Whitetail sits within Black Hills National Forest near Deerfield Lake, roughly 13 miles from Hill City, and runs two loops of drive-in sites from mid-May through late August. The lower loop puts campers closer to the water, while the upper loop sits among tall trees with sightlines toward the surrounding forest. Sites can fill on weekends. Amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, and trash service, and the campground accommodates RVs up to 76 feet. A trail from camp leads down to the lake, with an 11-mile circuit around it and longer routes extending well beyond. Anglers, hikers, and RV travelers who want direct water access tend to get the most out of this spot. Those traveling with dogs will find pet-friendly campgrounds around Black Hills National Forest throughout the region as well. The nearby Deerfield Reservoir Complex is less than half a mile away for overflow or alternative options.
Description
Overview
Whitetail Campground is located above Deerfield Reservoir at 6,000 feet, an ideal setting for guests seeking summer climate relief, recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Sites in this campground are widely spaced. Several have lake views, while others are more secluded and tucked into ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest.
Recreation
Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain. The 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. It encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline and offering fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking. Nearby Deerfield Trail connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Sites along the trail include a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades, providing a glimpse into the area's history. Deerfield Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating, but it is a no wake lake. The lake supports populations of stocked rainbow and native brown trout.
Facilities
Whitetail Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Each campsite has picnic tables, and campfire rings. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Lake access is within walking distance.
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 (661) 702-1420.
Charges & Cancellations
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
National Forest Service lands in the State of South Dakota will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Thu. Sept. 24. 2026 at noon.** Alert Start Date: September 24, 2026 Alert End Date: December 15, 2026 Order Number:** BKF-198-2026
FYI: Off Season Information for this campground can be found in the "Need To Know" Section. Please note that NOT ALL Campgrounds are open during the Off Season, some are closed. During the Off Season the Campgrounds that are open are operated by the US Forest Service and are all First Come First Served.
Map & DirectionsWhitetail is located in South Dakota near Silver City
Directions
From Hill City, take Deerfield Rd. (County Rt. 308/Forest Rt. 17) west for 15.1 miles to Whitetail Campground sign (Forest Rt.421). Turn right onto Rt. 421 and travel 0.9 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
44.0125667 N
103.8029972 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 10/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 10/3/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 48 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 34 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 5 hrs 42 min from Bismarck, ND







