I love checking out the state park walk-in camp sites. These sites are the first I've been at where you behave to hike up a steep hill. Totally worth it if you're staying for multiple nights. We only stayed one night, so lugging all our stuff up was not fun.

The main campground is a bit crowded with not a ton of space between sites. We did think #37 was a good pick: spaced farther away and the river sounds drawn-out anyone else.

This was our last stop after a 7 day camping trip. I'm glad we end here; it was quiet and peaceful. There are plenty of trees to cool things down and the lake is in sight of all parts of the campground. Trees for hammocks and fire pit for s'mores. We enjoyed a hike around the small park to see the dam and wildflowers. 

Site 29 was perfect - surrounded by trees and the last in the row. 

TIP: do not stay near the bathroom. We didn't end up here but walking to the bathrooms at night makes it clear how bright the lights are. It would be annoying being close by.

The ponderous smelled amazing and the swimming beach was fun. But I just couldn't stand the constant RV generator noise and people were load past midnight in a far off camp site. I think were just in a bad spot (#2) and could hear everything. 

Pros

The camp hosts were very welcoming next to us (#1). 

The camp site itself was well tended and perfect for tent camping. 

The campground was near to everyone you'd want to see in the Black Hills

I've never stayed at a campground where you are right next to others with no trees. But the temporary neighbors were pleasant. And the 360 degree beauty made up for it. They were pretty quiet at dark with no annoying RV noises. 

What kept us up most of the night: the wind! It's no one's fault and there's nothing you can do. Just bring plenty of tent stakes. We kept waking up with our tent caving in by the force. They good news: the bugs were kept at bay and the wind cooled things down a bit. 

The bathrooms were clean. I didn't use the showers but they are there and run on coins. There is no hot water though which might be ok after a 90 degree hike. 

TIP: There are 3 sites that often flood so they don't reserve them until the day before to make sure they'll be dry. We got our site calling the day before when there was no vacancy for weeks leading up to it.

The campsite is a good 25 min off the highway on a dirt road so don't plan to go back-forth a lot. But it's worth it for the peace and surrounding beauty. That's what you came for right? 

We stayed Sat-Mon in late June and it wasn't crowded at all. I think the most we saw were two other camp sites filled. Even if it was at capacity, you wouldn't hear or see much of others. The sites are spaced apart and surrounded by trees. 

The water pump is a blessing since it was in the 90s when we visited. You really have to work the old fashioned pump but the crisp water is worth it. The pit bathroom is cleaned and was stocked with toilet paper. 

We wandered around the hiking area (Magpie Trail starts nearby) which follows a small creek.