Dispersed Camping
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs, lakes, and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information.
General rules:
- Camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas.
- Motorized vehicles allowed 300 feet off of roads as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (dots) for dispersed camping on the Black Hills National Forest.
- Around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated campsites.
- Can camp for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period.
- No open campfires in South Dakota portions of the national forest.
Check with the closest Forest Service office for more specific information about dispersed camping.