3.6730 reviewsPrice
$18 - $21.5/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Please be advised th...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Price
$18 - $21.5/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Please be advised th...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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Dalton Lake Campground, Dalton Lake Rd, Nemo, SD
Anglers and Centennial Trail hikers who can arrive midweek beat the weekend rush and get their pick of the wooded sites. Rainbow and brook trout in a 2.8-acre lake, carry-in canoe access, and cool summer nights in the mid-40s make this a solid basecamp for tent campers who pack t
No hookups, no showers, and the only water source is a hand-pump spigot, so RV travelers or anyone expecting full facilities will be disappointed. ATV traffic on nearby trails carries into camp, and reviewers also flag free-roaming cattle leaving messes around the sites.
Reference information about Dalton Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<ul class="usa-card-group"><li class="tablet:grid-col-12 usa-card--flag usa-card"><div class="usa-card__container"><header class="usa-card__header"><h2>Historic CCC Campground</h2></header><div class="usa-card__media"><div class="usa-card__img"><img alt="A placeholder image" src="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd1145630.jpg" /></div></div><div class="usa-card__body"><p>Between 1934 -1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed a dam, campground, sheltered picnic area, and other structures in this beautiful location. The quiet and small eleven site campground overlooks Dalton Lake. The nearby Dalton Lake Trailhead provides access to the Centennial Trail which is open for hiking, horseriding and bicycling (on Centennial trail going north). The Centennial trail going to the south it is open for motorized travel. There was also, at one time, a ski slide in the area that has since fallen into disuse. Many CCC remnants remain here including two stone bridges and a <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/learning/history-culture/?cid=fseprd1139462">sheltered picnic area</a>, but unfortunately, when a massive flood in 1972 happened, other remnants were washed away forever. Forest Engineers, Archeologists and HistoriCorps are working together to un-cover what materials and tools will be needed to preserve the sheltered picnic area while keeping its historical characteristics accurate and intact and hope to begin work on it towards the end of summer 2024.</p></div></div></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=82015&actid=79">Dalton Lake</a> is next to the campground and is a popular little fishing area with populations of rainbow and brook trout. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks manages the fishing here, so prior to fishing consult the state fishing regulations. Shoreline access is good, as is access via a pier. Dalton Lake is approximately 2.8 acres and 15 ft. deep. The Forest Service and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks drained and dredged the lake in 2011/2012.</p><ul class="usa-card-group"><li class="tablet:grid-col-12 usa-card--flag usa-card"><div class="usa-card__container"><header class="usa-card__header"><h2>Dalton Lake Campground Layout</h2></header><div class="usa-card__media"><div class="usa-card__img"><img alt="A placeholder image" src="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd616731.jpg" /></div></div><div class="usa-card__body"><p>Reservations are not available for Dalton Lake Campground. Sites are available first come, first served. See the layout of the campground to find your perfect camping site.</p></div><div class="usa-card__footer"><a class="usa-button" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd616731.jpg">Download</a></div></div></li></ul>
The elevation is 4,400 ft. The campground stretches out between Dalton Lake Rd and Dalton Lake. Most sites are tucked in among mature Spruce and fir trees. A groomed grass understory gives the campground a park-like feel with privacy poor to good. Dalton Lake is a pleasantly small canoe lake. With several fishing piers and a paved wheelchair-friendly path on the campground side of lake, this is a delightful family-friendly campground.
Open May 18 through September 10
The spigot is a handpump. Black Hills National Forest 103
Dalton Lake is two acres.
The parking aprons are gravel.
In Nemo, SD, at the intersection of Nemo Rd. and Vanocker Canyon Rd./Forest Rt. 26, take Rt. 26 east 3.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Dalton Lake Rd and go 3.9 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Dalton Lake Rd. is a single lane dirt road with some pullouts.
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Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs around 70-80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s. Weekends in July can fill up, but weekdays stay quiet. Winter brings snow and challenging road conditions. Spring and fall offer solitude, though water activities are limited and temperatures swing unpredictably. At this elevation, pack warm layers even in August.
Summer (campground open May–Sept) has most reliable weather (70–80°F days), busiest and most pleasant season.
Dalton Lake Campground is a historic site constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1934-1937. It offers 11 campsites nestled among mature spruce and fir trees, providing a park-like feel. While the campground is peaceful and surrounded by natural beauty, it has minimal facilities. Restrooms (vault toilets) are the primary sanitation option, and there is no potable water available on-site, only a hand-pumped spigot. Each site has a picnic table and a grill, and the campground is located adjacent to Dalton Lake, a small fishing lake popular for rainbow and brook trout.
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