Bear Gulch

4.76

14 reviews

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping South Dakota#2 Forest Camping South Dakota#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota +5 more

Quick Facts

4,613 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,613 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from Memorial D...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Bear Gulch

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group standard nonelectric sites are priced at $100 per night during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Starting May 19, 2025, a...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$100.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-574-4402

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What Campers Say

4.76

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulcleanlocation

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's privacy, scenic beauty, and suitability for group events. Several reviewers appreciated the clean facilities and proximity to recreational activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Bear Gulch

Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 385 take Custer Gulch Road to Forest Service Road 251. Travel six miles to Forest Service Road 253 (Bear Gulch Road). Go three miles to the end of the road and campground.

Vehicles must travel down nine miles of dirt roads to reach the facility. The road is gravel and narrows significantly past the gate. "There are only 2-3 places along the 1.4 mile stretch where two full size vehicles with campers in tow could pass each other," per a user review. Seasonal conditions such as snow-packed areas may further complicate travel.

Nearby places

Hill City (6 miles), Rapid City (20 miles)

Nearby supplies

Hill City, 6 miles away, offers amenities such as groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Gulch

Summer transforms Bear Gulch into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with comfortable days reaching the mid-80s perfect for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool to a refreshing mid-50s – ideal for campfire stories and stargazing. The shoulder seasons paint the surrounding pines in dramatic light, though visitors should come prepared for changing conditions. Winter adventurers will find a transformed landscape where snow blankets the access roads, creating a pristine wonderland that rewards the well-prepared with unmatched solitude and beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in SD

Open Memorial Day–Labor Day; summer praised for comfortable temps and water activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Closed from Sep 14; fall season largely unavailable.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Closed until Memorial Day (May 21); spring access not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Officially closed mid-Sep through May; limited winter use only noted anecdotally.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season runs from May 21, 2025, through September 7, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day (May 21) through Labor Day (Sep 13). Closed from Sep 14 through May 20.

About Bear Gulch

Tucked away in the Black Hills, Bear Gulch offers something truly special: your own private camping kingdom. This exclusive group campsite grants you and your companions sole access to eight individual tent sites, creating the perfect retreat for family reunions, outdoor weddings, or adventures with friends. Perched above a secluded bay on Pactola Reservoir, this primitive paradise strikes the perfect balance between wilderness escape and creature comforts. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings, while a reliable hand pump provides fresh mountain water. As one delighted visitor put it, 'You get the entire campground to yourself and your friends!' – a rare luxury in today's crowded outdoor spaces.

Bear Gulch is a group campground designed for private reservations. It accommodates both tent and RV camping, but is not suitable for large RVs due to limited maneuvering space.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bear Gulch into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with comfortable days reaching the mid-80s perfect for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool to a refreshing mid-50s – ideal for campfire stories and stargazing. The shoulder seasons paint the surrounding pines in dramatic light, though visitors should come prepared for changing conditions. Winter adventurers will find a transformed landscape where snow blankets the access roads, creating a pristine wonderland that rewards the well-prepared with unmatched solitude and beauty.

ElevationElevation details are not specified.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has carved Bear Gulch into a dramatic sanctuary where towering Ponderosa pines stand sentinel over your private canyon retreat. This intimate valley, sculpted over millennia by mountain runoff, creates a natural amphitheater of steep slopes that both shelter and inspire. Below, the sparkling waters of Pactola Reservoir stretch out in a private bay, offering both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The surrounding forest teems with life – from majestic mule deer picking their way through the pines to bighorn sheep navigating the rocky outcrops. Lucky visitors might spot elk at dawn or wild turkeys strutting through camp, while overhead, ospreys circle on thermal currents, their distinctive calls echoing off the canyon walls.

Geological RegionBear Gulch tells a story written in stone and water. This intimate canyon on Pactola Reservoir's southern shore stands as a testament to the patient work of mountain streams that carved through ancient rock over countless seasons. The steep slopes rising on either side of the winding access road create a natural gateway, building anticipation as you descend into your private camping haven. Massive Ponderosa pines have claimed these slopes, their roots gripping the mountainside while their crowns reach skyward, creating a living cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor below.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 60 guests allowed for group events.

Groups

The campground is designed for group use, with a maximum capacity of 60 people. All eight sites are grouped around a central parking area.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged around a central parking area, with six originally designated tent-only camping spots and two spots suitable for small RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis is a reservation-only campground; walk-up availability is not supported.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made within 60 days of arrival will forfeit the non-refundable deposit (50% of the total fee). Late cancellations (14 days or fewer before check-in) will incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates outside the original stay incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityThe campground features an accessible vault toilet and is designed for group camping. However, the narrow and rugged road may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe campground contains eight tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. RV parking is possible but constrained by tight turning spaces, making it unsuitable for larger RVs or trailers over 28 feet.

PrivacyThe group campground is private and isolated, offering a secluded experience for large groups.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesMost individual tent sites are flat and equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites closer to the bay offer the best views.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Gulch offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its proximity to Pactola Reservoir, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The area's scenic and natural features enhance recreational opportunities.

HikingThe campground is near the Osprey Trail trailhead, offering opportunities for hiking. Exact trail lengths and difficulty levels are not specified.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch brown, rainbow, and record lake trout in Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek.

SwimmingSwimming is available at Pactola Point Swim Beach, which is a short drive away from the site.

BoatingWhile there is no boat ramp at the campground, two nearby ramps on the main Pactola Reservoir and a marina with rental services provide boating opportunities.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, wild turkey, and osprey, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Beach activitiesThe nearby Pactola Point Swim Beach provides a sandy area for sunbathing and other beach-related activities.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad access may be challenging, especially for vehicles towing campers greater than 28 feet. Wildlife such as mule deer and wild turkey are common.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings are provided at each site. Firewood must be sourced locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m; no explicit quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest town for emergency services is Hill City, located 6 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers should assume a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to a private bay on Pactola Reservoir. Fishing, swimming, and kayaking are popular activities. "Huuuuge rainbow trout just off the shore," one review highlights.

Camp HostReservation holders must obtain gate access instructions at Pactola Campground Main Booth. A refundable lock charge of $20 may apply.

Weather at Bear Gulch

Reviews

4.8

14 reviews

Top-Rated

Bear Gulch is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's privacy, scenic beauty, and suitability for group events. Several reviewers appreciated the clean facilities and proximity to recreational activities.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the clean vault toilet, scenic location, privacy, and peaceful environment. One user noted, 'Absolutely beautiful private campground,' while another called it 'the best group...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns were raised about the narrow, rugged road leading to the campground, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. One reviewer noted the difficulty of turning around with a trailer over 28...

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend booking a year in advance for special events, bringing a large group to fully utilize the space, and preparing for the rugged access road by using a vehicle capable of handling...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is praised for its summer usability due to pleasant weather and access to water activities. Off-season use is more limited, though winter activities like ice fishing were noted.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolutely beautiful private campground.' - Heather M. 2. 'We got married here and it was a phenomenal campsite.' - Molly Messer 3. 'Nice campground in the trees with lots of shade.' - Interlucid...

Based on 14 reviews