## 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 (605) 574-4402.
## Charges &amp; Cancellations

 No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

Whitetail

This oasis is found not too far outside of Hill City. There are 2 loops of campsites. The lower one is closer to the lake. The upper loop has forest views. Site 8 was spacious and had some distance from our neighbor. The vegetation is tall trees which means you can still see other campers. Water, vault toilets and garbage cans are standard. The friendly host pointed out good sites from the ones remaining. We camped in the upper loop with the host and one other family. The lower was filled. 

  

Deerfield Lake is large and beautiful. There is a hiking trail that goes around it- 11 mile circuit. A much longer trail winds it’s way down to a town. You can go over 100 miles on it. The host gave us a map that pointed out different trailheads. We loved hiking around the lake- whether it was a few miles one way or the other or even driving to a different trailhead. 

  

This is certainly a place to remember.