Dean W.

Forest Lake, MN

Joined August 2021

Quiet, Free, Dispersed camping area off the main highway between Deadwood and Sturgis

I have stayed at this dispersed camping area once during the Sturgis rally. This is a free camping area located Off the main highway between Sturgis and Deadwood, South Dakota. After you pull off the highway onto camp 5 Road there are a few single campsites, but if you continue down the hill, across the dry creek bed, You will find a huge field for camping. The creek bed crossing is fairly easy, especially if you have a SUV or a pick up truck. I probably wouldn’t recommend it with a low clearance car. During our stay, there were Porta potty’s located in this area. I’m not sure if the Porta potty’s remain throughout the summer or if They were placed there just for the Sturgis rally guests. This field area is located a bit further from the main highway, so it’s also a bit quieter. I am aware that this area is also considered an ATV trail head parking area, but we did not see any ATVs during our stay. This camping area does not have any access to water, electricity, or sewer hook ups. The sites closer to the highway will have some traffic noise, but the field area is fairly quiet, And the price for this camping area is awesome - FREE. I did not see any fire rings, and the forest service probably prohibits campfires. This camping area also allows for quick access into Deadwood If you want to visit casinos, historical sites, gas stations, Restaurants and bars, or just grab some groceries.

The best campground in town!

I have stayed at this campground several times while in Silverton Colorado. This campground is located on the edge of Silverton, about 1 mile from the downtown business district. The campground is fairly quiet and has all the amenities you need. The main office also has a small store with grocery items, camping supplies, and the laundry area. The staff has always been friendly to us, and are knowledgeable about the local area and businesses. This campground features tent sites, RV sites, and Cabins. This campground house clean bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers located in 2 areas around the campground. This campground do you have quick access to the ATV/Jeep Trails, Hiking trails, Historic sites, and businesses in the area. Animas Creek flows through the edge of the campground, near the tent sites. The campground also has an overflow parking area for people pull in large trailers. We have also used the overflow camping area with no hook ups, when the campground is full. The beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the campground is also awesome! I have always enjoyed my stays At the Silverton Lakes Campground six weeks, and will continue to stay there when I am in the area.

Quiet, peaceful campground on the lake

I have stayed at the Whitefish campground several times. The campground consists of 4-5 free spots next to the lake. The sites include a picnic table and fire ring, no running water, electricity, or sewer hook ups. There is a pit toilet located at the campground. This campground has a carry-in lake access for canoes and small boats, and the lake has good walleye fishing. From this lake you can access portage trails to neighboring lakes like Elbow Lake, which also has good fishing. There are also a few boat-in camp sites located on this lake and neighboring lakes. This campground often fills up quickly. When that happens, I have done dispersed camping in the area. Some of those spots include the gravel pit and a sand pit located along the road before you reach the campground, there’s also areas past the campground, the trail splits and if you stay to the right you should be able to find a spot between Frear Lake and Lost Lake. If you stay to the left the trail will take you to Bone Lake, which is a trout lake. You may be able to find a dispersed spot there. Once you get past this point the trail narrows. These trails are also used by ATVs, but it is fairly rare to see them in the area. While camping in this area you may also spot wildlife, I’ve seen moose, deer, and bald eagles. Also be aware there are wolves and bears in the area, although I’ve never seen them. Phone service in this area is pretty limited. If needed, your best bet would be a stop at the Trestle Inn bar/restaurant located a few miles down the road near the Crooked Lake Resort. The Trestle Inn is also a popular stop for burgers/pizza and a drink.