Dutchman
4.66103 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Quick Facts
5,000 ftPrice
$26 - $52/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
44 campsites
Season
Peak season runs fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
5,000 ftPrice
$26 - $52/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
44 campsites
Season
Peak season runs fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsDutchman
$26.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric sites range from $26 to $52 per night during peak season. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges....
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$26.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider605-673-9200
What Campers Say
4.66
Top-Rated
Based on 103 reviews
45 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsspaciousfriendlysites
Some mention
dusty
"User reviews for Dutchman Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.51. Common praises include the spaciousness of sites, natural beauty, and cleanliness of facilities. Some criticisms focus on the lack of level sites for RVs, the need for better road maintenance, and limited cell service."
Fees & Passes at Dutchman
$26 - $52/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights during peak season.
Cancellation: Reservations can be cancelled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee app...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Forest Recreation Management, Inc website.
Best Time to Camp at Dutchman
Summer brings crisp mountain mornings and sun-dappled afternoons perfect for outdoor adventures, with comfortable temperatures that make this high-elevation escape a refreshing retreat from prairie heat. As one seasoned visitor, David M, notes, 'End of season camping is the best,' when autumn paints the landscape in golden hues and crowds thin out. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, though visitors should prepare for freezing temperatures and potential snowfall during the colder months.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 21, 2025, to September 7, 2025. Reservations can be made on a 6-month rolling basis.
- Current Alerts: No current alerts mentioned.
About Dutchman
Nestled within a tranquil canopy of towering Ponderosa pines at 5,000 feet elevation, Dutchman Campground offers a perfect blend of mountain serenity and lakeside adventure in the heart of Black Hills National Forest. Thoughtfully designed with spacious, well-separated sites, this haven provides both privacy and stunning glimpses of Deerfield Reservoir through the forest. As the most RV-accessible campground in the Deerfield Recreation Area, it welcomes travelers of all camping styles to experience the magic of the Black Hills.
Dutchman Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping options. There are no group sites or luxury accommodations.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the rich heritage surrounding Deerfield Reservoir, where remnants of the Old West still whisper their stories. Historic log flumes once carried timber down mountainsides, while abandoned cabins and mine entrances offer glimpses into the dreams of early settlers and prospectors. Railroad grades carved into the landscape and mysterious tunnels hidden throughout the forest create a living museum where every trail might lead to a piece of Black Hills history.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings crisp mountain mornings and sun-dappled afternoons perfect for outdoor adventures, with comfortable temperatures that make this high-elevation escape a refreshing retreat from prairie heat. As one seasoned visitor, David M, notes, 'End of season camping is the best,' when autumn paints the landscape in golden hues and crowds thin out. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland, though visitors should prepare for freezing temperatures and potential snowfall during the colder months.
ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet above sea level, Dutchman Campground offers a refreshing mountain climate where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This elevated setting not only provides natural air conditioning during warm summer days but also frames spectacular vistas of the surrounding Black Hills landscape, making every sunrise and sunset a memorable spectacle.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of the Black Hills, where ancient granite spires pierce skyward through dense forests of pine and spruce. The pristine waters of Deerfield Lake, designated as a peaceful no-wake zone, mirror the surrounding peaks and provide a serene backdrop for camping adventures. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem where rugged rock formations give way to hidden meadows, and the distinctive silhouette of pine-covered hills creates an iconic Western landscape that has captivated visitors for generations.
Geological RegionThe Black Hills rise like an island of ancient stone from the surrounding prairie, revealing billions of years of Earth's history in their exposed granite cores and layered formations. This geological wonderland showcases dramatic canyons and gulches carved by time and water, while hidden caves and crystalline streams weave through the landscape. Grassland parks punctuate the forested slopes, creating diverse habitats where the mountains meet the plains in a spectacular collision of ecosystems that defines this unique corner of South Dakota.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites and vault toilets are available, but detailed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not provided.
Sites SizeCampground sites are spacious and well-separated, as noted by reviewers: "Spacious sites with plenty of room between them" and "Sites were large with lots of distance between neighbors."
