Boxelder Forks Campground

4.59

47 reviews

Forest Rt. 140 west, Nemo, SD 57759

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds South Dakota#2 Forest Camping South Dakota Primitive Camping South Dakota +3 more

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$18 - $21.5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Northern Hills Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$18 - $21.5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Northern Hills Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Boxelder Forks Campground

$18.00 - $21.50 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee structure is $18 per day plus $2 per pet, per night. For single units the fee is $21.50/night.

Standard Site Fee$18.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(605) 642-4622

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 47 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanfriendlysites

Some mention

noisecrowded

"User reviews for Boxelder Forks Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its serene, rustic atmosphere, clean facilities, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. While some users note issues like ATVs and yellow jackets, these do not overshadow the overall peaceful and picturesque experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Rt. 140 west, Nemo, SD 57759

Boxelder Forks Campground

Forest Rt. 140 west, Nemo, SD 57759

Driving directionsIn Nemo, at the intersection of Nemo Rd. and Boxelder Forks Rd., take Forest Rt. 140 west 1.9 miles to campground on right.

Access requires navigating Forest Rt. 140 or Boxelder Forks Rd. west from Nemo, approximately 1.9 miles. The road conditions can be difficult during rainy weather, as noted by user reviews: "the road out to Nemo was difficult to navigate on a Harley but we did it." Another user commented: "The road in is in poor condition but the campground is nice."

Nearby places

Nemo (1.9 miles, approximately 5-minute drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely in Nemo, but specific distances and stores were not provided. User reviews indicate reliance on Spearfish, SD (about 20 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Boxelder Forks Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Black Hills at Boxelder Forks. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring awakens the forest with refreshing rains, summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, offering crisp mornings around 40°F that warm to pleasant 80°F afternoons—ideal for both trail adventures and creekside relaxation. Autumn brings its own magic with golden light filtering through the pines and occasional showers that enhance the forest's earthy aromatics.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season; summer reviews praise lush environment and creek enjoyment.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformation of Black Hills noted; likely excellent fall colors and scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opening date May 18; spring road/mud issues mentioned by reviewers, so mixed conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Campground mostly seasonal; winter solitude possible but access and services limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 - September 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 18 through September 10, weather permitting. Three sites remain open year-round.

About Boxelder Forks Campground

Discover the dual personality of Boxelder Forks Campground, where two distinct camping experiences await in the heart of Black Hills National Forest. Choose your adventure: immerse yourself in the rustic, undeveloped section where tent camping takes you back to nature's basics, or settle into the refined comfort of well-maintained sites featuring level grounds, groomed grass carpets, and the sheltering embrace of mature pine trees—perfect for RV travelers. Whichever path you choose, the gentle murmur of Boxelder Creek provides a constant companion, weaving through both sections and creating a soundtrack of serenity for your wilderness escape.

The campground accommodates a mix of tent camping and smaller RVs. It is divided into two sections, with one open year-round and the other more suited for RVs with level sites and groomed grass. Primitive camping is available in the first section.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Black Hills at Boxelder Forks. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a crystalline wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring awakens the forest with refreshing rains, summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, offering crisp mornings around 40°F that warm to pleasant 80°F afternoons—ideal for both trail adventures and creekside relaxation. Autumn brings its own magic with golden light filtering through the pines and occasional showers that enhance the forest's earthy aromatics.

ElevationPerched at 4,700 feet above sea level, Boxelder Forks offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of its mountain elevation. This lofty position creates an ideal microclimate where summer heat becomes a distant memory, replaced by cool, pine-scented breezes and panoramic vistas that stretch across the undulating landscape of the Black Hills.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where majestic ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their vanilla-scented bark telling stories of centuries past. Dramatic rock spires punctuate the forest canopy like nature's skyscrapers, while Boxelder Creek dances alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters home to rainbow and brown trout that tempt anglers to try their luck. Adventure beckons just a half-mile from the entrance, where the legendary Centennial Trail invites hikers and bikers to explore 111 miles of Black Hills beauty.

Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the geological wonderland of Black Hills National Forest, where ancient forces sculpted a landscape of contrasts. Here, weathered granite spires rise like sentinels among seas of ponderosa pines, creating a dramatic backdrop for your camping experience. Boxelder Creek has carved its own story through this terrain, its persistent flow creating a riparian ribbon that adds life and movement to the forest's timeless grandeur.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 10 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified.

Groups

No group-specific camping sites are available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 13 sites divided into two sections: one rustic for tents and another suited for RVs with groomed grass.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability only. Sites are available first-come-first-served; users have noted the campground is peaceful and tucked away with good privacy between sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available. Sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features, such as wheelchair-friendly toilets, are mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as well-defined, level, and surrounded by mature pine trees. They provide adequate room for tents or small RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is created through separation rather than vegetation. The campground is noted for its quiet and peaceful setting.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the creek for scenic views and tranquility. Avoid sites near ATVs if seeking peace.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Boxelder Forks Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Centennial Trail (0.5 miles from the campground) provides various recreational options, and Boxelder Creek offers fishing for Rainbow and Brown trout. The picturesque environment is ideal for enjoying nature.

HikingThe Centennial Trail, located 0.5 miles from the campground entrance, offers hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorized vehicle access (for vehicles less than 62 inches wide). User feedback highlights the trail’s proximity and the scenic environment.

FishingBoxelder Creek, adjacent to the campground, is noted for fishing opportunities, particularly for Rainbow and Brown trout. User reviews often mention the peacefulness of the creek.

BikingThe Centennial Trail permits mountain biking, providing a unique opportunity for cyclists to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Wildlife viewingThe campground’s location next to Boxelder Creek and within a mature pine forest provides opportunities for observing wildlife. User reviews frequently mention the scenic and serene surroundings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include difficult road conditions during rainy weather, populated yellow jackets, and freezing winter temperatures as noted by campers.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted within designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesNorthern Hills Ranger District, Address: 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, Phone: (605) 642-4622

Trash & RecyclingNo information is provided regarding trash and recycling facilities or services.

Water FeaturesBoxelder Creek runs alongside the campground, offering fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout.

Camp HostHosts Bob and Barb have served for 27 years and are highly praised for their hospitality and maintenance of clean facilities.

Weather at Boxelder Forks Campground

Reviews

4.6

47 reviews

Top-Rated

Boxelder Forks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Boxelder Forks Campground are generally positive, emphasizing its serene, rustic atmosphere, clean facilities, and the helpfulness of the campground hosts. While some users note issues like ATVs and yellow jackets, these do not overshadow the overall peaceful and picturesque experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive themes include the quiet and scenic environment, the friendly and long-term hosts, and the cleanliness of the facilities. The creek running adjacent to the sites is frequently...

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention noise disruptions from ATVs and the presence of yellow jackets. A few reviews note challenges with road conditions during rainy weather.

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site, as reservations are not available. Winter campers should be prepared for cold conditions and limited site availability. Users recommend taking advantage of the...

Based on 47 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's lush environment and the enjoyment of the creek. Winter reviews emphasize the solitude and peacefulness, though access may be challenging due to weather...

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fell in love with the first site we saw. Original plan was to camp around every couple of days and explore other campsites in the Black Hills but we became enamored with this tucked away spot...

Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 4 is specifically noted in one review: 'Really enjoyed staying at campsite 4. The camp host was very friendly and has a great old dodge.' Other reviews praise riverside sites for their...

Based on 47 reviews