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Established Camping

Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Road Construction on US Highway 385 will impact travel for visitors during closures of April 29 through June 13 and August 12 through October 17. Sheridan Lake South will only be able to be accessed from the south side of 385. Approach the campground from US Highway 16 through Three Forks. More information can be found at us-385.com

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground, near Rapid City, South Dakota, is a fantastic spot for those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious campsites nestled among the pines, it’s perfect for both tent and RV camping, though you’ll need to bring your own water and power.

The campground is known for its beautiful lake views and access to fishing and swimming beaches. Many visitors have enjoyed the well-dispersed sites, which provide a sense of privacy and shade. One camper noted, “Camping spots were well dispersed with the majority of them having great shade,” making it a comfortable choice for families and groups alike.

For those who love outdoor activities, the area is a playground. You can hike the Centennial Trail, kayak on the lake, or simply relax by the water. The campground is also conveniently located near attractions like Custer State Park and the Crazy Horse Monument, so you can easily explore the Black Hills region.

While there are no showers on-site, the clean vault toilets and friendly atmosphere make up for it. As one happy camper put it, “The toilets were always clean, the cleanest I’ve ever experienced!” Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground offers a great escape into the great outdoors.

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Location

Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

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

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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

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Reviews

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out of 5

31 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2025

Big spots and lake access

Nice big spots. Had private lake access from our site. Well kept primitive camp ground.

Site54
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Kara S., September 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Kara S., September 12, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2024

Many sites, new vault toilet

Spaced camp sites in the Pines. New vault toilet! $28 a night has gone up in price for non-electric Federal forest camping. 30 minutes to Rapid City. Fishing & swimming beaches. Lower elevation usually means warmer temps. Our visit was unseasonably cool.

Site28
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Nice spot for tent camping

Reserved a site in the Chipper loop for a last minute trip to SD, worked out pretty well and snagged #86 by the lake. Great views, although it was a little close to other sites for my personal preference.

The campground itself is ~25 mins away from Custer State Park, which was a point of interest for me and my group. Pretty close to Rapid City and other local stores. No service except for the beginning of the campground.

Bathrooms were nearby and for the most part was pretty clean.

Downsides: site #86 is on a slope to the lake. No true flat ground and might not be so great if you’re tent camping but we didn’t mind.

Site86
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Alexis R., August 21, 2023
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  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 29, 2023

Wonderful campground for all ages

Beautiful campground. Camping spots were well dispersed with majority of them having great shade. We stayed at 43 and 42. Fishing was great just a walk down to the backwaters and kids can catch bluegills all day. We spent a lot of time kayaking and fishing, hiked the centennial trail, collecting rocks, and swimming. There are two beaches available which would be great for families with little kids. Fire rings have cooking grates.

Site43
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Darcy S., July 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Darcy S., July 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Darcy S., July 29, 2023
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2022

Nice spot

Nice campsites. Good distance from neighbors.

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2022

Totally Different From Other Loops

The Rocky loop is the furthest from the entrance and closest to the public boat launch. Many of the sites in this loop are smaller than advertised and extremely uneven. The sites directly on the water are nice. This loop is also very close to the trailhead, which connects to multiple trails.

Site118
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Justin , June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Justin , June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Justin , June 20, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Can’t beat a waterfront campsite

Loved our spot right on the water. We definitely took advantage of the east access to the lake and close proximity to Hill City. Had a tornado warning out first night here.

Site66
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Justin , June 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Justin , June 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Justin , June 19, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2021

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

My sister and I spent 7 days here, tenting. I even brought along my best friend that passed away 2 months prior (her ashes). So close to so many places to visit, which we never did (we loved every minute being disconnected). The weather was mostly perfect, besides some hail and rain a couple nights. We took our paddle boards out almost every day. Our site was right by the lake and right by one of the vaulted toilets. There is no electricity, only potable water, and neither one of us had cell phone service. If you ask me, IT WAS PERFECT!! These sites are FCFS, and the weekend fills up fast. The hosts are awesome and helpful. The toilets were always clean, the cleanest I’ve ever experienced! There are no showers, but there is a campground close by that lets you shower for $5. Might sound expensive, but when you’ve gone 5 days with no shower, it’s so worth it! We had neighbors nearby and everyone was friendly. I have only positive things to say about this place. It was an experience that enlightened my soul. I most definitely will be going back again!

Site62
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Krista K., November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Krista K., November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Krista K., November 12, 2021
  • (22) View All
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2021

Great location, poor communication

This is a HUGE campground, but the spaces are large and pretty spread out. The campground is clean and trash is kept away from sites. The location has great access to Sheridan Lake, Hill City, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, etc.

The biggest problem was communication when there was a major medical emergency. With ZERO cellphone coverage and no way to access a camp host after hours (they said they had a phone for emergencies), we would only camp here again with some sort of sat phone or Garmin InReach, which we plan to get. I know this issue is common in many National forest campgrounds, but we have usually been able to at least text. In our group of campers, we had Verizon, T Mobile and AT&T...non of us had any coverage.

