Grizzly Creek Primitive

Star4.01
202 reviews
Forest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168 Hill City, SD 57745 USA

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

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Grizzly Creek Primitive
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Tent-only sites are priced at $26.00 per night during peak season (May 21 to September 7, 2025). Fees do not include taxes or incremental charges.
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

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Provider
605-673-9200
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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 202 reviews

96 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Grizzly Creek Primitive

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

Driving directionsFrom Keystone, South Dakota, take Route 16A west 1.9 miles to campground on the right.
Vehicles up to 24 feet maximum are allowed, but tight, sharp turns prohibit towing vehicles, including trailers, fifth-wheels, motorhomes pulling vehicles, and pop-up campers. No overflow parking available.
Nearby places
Keystone (approx. 2 miles), Hill City (~10 miles), Rapid City (~25 miles), Custer (~25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Keystone (~2 miles). Larger stores and services in Hill City (~10 miles) and Rapid City (~25 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Grizzly Creek Primitive

Summer days at Grizzly Creek bring warm, golden sunshine filtering through the pine boughs, occasionally punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the Black Hills, filling the air with the fresh scent of rain-washed forest. As autumn yields to winter, the campground transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, becoming a coveted basecamp for adventure seekers. The pristine white landscape beckons snowshoers to explore hushed forest trails, while cross-country skiers glide through meadows and snowmobilers discover miles of groomed trails winding through this winter paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season with warm days and storms; good activities but helicopter/motorcycle noise noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 7); pleasant early-fall conditions but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens May 21; early spring stays closed so spring rating not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 21–Sept 7, so winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: May 21 to September 7, 2025. Peak season ends September 7, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.

About Grizzly Creek Primitive

Nestled beneath a magnificent canopy of ancient oak and towering Ponderosa pine, Grizzly Creek Primitive Campground offers an authentic glimpse into America's outdoor heritage. The gentle murmur of Grizzly Creek provides a natural soundtrack as you settle into this timeless retreat, where original Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship remains beautifully preserved. Each campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and traditional campfire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While modern amenities like vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort, the absence of electrical hookups preserves the campground's primitive charm, inviting you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's rhythms.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM local time
Check-out
11:00 AM local time
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking opportunities abound, including trails leading to Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point east of the Rockies, and the Grizzly Falls hike from the campsite: "The hike to Grizzly Falls is worth the effort," and "Definitely make the trip up the valley to see the bridges and tunnels."
FishingFishing opportunities exist in nearby streams and creeks within Black Hills National Forest. Details about the types of fish or specific fishing locations are not provided.
BikingMountain biking is possible on nearby trails in Black Hills National Forest. No specific trail details are provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species. "A herd of deer was just hanging around the campground," noted one camper.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep terrain, thunderstorms, and wildlife such as bears. Vault toilets may emit strong odors, as noted by user reviews.
Active AlertsNo current alerts provided.

Weather at Grizzly Creek Primitive

Reviews

4.0
202 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Grizzly Creek Primitive is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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...
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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,"...
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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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #19 is frequently praised for its size and privacy: "My husband and I had site #19 and it was the best campsite ever. Nice and private and very large." Site #13 is noted for its proximity to...
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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...
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Based on 202 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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