How much does camping cost at Grizzly Bear Campground?

Camping fees at Grizzly Bear Campground range from $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Grizzly Bear Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Grizzly Bear Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Grizzly Bear Campground before I book?

Yes! Grizzly Bear Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Grizzly Bear Campground?

Grizzly Bear Campground is open April 15 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Grizzly Bear Campground?

Grizzly Bear Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Grizzly Bear Campground?

Cell phone service at Grizzly Bear Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Grizzly Bear Campground have?

Grizzly Bear Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Grizzly Bear Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Grizzly Bear Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Grizzly Bear Campground?

Grizzly Bear Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Grizzly Bear Campground?

Popular activities at Grizzly Bear Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Grizzly Bear Campground

3.98

202 reviews

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

Featured in:Camping Near Wind Cave National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,573 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open season: May 21 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,573 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open season: May 21 ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc Official Website

Get Directions

Grizzly Bear Campground

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

PICNIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-673-9200

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Grizzly Bear Campground

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

Nearby places

Keystone (approx. 2 miles), Hill City (~10 miles), Rapid City (~25 miles), Custer (~25 miles)

Weather at Grizzly Bear Campground

Best Time to Camp at Grizzly Bear Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to Grizzly Creek Primitive (open May 21–Sept 7), the warmest weather for hiking and fishing, and the greatest chance to explore waterfalls, granite formations, and blue pools when creek flows are higher after afternoon storms. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F at 4,573 ft with cool nights in the 40s–50s, making for comfortable backpacking and overnight camping. Trails, creek access, and primitive sites are fully passable, though expect peak-use Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open May–Sept; warm days, abundant hiking and activities but helicopter/motor noise and thunderstorms noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 21 to September 7, 2025. Peak season ends September 7, 2025.

About Grizzly Bear Campground

Grizzly Creek Primitive sits in Black Hills National Forest near Keystone, operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc. The small campground offers spacious, private sites with vault toilets, potable water, and attentive camp hosts. Campers use it as a base for hiking, fishing, and biking, with Mount Rushmore and other Black Hills attractions nearby.

Grizzly Creek Primitive campground is best suited for tent camping and small RVs up to 24 feet. Primitive camping is emphasized, with no modern facilities such as showers or flush toilets.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to Grizzly Creek Primitive (open May 21–Sept 7), the warmest weather for hiking and fishing, and the greatest chance to explore waterfalls, granite formations, and blue pools when creek flows are higher after afternoon storms. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F at 4,573 ft with cool nights in the 40s–50s, making for comfortable backpacking and overnight camping. Trails, creek access, and primitive sites are fully passable, though expect peak-use Peak months: July, June, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4573 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGranite formations rise from pine-covered slopes around the campground, with Grizzly Creek running alongside several sites. The area sits near the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness, South Dakota's only designated wilderness. Expect Ponderosa pine canopy over most sites, with some oak mixed in. Creek crossings are common on nearby trails. The elevation keeps temperatures moderate even in summer, though afternoon thunderstorms are typical and can swell the creek temporarily.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number of guests per site unspecified.

Groups

Details about group camping are not explicitly provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website and app.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, accessible drinking water, and accessible vault toilets are available.

Site SizeSites are described as reasonably sized, with specific mentions of spacious and large sites like #19. "Site #19 was sizeable and right next to the creek," commented one reviewer.

PrivacySite privacy varies; some are closer to neighbors while others are more secluded. "Site 19 was nice and private," noted one user, while another mentioned, "Site 15 only has neighbors across from it but not on the sides.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific highlights include Site #19 for large, private space near the creek and Site #13 for convenience to bathrooms and creek access.

Best CampsitesSite 19 gets consistent praise for privacy, size, and creek proximity. It's spacious enough for families and sits right next to the water. Site 15 has neighbors across from it but not on the sides, offering partial seclusion. Site 13 is well-shaded and close to vault toilets if that matters to you.

Need help booking Grizzly Bear Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Grizzly Creek Primitive campground offers a range of amenities designed for a rustic yet enjoyable camping experience. The campground has picnic tables and campfire rings at each site, vault toilets, and potable water. Firewood can be purchased on-site for a fee. "The bathrooms were clean," noted user reviews, though vault toilets were described as "smelly" by some visitors. "Toilets were clean and water was just outside," said one camper. However, there are no electrical hookups or shower facilities available. Generators are permitted to run between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Pets are allowed but require a $2 per pet per night fee. Camp hosts are often praised for their helpfulness and attentiveness, with one user commenting, "Camp host John was amazing!"

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Grizzly Creek Primitive campground offers a variety of recreational activities, leveraging its proximity to Black Hills attractions. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. "Definitely make the trip up the valley to see the bridges and tunnels," recommended one reviewer.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead. The vault toilets are described as clean and well-maintained but smelly by several users.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

202 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Grizzly Bear Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Most users praise the campground's cleanliness, helpful camp hosts, and proximity to Black Hills attractions. Some complaints focus on helicopter noise and aggressive behavior by certain camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 202 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 202 reviews.

Site #19Loved
Site #19 is frequently praised for its size and privacy: "My husband and I had site #19 and it was the best campsite ever.
Site #13Loved
Nice and private and very large." Site #13 is noted for its proximity to amenities: "We stayed in lucky #13, it was a great experience."

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, attentive camp hosts, and proximity to Mount Rushmore and other attractions. "Site #19 was clean, sizeable, and private," commented...

Based on 202 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently mention noise from helicopter tours and motorcycles, and occasional issues with camp hosts being overly strict. "Helicopter noise was deafening for almost the entire weekend,"...

Based on 202 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend staying at spacious and private sites such as #19. "If you go, make sure to wear hiking sandals for all the creek crossings," noted a reviewer.

Based on 202 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Noise levels from helicopters and motorcycles tend to increase during summer and holiday weekends. Winter activities are highlighted as peaceful and less crowded.

Based on 202 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Site #19 was sizeable and right next to the creek." - Kim C "The camp host was amazing!" - Amber T "Helicopter noise was deafening for almost the entire weekend." - Karissa L

Based on 202 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as drinking water and vault toilets are appreciated. "Accessible drinking water and vault toilets are available," noted one reviewer.

Based on 202 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed for a fee, but users recommend keeping them leashed at all times. "The camp host gave us a warning for having dogs off-leash before I even had my tent out of the car," shared one...

Based on 202 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a roomy site close to Black Hills attractions and don't mind occasional aircraft and motorcycle traffic.

Skip if

You're sensitive to daytime helicopter noise or need electric hookups and modern restrooms.

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Horsethief Lake Campground

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

Horsethief Lake Campground sits in the Black Hills National Forest near Hill City, South Dakota, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites beside a small mountain lake. Operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc., the campground serves as a base for exploring Mount Rushmore and surrounding trails. Visitors fish, swim, hike, and bike from a mid-elevation forest setting with vault toilets, potable water, and an on-site camp store.