Oreville Campground

4.11

177 reviews

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

Featured in:Camping Near Wind Cave National Park

Quick Facts

5,335 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

May 21, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,335 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

May 21, 2025 - Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Forest Recreation Management, Inc site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Oreville Campground

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates are $26.00 per night during both peak and non-peak seasons. Additional fees include a $2.00 per night pet fee and $10.00 transaction...

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

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 177 reviews

77 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintainedsites

Some mention

noise

"Oreville Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 3.99 for general opinions and 3.98 for campground-specific reviews. The primary highlights include the scenic beauty, proximity to local attractions, and well-maintained facilities. However, repeated complaints about road noise, vault toilet odors, and a lack of amenities such as dump stations are recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Oreville Campground

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

Driving directionsIn Hill City, SD, at intersection of East Main St. (US Rt. 16) and Deerfield Rd. (County Rt. 308), take US Rt. 16 south 5.2 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.

The campground is centrally located along Highway 16/385 just north of Crazy Horse Monument with accessible routes. Roads are paved and easily navigable, though proximity to the highway means noise disturbance is frequent, as noted by user reviews.

Nearby places

Hill City (4 miles, 10 minutes), Custer (10 miles, 15 minutes), Rapid City (30 miles, 45 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Hill City, located 4 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Oreville Campground

The Black Hills work their magic on the weather here, creating a tapestry of seasonal experiences. Winter arrives quietly, painting the landscape with occasional dustings of snow while keeping the air crisp and dry—perfect for those seeking solitude. Come summer, the days warm your soul while the nights remind you to pack that extra layer, creating ideal conditions for campfire conversations. Fair warning from fellow campers: the summer mosquitoes have discovered this paradise too, so bring your favorite repellent to fully enjoy those golden evening hours.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season: scenic and convenient, but reviewers cite high road noise and mosquitos in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens and Black Hills views likely excellent in fall; fewer mosquitos and strong scenic notes.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Late spring opening (May 21) limits early-spring access; pleasant weather noted otherwise.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 21–Sept 28 window; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 21, 2025 - September 28, 2025. Reservations open on June 24, 2025.
Current Alerts: No specific alerts are currently mentioned.

About Oreville Campground

Tucked into the hillside like a secret whispered by the Black Hills themselves, Oreville Campground invites you to pitch your tent beneath a canopy of quaking aspens and towering ponderosa pines. Here, spacious sites offer the kind of privacy that lets you truly disconnect, while grassy meadows provide natural gathering spaces for stargazing and storytelling. Conveniently positioned along the scenic Highway 16/385, you'll find yourself perfectly placed between two of America's most iconic monuments—with Crazy Horse Memorial just minutes away and the endless adventures of the Black Hills beckoning from every direction.

Oreville Campground offers a range of camping options, including sites for tents, trailers, and RVs. The focus is on providing a natural and rustic camping experience, with minimal modern amenities.

Historical SignificanceOreville sits at the crossroads of American history and Native American heritage. From your campsite, you're perfectly positioned to explore the monumental stories carved into these sacred hills—from the presidential faces of Mount Rushmore to the emerging tribute to Lakota leader Crazy Horse. This central location makes you a temporary neighbor to some of the nation's most profound cultural landmarks, where the stories of America's past and present converge.

Weather and SeasonsThe Black Hills work their magic on the weather here, creating a tapestry of seasonal experiences. Winter arrives quietly, painting the landscape with occasional dustings of snow while keeping the air crisp and dry—perfect for those seeking solitude. Come summer, the days warm your soul while the nights remind you to pack that extra layer, creating ideal conditions for campfire conversations. Fair warning from fellow campers: the summer mosquitoes have discovered this paradise too, so bring your favorite repellent to fully enjoy those golden evening hours.

ElevationWhile the exact elevation remains one of the Black Hills' well-kept secrets, you'll feel the mountain air working its restorative magic from the moment you arrive.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle rustle of aspen leaves catching the morning light, their white bark standing in elegant contrast to the rich, cinnamon-colored trunks of ancient ponderosas. This corner of Black Hills National Forest serves as nature's amphitheater, where bighorn sheep might appear on distant ridges, elk bugle across the valleys, and deer step delicately through your campsite at dawn. Overhead, the sky becomes a highway for eagles, hawks, and countless songbirds, while pronghorn antelope grace the nearby meadows with their prehistoric elegance.

