Map showing campground location near Pringle, South Dakota

Rifle Pit

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Black Hills National Forest holds this first-come, first-served primitive campground near Pringle, with 27 sites, vault toilets, and no showers. No reservations are taken. Privately owned land surrounds portions of the area, which limits where campers can legally set up, so checking boundaries before choosing a spot matters. The campground backs up to Wind Cave National Park, and at least one visitor reported hearing elk at night. Campers with large vehicles should note that the access road has been described as steep and poorly maintained. Pack in, pack out rules apply. Those exploring dog-friendly camping around Black Hills National Forest will find this a workable base, with the Elk Mountain - Wind Cave National Park campground a few miles southeast as an alternative if sites here are taken.

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Map & DirectionsRifle Pit is located in South Dakota near Pringle

Public Campground

Coordinates

43.59800021 N
103.52100028 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 8/16/26
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 8/16/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 8/16/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Alcohol
Pets

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 3 min from Rapid City, SD
2 hrs 54 min from Casper, WY
3 hrs 37 min from Cheyenne, WY
4 hrs 12 min from Fort Collins, CO

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Rifle Pit

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

2.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

A primitive first-come, first-serve campground with basic facilities and limited dispersed camping due to nearby private land. Visitors appreciated the quiet setting with wildlife encounters but noted road access challenges for larger vehicles.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Heather S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 21, 2024

Great Location to Wind Cave

Coordinates: 44.60622, -103.90540 We only stayed one night but it was quiet from other people but did hear elk rutting at night! Super cool. Pack in and pack out. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because while it is National Forest the spots for dispersed camping are very limited because there is a lot of privately owned land so please be aware when picking a spot. It does back up to Wind Cave which is incredible.

Month of VisitJuly

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Tough narrow road up

The road went up but it didn’t look manageable in the bus. It didn’t look maintained like a campground so we skipped it. Just down the road are some great dispersed sites on rifle pit road.

Month of VisitJuly

Alicia V.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 1, 2022

Nearby the wind caves

Non-reservable campground that is first come, first serve. Primitive campground with bathrooms with no shower. 27 sites available. Angostura Recreation Area is worth a visit if you're at Rifle Pit Campground, and the Norbeck Trail is a great hiking trail close by.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of campground is Rifle Pit and what amenities are available?

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.

Is Rifle Pit suitable for RVs or larger vehicles?

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.

How do I make reservations at Rifle Pit Campground?

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.

What is the exact location of Rifle Pit Campground?

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.

What activities are available near Rifle Pit Campground?

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.

Is dispersed camping available near Rifle Pit?

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.

What wildlife might I encounter at Rifle Pit Campground?

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.

How is the road condition to Rifle Pit Campground?

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.

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