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.

Dispersed Camping Areas

Black Elk Wilderness & Norbeck Wildlife Preserve
- Black Elk Wilderness
  
  Black Elk Wilderness is located in in the center of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve & was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in 1980.
  
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- Norbeck Wildlife Preserve
  
  Within the heart of the Black Hills of SD, lies the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Visitors experience a legacy left behind by a man named Peter Norbeck who had a vision for preserving natural beauty and protecting wildlife, while making a special area accessible to everyone.
  
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Black Elk Wilderness
A Special Place

Black Elk Wilderness is located in in the center of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve & was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in 1980. The area is named for the Oglala Lakota holy man Black Elk & is sacred to many American Indians. It is the only Wilderness in the Forest & spans over 13,534 acres.

Brochure & Map
- History
  
  The CCC built the current stone fire tower that stands a top Black Elk Peak from 1938 to 1940.
  
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- Wilderness Rules & Restrictions
  
  The increasing use of our nation's Wilderness areas has led to an increase in rules regulating recreation activities.
  
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- Wilderness Safety
  
  Wilderness in the Black Hills is remote and emergency rescue is difficult or sometimes impossible. Please explore the backcountry with care and common sense. (Photo: Ricardo Loza)
  
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- Recreational Opportunities
  
  With its rugged terrain, magnificent scenery & well-maintained trail system, the Wilderness sees heavy visitation, especially on Trail #9 from Sylvan Lake. Climbing Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) is a very popular activity, making opportunities for solitude very elusive.
  
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