Site27
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2021

Good site but cleanliness should be better

Site is wonderfully located for access to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse as well as windcave. Sites are a great size with fire rings.

Biggest issue was the condition of the vault toilets. Not very clean, tons of flies and odor. Good door with either better vault ventilation or more regular cleaning.

No recycling available either despite what the map says

SiteA20
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2021

A little pricey

The pricing for this campground is a little steep for what you get. There are vault toilets, but no showers. There is no rv dump, you'll have to drive about 5 miles back to town to dump at an rv resort, which will charge you. The campground is very nice, but the pricing is just too high.

The facilities are clean and well maintained, and the lake is beautiful.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Luke L., June 27, 2021
Reviewed May. 28, 2021

Black hills camping trip

Very nice campground not too far away from popular destinations like spearfish canyon, Custer state park, and the crazy horse memorial. Most sites were very spacious and had some privacy but were clearly more so meant for RVs and trailers rather than rent camping. Site 17 where we stayed had a few decently flat spots for tents while still being fairly private and with nice views of a little valley behind it.

Site17
Month of VisitMay
  • 360 view of site 17
Reviewed Dec. 8, 2020

Great place!

Stayed here over the summer when sturgis was in full swing so it was a bit noisy with the bikes. Besides that, it was a great campsite with access to the water and a fairly secluded site depending on where you end up in the campground.

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Blake R., December 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Blake R., December 8, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2020

Nice spot with activities nearby

We nabbed a spot last minute and enjoyed our time there. It's a pretty, forested area and the lake is really nice. I wasn't a fan of hearing the generators, but the nights we were there, people shut them off by the required time.

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Anna R., September 5, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

Can’t wait to go back!

Great campground with kind hosts and staff. The pit toilet was well maintained. We had lots of space in our site (#21) for our vehicle with rooftop tent, a separate shade tent and table, and large picnic table. We could have for a lot more! People were respectful of quiet hours and felt safe with lots of families, but spread out enough there wasn’t too much noise. We definitely want to try a site on the lake side next time, it’s beautiful over there. The swimming lake was great for bathing. Because of the shade and elevation it never felt too hot, even in late July.

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2020

Nice Location

Had a fun time at the south shore campground of Lake Sheridan. Hosts were great. Beach for the kids, quiet and peaceful. Camped in our 38’ motorhome. Reserved our site well in advance. Quiet time for generators was observed by all. Location was great for visiting nearby attractions. No cell service in the campground. Found one area where I could get cell service while walking the dogs and that was on the main road overlooking the beach area. If coming in from Rapid City, our GPS had us turning onto a gravel road telling us to drive 4 miles. We ignored and ended up on a paved road leading into the campground. Took our Jeep down the gravel road after a trip to Mt Rushmore and it wasn’t bad, just not a good road for a motorhome. Looking forward to another trip to the Black Hills for more exploring.

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by CHris B., July 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by CHris B., July 26, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2020

Loved the trees - hate the RVs

The ponderous smelled amazing and the swimming beach was fun. But I just couldn't stand the constant RV generator noise and people were load past midnight in a far off camp site. I think were just in a bad spot (#2) and could hear everything. 

Pros

The camp hosts were very welcoming next to us (#1). 

The camp site itself was well tended and perfect for tent camping. 

The campground was near to everyone you'd want to see in the Black Hills

Site2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Jenny K., July 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Jenny K., July 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Jenny K., July 15, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Good Times

Not sure you could go wrong with a site on the Woodsy Loop. All the campsites have easy access to the water, but not too close that you need to worry about little ones adventuring down to the water on their own. You can launch a SUP just a short walk to the water. If you want to fish be sure to grab a license in town. We stayed at campground #42 and were happy with it. The campground in general is very clean!

Site42
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Laura K., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Laura K., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Laura K., June 30, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2020

Beautiful get away!

We visited the Sheridan Lake Black Hills National Forest on our 2019 family vacation in August & it was awesome!! Stayed at a primitive site with gorgeous views of the forest & lake. No cell service where we were, which was a nice detachment! Kids enjoyed exploring too. It was so neat listening (& seeing) the wind roll through the trees!!

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Ason S., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Ason S., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Ason S., June 26, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2019

Camp among the ponderosa pines

Beautiful site on the lake. Vault toilets, not the cleanest but expected. Came in September and was very open. First come first serve. Had a nice dinner at Alpine Inn in Hill City (they only have two menu options FYI).... love!

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Suzie S., September 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Suzie S., September 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Suzie S., September 18, 2019
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2019

Nestled in the Beautiful Back Hills

We love the Woodsy Loop. Great view of the lake, which isn't huge. Can walk the shore. The camp hosts are friendly and helpful. Vault toilets are clean. The sites aren't super close together, and you're in the pines. Picnic table and fire pit.

