Castle Peak Campground

Star4.02
48 reviews
Castle Peak Campground, Castle Peak Road, FSR 181, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,433 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mystic Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Castle Peak Campground
$0.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight camping fees during peak season are $19 per night. During the off-season, overnight camping is free. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation...
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Standard Site Fee$19.00
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) 343-1567
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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietsites

"User reviews emphasize Castle Peak Campground's remote and primitive nature. Positive themes include its secluded location, scenic beauty, and quiet atmosphere. Negative aspects include the rough road leading to the campground and issues such as trash being left in the restroom."

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Campground Map

Castle Peak Campground, Castle Peak Road, FSR 181, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Castle Peak Campground

Castle Peak Campground, Castle Peak Road, FSR 181, Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Driving directionsFrom Hill City go west on Highway 17, Deerfield Road 5 miles to Tigerville, go straight and follow Mystic Road 8 miles to Castleton, turn left on Castle Peak Road, FSR 181, travel 8 miles to campground.
The last 8 miles on FSR 181 are described as rough, narrow, and treacherous. User reviews often mention that a higher-clearance vehicle such as an SUV, truck, or Jeep is strongly recommended due to road conditions. After rainstorms, roads may become washed out and hazardous.
Nearby places
Hill City (approximately 13 miles, 25 minutes), Rapid City (approximately 50 miles, 1 hour), Deadwood (approximately 55 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, camping gear, and fuel can likely be found in Hill City, approximately 13 miles from the campground. Larger supply centers are available in Rapid City, about 50 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Castle Peak Campground

Each season paints Castle Peak in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the canyon into a hushed wonderland where temperatures dip into the teens and fresh snow blankets the spruce boughs. Come summer, the mercury climbs to comfortable mid-70s, punctuated by refreshing afternoon rain showers that release the earthy scent of pine. Spring arrives with unpredictable charm, mixing snow flurries with warming sunshine, while autumn delivers crisp mountain air and crystal-clear skies perfect for stargazing.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: lush canyon and flowing creek; reviewers enjoyed the scenery in season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal hues and continued solitude make fall a strong season for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring likely wet/muddy with variable conditions and continued solitude.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; snow creates a hushed landscape but services and access may be limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season fees apply during the main camping season; off-season camping is free.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is accessible year-round, with peak season fees applicable.

About Castle Peak Campground

Tucked away in a secluded canyon where Castle Creek whispers through towering spruce trees, Castle Peak Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape with just nine intimate campsites. This hidden gem beckons those seeking solitude and simplicity, where the loudest sounds are birdsong and rustling branches. Far from crowds and conveniences, this primitive sanctuary delivers the kind of peaceful nights under star-filled skies that modern life rarely allows.
Castle Peak Campground is classified as a primitive camping destination with minimal facilities. It features nine individual campsites and is described as secluded and hard to access.
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Stay Limit
Stay limit not explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Castle Peak Campground offers visitors a remote and scenic location for outdoor activities. While specific recreational facilities are not outlined, user reviews describe activities such as observing wildlife and enjoying the creek flowing through the area.
Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention observing wildlife such as elk near the campground. One reviewer noted seeing a herd of elk before deciding to turn back due to rough road conditions.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions leading to the campground are rough and narrow, particularly treacherous after rainstorms. Wildlife such as elk has been observed in the area.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Castle Peak Campground

Reviews

4.0
48 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Castle Peak Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize Castle Peak Campground's remote and primitive nature. Positive themes include its secluded location, scenic beauty, and quiet atmosphere. Negative aspects include the rough road leading to the campground and issues such as trash being left in the restroom.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the campground’s unspoiled natural environment, privacy, and the creek running through the area. One reviewer described it as 'my favorite place to camp so far,' noting its...
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Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

The rough road leading to the campground was frequently cited as a challenge, with multiple reviewers warning against attempting the drive without a high-clearance vehicle such as a truck or SUV....
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Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a high-clearance vehicle and planning for the absence of cell service. One reviewer advises avoiding rainy weather due to the road's susceptibility to washouts. Packing in...
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Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Several reviewers noted the campground’s empty state during seasonal events like the Sturgis Rally, making it ideal for campers seeking solitude during such times. Weather conditions like rain can...
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Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This has been my favorite place to camp so far. It is far off of any main road, the campsites are well spaced, the area is beautiful.' - Tristan Mausser. 2. 'Roads can be bad, especially after a...
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Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite feedback is not provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are not available beyond the presence of restroom facilities.
Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet-friendly features or policies.
Based on 48 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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