Best Tent Camping near Newcastle, WY

Black Hills National Forest surrounding Newcastle, Wyoming offers several tent-only camping options within an hour's drive. Wrinkled Rock provides dedicated tent pads and walk-in tent sites just minutes from Mount Rushmore, making it popular with rock climbers and hikers seeking primitive tent camping. North Pole Road Dispersed Camping offers free backcountry tent sites with varying terrain and elevation, while RD 356 Dispersed Site provides tent campsites along forest roads with mountain views. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed and Mount Roosevelt Road sites cater specifically to tent campers seeking seclusion in natural settings.

Most tent campgrounds in this region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal or nonexistent. Vault toilets are available at Wrinkled Rock and near the Roosevelt Friendship Tower, but most dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever. Campers should bring all necessary water, as no potable sources exist at these locations. Surface conditions vary from established tent pads at Wrinkled Rock to uneven forest floor at dispersed sites. Road access ranges from standard passenger vehicles to high-clearance requirements, particularly after the first three sites at RD 356. Fire regulations differ by location, with some areas prohibiting fires entirely despite occasional visitor non-compliance.

Tent campers frequently report excellent stargazing opportunities at these sites due to minimal light pollution. According to reviews, Wrinkled Rock offers "a quiet place with cool hiking trails" where tent spots are reasonably close to parking but can be positioned for privacy. One visitor at RD 356 noted that "road noise is blocked pretty well by the topography, but not the views." Weather considerations are important, as sudden mountain storms can affect tent camping experiences. A North Pole Road camper recommended using ground tarps under and over tents during rainy periods. Most sites enforce a 14-day stay limit and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with weekends typically seeing higher occupancy rates than weekdays.

Best Tent Sites Near Newcastle, Wyoming (19)

    1. North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    28 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    25 miles
    Website

    "We've been fulltiming since January and this was the first place we actually stayed the whole 14 day limit."

    "The forest road is a little rough, be aware if you are driving a car or a vehicle with bad off roaring capabilities."

    2. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    30 Reviews
    Hill City, SD
    35 miles
    Website

    "My Son and I stayed here while visiting Mount Rushmore and the surrounding area's other attractions. There's a lot of dispersed spots here but most spots don't have a fire ring that I could see."

    "Flat, we didn’t run into any wildlife, and easy to set up a tent !"

    3. Wrinkled Rock

    23 Reviews
    Keystone, SD
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-4853

    "We were planning on backcountry camping in the park, but the amount of bugs and the inability to find a flat spot out of the trees pushed us to try and hike back to our car."

    "great location just 5 minutes away from Mt. Rushmore. free site but no fire rings. it does have toliets. There is just a parking lot with a large open area to pitch a tent."

    4. Moon Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Newcastle, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    5. Spring Creek Road Spur

    1 Review
    Hill City, SD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    "Notes: Don't camp at the first sites you see driving further. There's better ones I assure you. Signs are posted everywhere, stating no campfires allowed."

    6. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Deadwood, SD
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "We got to our spot just before sunset and only had one neighbor, though we passed a few tenters going up the road. Our spot was nice and a short walk to a vault toilet and trailhead."

    "This is not a thru road there is only one entrance off of the CanAm Highway. Roughly about 10 sites depending on set-up. Bathroom close by the entrance/trailhead to Roosevelt Friendship Tower."

    7. Black Hills Dispersed Site - Hwy 89

    3 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "Lots of space. Quiet with no traffic. Google gets you close but not exactly there. Gps route was a little off. Just an hour from Rushmore."

    8. Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Custer, SD
    37 miles

    "It is open to vehicles in the summer and equestrian and hike in during the winter. Road is rough but was passable in our truck. We towed in a small teardrop but I wouldn't recommend a large rig."

    "We went a bit more off the path by turning right, going up past a water treatment plant and parking near the end of the road. It was secluded and pretty. Lots of coyotes in the area."

    9. Whispering Pines Campground & Cabins

    3 Reviews
    Silver City, SD
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 341-3667

    "The surroundings are beautiful! Very peaceful setting yet not too far from groceries & other supplies. Not far from attractions & restaurants."

    "Beautiful place to camp near Pactola lake which is our favorite"

    10. Rifle Pit

    3 Reviews
    Pringle, SD
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 673-9200

    "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"

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Newcastle, WY

1251 Reviews of 19 Newcastle Campgrounds



Guide to Newcastle

Tent camping near Newcastle, Wyoming offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from secluded sites to well-equipped areas, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $25

Tent campers should check out unique amenities

Local activities for tent campers

  • Explore the scenic trails around Spring Creek Road Spur, where you can hike and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
  • If you're into off-roading, North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping provides access to several trails that cater to adventurous spirits.
  • Don't miss the chance to visit nearby attractions while camping at Rifle Pit, which is close to Wind Cave National Park, offering unique geological formations and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newcastle, WY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newcastle, WY is North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Newcastle, WY?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Newcastle, WY, with real photos and reviews from campers.