Keyhole State Park offers multiple campgrounds within 30 minutes of Devils Tower National Monument, providing diverse options for campers with pets. The park sits at 4,100 feet elevation and experiences typical high plains weather patterns with warm days and cool nights during camping season. Water access varies significantly between established and dispersed camping sites.
What to do
Outdoor movies at KOA: At the Devils Tower KOA, campers can watch "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" outdoors with Devils Tower as the backdrop. "They show 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' every night, outside with the tower in the background. Very cheesy but very cool," shares Julie W.
Wildlife viewing: The Hartman Rock Dispersed Site offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Wildflowers, wildlife, and lots of space! Turn right off the sundance-warren peak road and watch out for cows crossing," advises Alyson M. The open spaces make spotting larger animals easier in the morning and evening hours.
Hiking near camp: Trails are accessible directly from many campgrounds in the area. At Reuter Campground, "Plenty of picnic tables are in the day use area that will give you options for your picnic lunch. Swim or paddle and it makes a wonderful day in the Black Hills," notes Art S.
What campers like
Unique amenities: Many campers appreciate the concrete picnic tables at Keyhole State Park's campgrounds. "Every campsite has a concrete picnic table which is a great feature that I wish more campgrounds could do!" reports Ryan S. at Homestead Campground.
Camping cafe access: On-site food options make meal planning easier at certain locations. "The little cafe on-site is AWESOME! Their food is great homemade food at a great price!" raves Kandice about Devils Tower View Campground.
Star viewing opportunities: The night skies around Devils Tower provide exceptional stargazing. "Tent sites are in an open field with a handful of trees. The trade off is the wide open skies and STARS. Bathrooms and Showers are Awesome!" explains Mary J. about her experience at Devils Tower KOA.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping can be challenging in certain weather conditions. At Storm Hill BLM Land, "The road is a silty dirt. I watched someone pull a thirty foot trailer up it with a 2WD Truck but he said it was quite nerve racking. There is a sign that says vehicles can not make it up when the road is wet," warns James C.
Peak season reservations: Many established campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "This campground takes reservations and they are needed for weekends and holidays," advises Art S. about Cook Lake Campground.
Fee structures: Wyoming State Parks charge different rates for residents and non-residents. "Wyoming state parks seem to be hostile to non residents. It's cheaper to stay at a regular rv park and you have better amenities," notes Mike C. about the pricing at Tatanka Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Cook Lake Campground offers family-friendly water activities. "A large lake is big enough to swim, kayak and fish. Many drove in just to picnic here," describes Art S. The lake provides a refreshing break from summer heat.
Kid-friendly fishing: Children can catch fish at Keyhole Reservoir campgrounds. "If you like fishing, and aren't a skilled fly fisher, definitely bring a good casting rod- fish are all pretty big and aggressive (walleyes, bass, sunfish etc)," recommends Cheyenne D.
Budget considerations: Families watching costs should consider dispersed camping options. "We arrived early evening and about half of the sites were available. I camped with my tundra double cab and 5x8 trailer and could maneuver through dispersed sites comfortably," explains Bruce S. about Hartman Rock, where camping is free.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For larger rigs, choosing the right campground makes a difference. At Coulter Bay Campground, "We stayed in RV site #6 and it was close to the main road, bathrooms, and water. There is a clean water spigot steps away from the campsites," reports Catherine P.
Electric-only considerations: Some campgrounds offer electric but not water hookups at sites. "Electric hookup only but there is showers and bathrooms on site," mentions Miranda R. about Devils Tower View Campground. RVers should arrive with full water tanks.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for tank management as not all sites offer dump facilities. "There is a shower house, dump and rinse, and marina at Keyhole a short drive from this campground," notes Tiffany regarding Homestead Campground.
