Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite provides free primitive tent camping near Beulah, Wyoming, approximately 45 minutes west in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The dispersed camping area sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter access becomes limited after snowfall, with most campers visiting between May and October when forest roads remain passable.
What to do
Hike to Roosevelt Friendship Tower: A short hike from the Mount Roosevelt Road campsite leads to a historic stone lookout tower. "Great base to visit Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower," notes one Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite visitor.
Wildlife spotting: The Black Hills region supports abundant deer populations visible from most campsites. A camper at Bogus Jim Creek Campsite observed, "Gorgeous black hills, a little bit of rocks to get over to get into the site right off of Bogus Jim Creek Rd that is 7 mins of dirt road up to the site from the paved road."
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn brings vibrant color changes to the aspen groves throughout the region. "Just a turn off the main road along a crest gave me a few days of great views. Not much traffic either," reported one visitor at Mount Roosevelt Camp regarding fall colors.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping layout provides natural separation between campers. "Spots are spread out so you have privacy. Pretty quiet area," reports one Mount Roosevelt Camp visitor who appreciated the tranquility.
Road accessibility: Despite the primitive nature, most sites can be reached in standard vehicles. A Mount Roosevelt camper noted, "Had my tundra equipped with a 5x8 trailer and could easily get to any of the sites. This is not a thru road, there is only one entrance off of the CanAm Highway."
Cell service availability: While spotty in places, cell coverage exists at many sites. One camper reported, "We have T mobile and we got 2 bars," though another noted at Bogus Jim Creek, "I had ZERO cell service anywhere within 10 min drive from here."
What you should know
Limited site availability: Arrive early, especially on weekends. "Roughly about 10 sites depending on set-up," notes one camper at Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins, which offers more developed options than the dispersed areas.
Weather preparedness: Many tent sites lack shade and protection from elements. "Maybe 3 spots, one has hard slant, no campfire signs all over," notes one Mount Roosevelt visitor about terrain challenges.
Road conditions vary: While initial access is straightforward, road quality deteriorates further in. "The gravel road was accessible and pretty easy with the camper," reports one camper, though others note increasing roughness past the first mile.
Pack in, pack out: No trash services exist at dispersed sites. "Please keep the area clean, pick up after yourselves, pack in pack out!" reminds a conscientious camper.
Tips for camping with families
Check site leveling: Many pull-offs have uneven terrain. "Small slant unlevel but good," notes a camper at Bogus Jim Creek Campsite, suggesting bringing leveling blocks for comfort.
Bathroom planning: Only the trailhead provides a vault toilet. "Our spot was nice and a short walk to a vault toilet and trailhead," mentions one camper, though most sites require self-contained solutions.
Wildlife awareness: Children should remain supervised. "Lots of deer and wild life so watch out," advises one camper, noting frequent wildlife encounters around campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection timing: Arrive midweek for better options. "It was a Saturday afternoon when we arrived and a lot of the spots were taken," reports one visitor about weekend crowds at popular dispersed sites.
Alternative developed options: For those needing facilities, Iron Horse Rally Campground provides more amenities. "This place has tent, RV, and cabin sites available. Wi-fi, laundromat, general store, electric/water hookups," notes a visitor, adding "Bathrooms are big, spacious, and clean."
Rig sizing considerations: High-clearance vehicles access more sites. "High clearance is not necessary for road," one camper clarifies about initial access points, though larger rigs should stay in the first mile of roads.
