Central Hills - Rapid City
The Mystic Ranger District is located in the central portion of the Black Hills National Forest and has an office south of Rapid City, South Dakota.
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Deerfield Reservoir is about 20 miles west of Hill City, South Dakota. The Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and water. Castle Creek flows into and out of the reservoir, offering additional fishing opportunities.
In winter, visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice skating. The area includes three campgrounds, two picnic areas and the Deerfield Lake Loop Trail (Trail 40L). There are two boat launch sites: one at Dutchman Campground on the south side and one at Custer Trails Campground on the north side.
Travel on the reservoir is limited to 5 mph, and a no-wake restriction ensures a peaceful fishing and boating experience. Current reservoir water levels and boat ramp information are available on the Bureau of Reclamation website for Pactola and Deerfield reservoirs.
From Hill City go west on Deerfield Road approximately 23 miles to northwest side of lake, turn right or south on Forest Road 417, travel to end of road. The Custer T
From Hill City, go west on Deerfield Road approximately 14 miles. Just past Gillette Prairie Road you will see signs for the trailhead on the north (right) side of th
From Hill City go west on Deerfield Road approximately 22 miles to northwest side of lake, turn right or south on Forest Road 461, travel to end of road.
The Deerfield Trail is a 23 mile trail connecting the Deerfield Reservoir to the Centennial Trail. Between the Dougherty and Silver City Trailheads, you will wind thro
From Rapid City, travel west on Highway 44 for about 15 miles. Turn north (right) onto Highway 385 and travel for 1.4 miles, then turn west (left) onto Silver City Ro
- Overview
The Kinney Canyon Walk In Fishery is a favorite among fly fishers.
From Rapid City, travel west on Highway 44 for about 15 miles. Turn north (right) onto Highway 385 and travel for 1.4 miles, then turn west (left) onto Silver City Ro
Whitetail Campground sits above Deerfield Reservoir at 6,000 feet, offering cool summer temperatures and a peaceful setting in the Black Hills National Forest.
Mountain City Picnic Area is a secluded spot that provides shore fishing access for Gold Run inlet of Deerfield Reservoir.
Pactola Reservoir is located 15 miles west of Rapid City and is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills National Forest. It features 14 miles of shoreline, depths of up to 150 feet and spans 800 acres.
The Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and water. Anglers catch record lake trout here each year, and large brown trout are found in Rapid Creek above and below the reservoir. Facilities include a full-service marina offering gasoline, oil, groceries and food service. Forest amenities include an 88-unit campground, a group campground, swim beach, picnic areas, two boat launches, a paved accessible trail, day-use trails and portions of both the Centennial and Deerfield trails. Fly fishing below the spillway is exceptional.
A National Forest Visitor Center on the south side of the dam is open seasonally and provides information about the dam’s construction and forest management.
Current reservoir water levels and boat ramp data are available on the Bureau of Reclamation website for Pactola and Deerfield Reservoirs.
This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir.
Jenny Gulch Picnic Area Fishing Access has three picnic tables located at an inlet on the west side of Pactola Reservoir.
- Use and Enjoyment for All Visitors
Veteran’s Point Trail is a half-mile trail designed to be accessible for everyone.
The Veterans Point Picnic Area has four picnic sites located along a paved trail. Accessible restroom facilities are available.
The Veterans Point Fishing Pier is fully accessible. A paved trail leads from the parking area to the pier.
A 2.2 mile trail that includes two loop trails and a spur trail to an overlook.
The Pactola Point Picnic Area has ten picnic sites. Restroom facilities are available. The 10 picnic sites are located among large, scattered ponderosa pines.
This boat launch is located on the northeast corner of the reservoir and is very busy on the weekends.
Pactola South Boat Launch is 1 of 2 boat ramps available at Pactola Reservoir. Non-motorized and motorized boating activities, including boat fishing is very popular.
Pactola Point Swim Beach is a sandy beach on the south shore of Pactola Reservoir.
Sheridan Lake North Cove (Group Sites) Campground, in a forest of Ponderosa pine is along the north shore of Sheridan Lake.
The Sheridan Lake North Boat Launch provides access to Sheridan Lake for motorized and non-motorized boats.
The Sheridan North Picnic Area has 12 picnic sites. Restroom facilities are available.
The Sheridan Lake North Swim Beach is a busy recreation area in the summer.
The Sheridan South Picnic Area has 93 picnic sites. Restroom facilities are available.
The Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people. The historic Flume trail takes you back in
Seven trailheads provide access to the Centennial Trail in the central Black Hills. They include Brush Creek, Calumet, Dakota Point, Deer Creek, Rapid Creek and Fishing Access, Samelius and Spring Creek trailheads.
This section of the Centennial Trail is about 29 miles long and is open for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
The Centennial Trail spans 111 miles from Bear Butte State Park to Wind Cave National Park. It was established to mark South Dakota’s centennial, 1889 to 1989, and showcases the state’s diverse landscapes. Additional trailheads across the forest also provide access to the trail.
Note: Backcountry camping options, park permits and overnight parking requirements vary by agency. Contact the appropriate agency for current policies and guidance.
Brush Creek Trailhead accesses a section of the Centennial Trail 89 popular for hiking and mountain biking.
Calumet Trailhead is located on the south side of Sheridan Lake (at the south boat launch). Access is through the Sheridan Lake Campground. This also provides a
From Rapid City, travel south/west on Sheridan Lake Road for 15 miles. Turn south (left) onto Dakota Point Road and travel for .25 miles.
From Rapid City, travel west on Highway 44 for about 15 miles. Turn north (right) onto Highway 385 and travel for 1.4 miles, then turn west (left) onto Silver City Ro
Rapid Creek Trailhead is located in the basin of Pactola Reservoir. From Rapid City, travel about 15 miles west on Highway 44. Turn south (left) onto Highway 38
Samelius Trailhead is located 18 miles west of Rapid City, and 6 miles east of Hill City right off Highway 16. This is the southernmost Trail Head for the Centennial
From Rapid City, travel about 14 miles South/west on Sheridan Lake Road. Spring Creek Trailhead is located .4 miles south of Sheridan Lake Road on National Forest Sys
Recreation Sites
Bear Gulch (Group Site)
Black Fox Campground
Bogus System
Brush Creek Trailhead
Buzzards Roost Trailhead
Calumet Trailhead
Castle Peak Campground
Custer Trail Trailhead
Dakota Point Picnic Area
Dakota Point Trailhead