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Box 37, Main & First, Camp Crook, SD 57724
Reva Gap Campground
Box 37, Main & First, Camp Crook, SD 57724
Nearby places
Buffalo, SD (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Buffalo, SD, approximately 20 miles from the campground.
Driving directionsFrom Buffalo, SD take Hwy 20 approximately 20 miles to Forest Road 3126. Turn right and campground will be on your left.
Accessible via well-maintained gravel road; easy to maneuver into sites per user reviews.
About Reva Gap Campground
Reva Gap Campground sits in the Slim Buttes Unit of Custer Gallatin National Forest with 8 primitive sites spread across forested slopes near the Castles National Natural Landmark. The campground costs $8 per night and provides vault toilets but no water or hookups. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and large rigs (at least one user fit a 38-foot fifth wheel). Bring all your own supplies, including water and firewood.
Reva Gap Campground is a primitive campground with 8 sites, offering a natural and secluded camping experience.
Historical Significance
The Castles National Natural Landmark preserves geological formations created over millions of years. The protected status ensures the clay mountains and erosion-carved structures remain intact.
Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures run 50s to 70s°F with nights dropping into the 20s and 40s. The cooler air reduces insect activity (though ticks appear during some seasons) and creates ideal hiking weather. Late-afternoon light enhances the clay formations for photography. The small campground stays quiet compared to summer. Spring through fall generally offer dry conditions and moderate temperatures, but prepare for variability.
ElevationThe campground rests within a dynamic landscape where dramatic valleys give way to soaring clay formations. This varied terrain creates natural amphitheaters and intimate camping spots, with elevation changes that reward hikers with panoramic views and shelter campers in peaceful hollows. The undulating topography adds adventure to every trail and mystery to every vista.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain at 3,281 feet elevation, where ponderosa pine slopes transition into badlands topography. Clay mountains display bands of color formed by millions of years of erosion. Flat-topped plateaus and exposed formations surround the camping area, creating a mix of woodland shade and open geological features. The Castles National Natural Landmark rises nearby. A short hike from camp reaches a scenic overlook of the formations.
Geological RegionThe Slim Buttes Unit showcases one of nature's most dramatic geological galleries, where the Castles National Natural Landmark presides over a landscape of clay mountains and erosion-carved sculptures. Forested slopes give way to exposed formations that reveal the Earth's layered history in bands of color and texture. This unique geological wonderland combines the tranquility of woodland camping with the raw beauty of badlands topography, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your outdoor adventure.
Scenic ViewsUser reviews note 'great overlook' with views of distant landmarks like the Castles, especially from a short hike at the end of the campground.
Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or lodging options at this campground. Campers must bring their own camping gear.
Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.
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What Campers Say
4.18
Satisfactory
Based on 52 reviews
43 Google reviews
Most mentioned
privacyquietsites
"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and simplicity. The average sentiment for general reviews is 4.73, and for campground-specific reviews, it is 4.45."
Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures run 50s to 70s°F with nights dropping into the 20s and 40s. The cooler air reduces insect activity (though ticks appear during some seasons) and creates ideal hiking weather. Late-afternoon light enhances the clay formations for photography. The small campground stays quiet compared to summer. Spring through fall generally offer dry conditions and moderate temperatures, but prepare for variability.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 9% in MT
Description: 'Fall delivers the best conditions' with cool days, fewer insects and great views.
Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Spring offers solitude but can bring ticks/mud; limited amenities remain a factor.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5
Summer sees visitors but sites often available; warmer days and some insect/tick activity noted.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5
Open year-round but cold nights, primitive facilities and limited winter services reduce appeal.
Planning Tips
Operating Season: Open year-round (no seasonal closures indicated).
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time provided
first-come, first-served system likely allows immediate occupation.
Check-out
No official check-out time was provided.
Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
8(user review mentions adequate space for group camping, likely following USFS regulations)
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly supported, and there are no designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive camping is allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced far apart with high privacy between them. The terrain includes flat, level areas large enough for a 38-foot fifth wheel. Most sites sit among trees with seclusion from neighbors.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground operates on a walk-up basis, per authoritative sources and user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served camping; no reservation system implies no direct cancellation policies.
AccessibilityThe campground includes an accessible toilet but lacks detailed information about other accessibility features.
Site SizeThe campsites are generally spacious and secluded, with some flat, level areas that can accommodate large vehicles, such as a 38-ft fifth wheel as noted in user reviews.
PrivacyMost sites are described as very secluded and spread out, offering a high level of privacy. Reviews frequently emphasize the solitude and quietness of the area.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended SitesChoose sites based on openness or privacy preferences; user reviews highlight secluded options and proximity to scenic hikes.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites identified as best. All 8 sites are secluded and spread out across the campground.
Amenities available
The Reva Gap Campground offers a basic camping experience with 8 sites located in the Slim Buttes Unit near the Castles National Natural Landmark. Amenities provided include pit toilets, but there are no facilities for trash pickup or firewood provision. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Reva Gap Campground provides opportunities for hiking, observing natural landmarks, and enjoying solitude in a forested area. Activities are mostly self-guided and rely on the natural features of the surrounding area.
Hiking
The campground's location near the Castles National Natural Landmark offers opportunities for hiking and exploration. One user recounted hiking to the top of a clay mountain to observe the landscapes and photograph the unique rock formations, describing 'crazy erosion' and 'clay river beds.' Another mentioned a short hike to a scenic overlook at the end of the campground.
Wildlife viewing
The secluded and forested setting makes it suitable for wildlife viewing, although specific species or locations are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsTicks noted in user reviews, and potential wildlife presence due to secluded forest location. No water or fire ring facilities available.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at this campground. All toilet facilities are vault-style.
No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).
No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.
Fire PolicyNo fire rings provided; individual fire safety precautions necessary.
Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No official quiet hours provided.
Emergency ServicesSioux District Office, Camp Crook, SD; additional emergency services are likely located in Buffalo, SD.
Trash & RecyclingTrash pickup is not provided, and campers are encouraged to pack out what they bring in. One user review emphasized, 'Remember you don't have it if you don't bring it with you, and take it out when you leave, respect these rare gems.'
Water FeaturesNo major water features; clay river beds and erosion features noted in user reviews.
Camp HostNo host mentioned; managed by Sioux District Office.
Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but limited. For example, one user noted that T-Mobile had 4G service with 2 bars, which was sufficient for connecting to YouTube TV. Another review mentioned no specific issues but did not elaborate further.
Reva Gap Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and simplicity. The average sentiment for general reviews is 4.73, and for campground-specific reviews, it is 4.45.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the privacy of the sites, the natural beauty of the area, and the opportunity for solitude. Phrases such as 'an oasis,' 'secluded campsites,' and 'perfect quiet stop for the...
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Based on 52 reviews
Common Concerns
Some users noted the lack of water, trash services, and fire rings as drawbacks. Vault toilets were also mentioned as needing attention in some cases.
Based on 52 reviews
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary supplies, including water and firewood, as none are provided. Be prepared for ticks during certain seasons. Consider exploring the short hike to the scenic overlook.
Based on 52 reviews
Seasonal Insights
The campground appears less crowded during weekdays and off-peak seasons, such as November. However, in summer months like July, some users reported finding available spots even mid-week.
Based on 52 reviews
Camper Quotes
1. 'Want solitude and seclusion? This is one of those places.' 2. 'An oasis! A nice forested area with basic spots for a night before traveling on.' 3. 'No pay station, so free... A beautiful spot...
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Based on 52 reviews
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific information on which sites were preferred or less desirable beyond general comments that all sites are secluded and spread out.
Based on 52 reviews
Accessibility Features
Details on accessibility are limited. The presence of vault toilets may not cater to all accessibility needs.
Based on 52 reviews
Pet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 52 reviews
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