene campsite with the perfect mix of tall trees and a large bluff. Drinking water was palatable. I personally think campsite 7 was the best. Path down to the creek and there was a small waterfall right there. Rod &amp; Gun is a great location in Spearfish Canyon. Great for hiking and a quick drive to multiple full-size waterfalls. 

Camping Beside a Mini Waterfall 

Opened for the season a couple of days ago. Clean toilet and recently pumped.
Looks like they cleared out a bunch of timber. 
Trees just started to leaf so not much shade except under a couple of pines.
Quiet, primitive, no cell service.

Nice campground

If you are tent camping and want to stay near spearfish canyon this is a great option. There’s only a few sites and it’s first come first served but we managed to get a site at the end next to the creek after pulling in on a Saturday afternoon. There was a small waterfall that helped drown out some of the noise of UTVs driving by. Very little light pollution which provided for excellent star gazing in the evening!

Small and secluded

As a first come first serve campground, there were plenty of sites on a Wednesday. It’s on the Roughlock Falls road which is rutty gravel in spots &amp; rough on a regular travel trailer. Moderate road noise from UTVs &amp; a popular pit stop for them. This is why I rated 3 stars. Plenty of sunshine on all the sites for solar camping. The creek is in the ditch way with limited access by the driveway. Pets are additional a night. Limited cell service, if any.

Well maintained campground along Spearfish Canyon

Nice quiet little campground. There is a small creek running next to some campsites. The campground is very open with very little privacy between campsites. 

Photos of Rod & Gun Campground

Real photos from real campers