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Donna E., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Donna E., July 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Donna E., July 30, 2019
  • (31) View All
Reviewed Jul. 5, 2019

Beautiful Views from site 120

We stayed at site 120 and had good views of the lake. Short walk to the toilet which did not have running water but that was expected. Our site was a little slanted, but we found a spot nearby to play bocce ball. It rained our whole trip and I forgot to take pictures.

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2019

Nice Campground

Solid Campground with nice gravel pull-ins that made the rooftop tent a breeze. Well kept with clean vault toilets. Nice camp host with plenty of firewood available. Lots of families and every spot was full. Get a reservation in advance. We were lucky enough to draw a spot next to an arguing couple that finally made up around 2am. That's not the camps fault though. I would recommend it again if in the area.

  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Chris S., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Chris S., June 18, 2019
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Chris S., June 18, 2019
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2018

host

the hosts where not very friendly otherwise it was fine

Reviewed May. 4, 2018

Love the view!

Was a great weekend to camp. This site is on a loint with great view of lake. Only downside is how close it is to the next site. They have pushed three sites here really close together to get them out on the points.

Site65
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Janet L., May 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Janet L., May 4, 2018
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2017

Great Wooded Campground in the Black Hills

Sheridan Lake Campground is a great spot to stay that is centrally located in the Black Hills. The sites are wooded and they are fairly large. You are able to see and hear your neighbors but they are not directly net to you. A few spots over look Sheridan Lake and are great if you can get them. Most of the loops were closed when I was there in Early October so I had a site more to the inner part of the peninsula. The campground host was very nice and helpful and has plenty of wood you can buy yrea round.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Dan G., October 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Dan G., October 27, 2017
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Dan G., October 27, 2017
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 23, 2017

Nicely wooded campground near Crazy Horse

This campground offers over 90 sites along the shores of a lovely reservoir in the vacation wonderland of the Black Hills of South Dakota. Situated within an hour’s drive of many of the Black Hill’s more famous attractions, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Wind Cave National Park, this campground provides a great basecamp for all your regional adventures. Back at camp, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and kayaking too. After a long day visiting both Jewel Cave and Crazy Horse, it was an easy 20 mile drive north as we were headed toward Rapid City the following day.

There are four loops of campsites, 3 of which have lake side campsites – which were the most popular sites even on our early-season visit. However, the campgrounds are along a hill so that there are lake views from many different sites. The deeply forested area also provides much shade for those warmer days. The pit toilets were clean, but on our early visit in May the water was not yet turned on – which got us a great discount and it was only $10 per night! Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. High season cost is $26 with a reservation fee of $10 per booking. Firewood is available from the friendly camp host and there is a nearby swimming beach area within walking distance from the campground.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Shari  G., May 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Shari  G., May 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground by Shari  G., May 23, 2017
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a detailed map of Sheridan Lake Campground showing all campsites?

There is no specific mention of a detailed campground map in the available information. For the most accurate and up-to-date map showing all campsites at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground, visit the Black Hills National Forest website or contact the Forest Service directly. The campground features different areas including the popular Woodsy Loop, which has sites with lake views. When planning your visit, requesting a map will help you identify the approximately 90 campsites and their proximity to amenities like vault toilets, the swimming beach, and lake access points.

What amenities and recreational activities are available at Sheridan Lake Campground?

Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground offers a variety of amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and clean vault toilets (no running water). Recreational activities center around the lake with a swimming beach, fishing opportunities, and shoreline access perfect for launching stand-up paddleboards. The campground is set among ponderosa pines, providing a scenic woodland experience with some sites offering lake views. Firewood is available for purchase from camp hosts. While the campground is relatively primitive without hookups, its natural setting and water access make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking swimming, paddling, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

What's the difference between Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground and other camping areas at the lake?

Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground is specifically located on the southern shore of the reservoir, offering wooded sites among ponderosa pines with some featuring lake views. It's known for its Woodsy Loop, which provides excellent lake access while maintaining enough distance that children can't easily wander to the water unsupervised. This campground has primitive sites with vault toilets but no hookups. While there are other camping options around Sheridan Lake, the South Shore location is particularly appreciated for its combination of lake views, pine forest setting, and relatively spacious sites, though some point areas have closely positioned campsites.

How do I make reservations at Sheridan Lake Campground?

Reservations for Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground can be made through the federal recreation reservation system at Recreation.gov. During peak season, reservations are highly recommended as the campground's approximately 90 sites often fill completely. Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during shoulder seasons, but this shouldn't be relied upon during busy periods. The campground can accommodate various camping setups, including large RVs up to 38 feet. For the best lake views, try to reserve sites on the Woodsy Loop or those specifically noted as having lake views.

Where is Sheridan Lake Campground located in the Black Hills of South Dakota?

Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground is centrally located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, providing an ideal base for exploring the region's attractions. It's situated near Hill City and within approximately an hour's drive of major destinations including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Needles Highway, and Jewel Cave National Monument. The campground sits on the shores of Sheridan Lake reservoir, offering a peaceful forest setting while still being accessible to the Black Hills' popular tourist destinations. Its central location makes it perfect for visitors wanting to experience multiple Black Hills attractions without changing accommodations.