Sites PrivacyThe sites are spaced far apart, offering privacy. Reviews frequently mention this feature: "Spaced far enough apart that we didn't feel we were on top of our neighbors" and "Great distance between campsites."
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with lake views (e.g., 37, 35) or sites with proximity to water access. Double sites (9, 10, 23, 37) are suitable for groups.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly listed.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly listed.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights during peak season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites can accommodate up to 8 guests unless specified otherwise.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are widely spaced and some are situated near the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season runs from May 21, 2025, to September 7, 2025. Reservations can be made on a 6-month rolling basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or through the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be cancelled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. No refunds for weather-related events.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and wildlife viewing. Nearby trails like the Deerfield Lake Loop Trail provide opportunities for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The lake supports activities such as fishing for rainbow and brown trout and is a no-wake zone, making it ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible, including the 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail and the historic Deerfield Trail. User reviews highlight these trails' appeal: "Great hiking trail that runs from Dutchman that has few other hikers" and "Hiked about 9 miles around the lake."Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant at Deerfield Lake, which is stocked with rainbow and native brown trout. A user reported, "Super close to Deerfield Lake to do some bank fishing."Biking
Trails are suitable for mountain biking, with moderate terrain. No specific biking-only trails are mentioned.Boating
Deerfield Lake is a no-wake lake, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and other small boating activities. Users appreciated the serene boating environment: "The lake is nice for kayaking."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer and birds is frequently observed. One user noted, "We saw deer from our spots almost daily and could see the lake."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted, as the main season is from May to September.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular due to the lake's no-wake policy.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are available at each site. Firewood must be obtained locally.
- Quiet hours are enforced, but some reviews mention occasional noise violations.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include uneven campsite terrain as noted by reviews, road dust, and wildlife presence like coyotes and deer.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned.
Weather at Dutchman
32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Hill City, South Dakota, approximately 16 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available, and their proximity is convenient for campers, with no specific recycling facilities mentioned in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLake access is within walking distance. Deerfield Lake supports fishing and boating activities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include dusty roads leading to the campground, flies in the bathrooms, uneven campsites unsuitable for RVs, and a lack of electric hookups.
HostCamp hosts are frequently praised for their hospitality and helpfulness. "Sue, the camp host, is the best and made our stay very enjoyable" (review by Kay M).
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsTake Forest Highway 17 (Deerfield Road) for 16 miles northwest of Hill City, South Dakota.
Accessible via Forest Highway 17 (Deerfield Road), 16 miles northwest of Hill City. Road conditions include gravel roads with washboards and potholes as noted by multiple user reviews. Seasonal closures may apply.Nearby places
Hill City (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Hill City, 16 miles away, which includes groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
103 reviews
Dutchman is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dutchman Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.51. Common praises include the spaciousness of sites, natural beauty, and cleanliness of facilities. Some criticisms focus on the lack of level sites for RVs, the need for better road maintenance, and limited cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 103 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews often praise the campground's spacious and well-separated sites, serene atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings. Many users also highlight the friendly and helpful camp hosts.
Based on 103 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include uneven terrain for RVs, dusty roads leading into the campground, and flies in bathrooms.
Based on 103 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray for flies, and be prepared for limited cell service. Users recommend visiting nearby attractions and using this as a base for Black Hills exploration.
Based on 103 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User experiences suggest summer is the best season due to pleasant weather and access to all amenities. Issues like dusty roads and flies were frequently mentioned during peak season.
Based on 103 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Larger sites with plenty of room between them," "The camp host was superb," "Bathroom locations on the map were incorrect," "The lake is beautiful and a very serene atmosphere," and "Sites need...
Based on 103 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites 037 and 036 are frequently praised for their lake views; sites 009 and 041 are noted for their spaciousness and quietness. Some RV users criticized site 033 as being too steep.
Based on 103 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features were not frequently reviewed, but some noted it was easy to navigate and had accessible vault toilets.
Based on 103 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and users found the campground pet-friendly. A review noted, "Almost everyone had their pups with them."
Based on 103 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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