Geological RegionYou're camping in the heart of the Black Hills—or as the Lakota people named them, 'Paha Sapa,' the 'hills that are black.' These ancient mountains rise like islands from the surrounding prairie, their dark pine forests creating the shadowy silhouette that inspired their name. Here, millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of rugged rock formations, hidden canyons, and secret gulches. Crystal-clear streams tumble through the valleys, feeding deep blue lakes and carving out mysterious caves that honeycomb the limestone beneath your feet. It's a place where every trail leads to discovery and every vista tells a story written in stone.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is typically at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out is generally by 2:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

No group campsites or their specifications are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe layout includes spacious sites with varying vegetation coverage. Some sites are pull-through, though they are described as wide spots on the road.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 cancellation fee, plus forfeiture of the first night's fees for late cancellations. No refunds are given for weather-related cancellations.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. Campsites are described as spacious and well-maintained, which may aid accessibility.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some capable of hosting tents, trailers, and RVs. Specific mentions include site #12, which can accommodate rigs up to 45 feet in length.

PrivacyThe campsites are noted for their privacy, with trees and open space separating many of them. Reviews describe the sites as 'fairly private' and 'spacious.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther uphill from the road to minimize traffic noise. Site 12 and Site 8 are highly recommended for privacy and size.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Oreville Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities suitable for all ages and abilities. Official sources highlight hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and OHV riding as popular options. The nearby George S. Mickelson Trail is a significant draw, offering over 100 miles of packed gravel trail through scenic terrain, including tunnels, bridges, and forests. For those seeking higher elevations, Black Elk Peak provides a challenging hike with panoramic views.

HikingThe George S. Mickelson Trail, spanning over 100 miles, is a standout feature for hikers. The trail includes four tunnels, over 100 railroad bridges, and numerous trailheads, providing a unique experience amidst mountain and forest landscapes.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in the region, although specifics such as common fish species or recommended spots are not provided.

BikingMountain biking is a significant activity in the area, with hundreds of miles of trails offering diverse terrain. The George S. Mickelson Trail is particularly praised for biking.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a region rich in wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and a variety of bird species such as bald eagles and peregrine falcons.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews note high mosquito activity and proximity to the highway as hazards. No potable water for RV tanks is available, though spigots for small containers are provided.

Active AlertsNo specific alerts are currently mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated rings with local firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesHill City Medical Center (4 miles away), Hill City Police Department (4 miles away), Black Hills National Forest Ranger Station (5 miles)

Trash & RecyclingThe campground does not provide detailed information about trash and recycling facilities, but there are no specific complaints or praises about the management of waste from reviewers.

Water FeaturesNo nearby water bodies are directly accessible from the campground.

Camp HostHosts are generally described as friendly and accommodating, though reviews mention variability. Host interactions range from helpful to indifferent.

Weather at Oreville Campground

Reviews

4.1

177 reviews

Satisfactory

Oreville Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Oreville Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment score of 3.99 for general opinions and 3.98 for campground-specific reviews. The primary highlights include the scenic beauty, proximity to local attractions, and well-maintained facilities. However, repeated complaints about road noise, vault toilet odors, and a lack of amenities such as dump stations are recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 177 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the friendly and accommodating camp hosts ('What a fantastic camp host!'), clean and well-maintained sites ('The host kept the bathrooms spotless'), and...

Based on 177 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints largely center around the road noise ('Road noise is ridiculous from the highway'), the odor from vault toilets ('The outhouse smelled terrible the whole time'), and restrictions on...

Based on 177 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to the 'voracious' mosquitoes and preparing for road noise by choosing sites further from the highway if possible. Bringing small water containers...

Based on 177 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often highlight the convenience of the campground's location for exploring nearby attractions but also emphasize the high road noise and increased mosquito activity during this period....

Based on 177 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The camp host was very nice and the camp spots were very spacious and spread out allowing for privacy.' - 'There aren’t any showers but you can shower in Custer State Park if you buy the park...

Based on 177 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several specific sites are highlighted in user reviews: - Site #12 is described as 'roomy, level, and farthest from the road,' making it a top pick. - Site #014 is noted for its convenience but also...

Based on 177 reviews

Accessibility Features

While no detailed reviews from users with disabilities are available, comments about the spaciousness of sites and the cleanliness of facilities suggest some level of accessibility.

Based on 177 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but a $2 per night pet fee is required. Some users felt the policy led to issues with pet waste ('Other pet owners were not pleased and let their dogs crap...

Based on 177 reviews

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