Pactola Reservoir Campground
4.38142 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$28/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
110 campsites
Season
Open from May 21 to ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$28/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
110 campsites
Season
Open from May 21 to ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPactola Reservoir Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $28 for standard nonelectric and RV nonelectric sites. Additional fees may apply for reservations, cancellations, or specific...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
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$28.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider605-673-9200
What Campers Say
4.38
Recommended
Based on 142 reviews
162 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanspaciouslocation
"Reviews are mixed, with praise for the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities but criticism for noise levels, campsite proximity, and lack of showers. Many reviewers highlight the clean facilities and friendly camp hosts."
Fees & Passes at Pactola Reservoir Campground
$28/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: A $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night's recreation use fee is forfeited for late cance...
Prices verified December 7, 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 Pactola Reservoir Campground
Experience the Black Hills' dynamic weather personality, where warm summer days invite you to dive into lake activities while cool evenings call for campfire stories. Peak season brings reliably sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, though nature occasionally flexes with dramatic afternoon winds that whistle through the pines or brief heat waves that make the reservoir's cool waters even more inviting.
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 - September 07, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 21 to September 7 (reservable start dates June 24).
- Current Alerts: No current alerts provided.
About Pactola Reservoir Campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Pactola Reservoir Campground, where pine-scented mornings greet you along the south shore of the Black Hills' crown jewel. This scenic retreat combines stunning lake vistas with endless recreation, from peaceful paddling to wildlife watching. Just steps from the informative Visitor Center, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore both the tranquil waters and the surrounding forest adventures that await.
Pactola Reservoir Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, from primitive tent camping to RV camping. Some sites are tent-only, while others can support trailers and RVs, though none have hookups.
Historical SignificanceCamp in the sacred 'Paha Sapa' or 'hills that are black,' as the Lakota people have called this mystical landscape for generations. Your stay places you at the crossroads of American history and indigenous culture, with easy access to the presidential faces of Mount Rushmore, the emerging tribute at Crazy Horse Memorial, and the underground wonderland of Jewel Cave—each telling its own chapter of the Black Hills story.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Black Hills' dynamic weather personality, where warm summer days invite you to dive into lake activities while cool evenings call for campfire stories. Peak season brings reliably sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, though nature occasionally flexes with dramatic afternoon winds that whistle through the pines or brief heat waves that make the reservoir's cool waters even more inviting.
ElevationPerched in the heart of the Black Hills, the campground offers that perfect mountain atmosphere where the air feels crisp and clean, and every breath seems to carry the essence of pine and adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a landscape painted in deep emerald pines reflecting on sapphire waters—welcome to the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills. Your campsite serves as a front-row seat to nature's grand theater, where majestic bighorn sheep navigate rocky outcrops, elk bugle across valleys, and deer quietly graze in meadow clearings. Look skyward to spot bald eagles soaring on thermals, ospreys diving for fish, and the occasional peregrine falcon streaking past in pursuit of prey.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient granite heart of the Black Hills National Forest, this campground showcases nature's architectural mastery. Billion-year-old rock formations create a dramatic backdrop of canyons and gulches, while crystal-clear streams tumble toward deep blue lakes. Below your feet lies a hidden world of unique cave systems, while above, distinctive pine-covered peaks rise like islands from the surrounding prairie sea, creating a geological wonderland that has captivated visitors for centuries.
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySeveral accessible amenities such as a boat ramp, picnic areas, and vault toilets are available. These were noted as clean and well-maintained.
Sites SizeCampsite sizes vary, accommodating both tents and RVs. Some users mention limited space: "Campsites way too close together! Our fire pit was approximately 15' from our neighbors."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across sites. Some users mention limited privacy: "The sites are clustered together in groups of 4-5 sites," and, "Not much privacy between them."
Total Campsites110 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to the lake offer better views and access. Avoid sites near vault toilets to minimize unpleasant odors.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 14:00.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact information on guest limits per site is not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into loops with varied proximity to facilities and water. Some sites clustered together.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 21 to September 7 (reservable start dates June 24).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night's recreation use fee is forfeited for late cancellations starting midnight one calendar day before arrival. No refunds for weather-related events.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides diverse activities, from hiking and boating to wildlife viewing and fishing. The nearby Pactola Reservoir is a hub for water-based recreation, and the Osprey Trail offers scenic hiking opportunities.
Hiking
The 2.2-mile Osprey Trail includes two loop trails and a spur trail to an overlook. It is named for the ospreys often seen in the area. One user remarked, "The Osprey Trail, especially early in the morning, is amazing."Fishing
Fishing is a standout activity here. Pactola Reservoir is stocked with rainbow, lake, and brown trout, as well as largemouth bass and kokanee salmon. A user noted, "Record lake trout are caught here annually."Swimming
Swimming is available, but some reviews mention rocky shorelines. One user stated, "The water is ice cold and very deep almost instantly. If you have kids bring their life jackets and water shoes."Biking
Mountain biking is available in moderately challenging terrain within the Black Hills National Forest.Boating
Boating is popular, with two ramps on-site and a full-service marina nearby. A user highlighted, "Rent a pontoon from the marina. Totally worth it."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and bald eagles can frequently be seen. One user mentioned seeing an osprey catch a fish.Beach activities
Beach access is within walking distance, though some users described the beaches as rocky. A review mentioned, "The 'beach' is nothing but super sharp rocks."Cultural and Educational Programs
The visitor center offers seasonal information on the dam and forest management, providing opportunities for conservation education.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Water sports such as paddle boating, kayaking, and canoeing are popular here.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within rings. Guidelines for purchasing local firewood to prevent invasive species noted.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsSharp rocks on informal beach access points. Deep water near shorelines. Occasional wildlife encounters.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather at Pactola Reservoir Campground
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 15.7 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services in Hill City include a police station and medical facilities. Additional proximity information is not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21 - September 07, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are provided, but there were mentions of some litter in areas such as Jenny's Gulch.
Proximity to water featuresWalking distance to Pactola Reservoir and two boat ramps. Informal access points noted for sharp rocks and deep water.
Common complaintsMisrepresentation of campsites on maps, noisy neighbors during peak times, and issues with campsite layouts noted in user reviews.
HostSeveral reviews mention both hospitable and rude camp hosts. Mixed experiences across different loops. 'Mike' identified by name in a positive review.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsDrive 17 miles west on State Highway 44 from Rapid City, South Dakota. From Highway 44, turn on 385 south. Campground located 2 miles off US Highway 385.
Road access is paved and includes curvy terrain with sharp curves. South entrance is easier to navigate and recommended.Nearby places
Rapid City: 17 miles (approximately 25 minutes). Hill City: Approximate distance not specified.
Nearby supplies
A full-service marina near the campground offers basic supplies and services. Rapid City may provide additional resources for camping supplies and groceries.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
142 reviews
Pactola Reservoir Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with praise for the campground's natural beauty and recreational opportunities but criticism for noise levels, campsite proximity, and lack of showers. Many reviewers highlight the clean facilities and friendly camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 142 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the area's natural beauty, spacious campsites (in some areas), and well-maintained vault toilets. A reviewer noted, "The vault toilets were clean," while another mentioned, "The...
Based on 142 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues raised include noise disturbances, cramped campsite layouts, and the absence of showers. One user stated, "Not much space between campers," while another mentioned, "No showers!"
Based on 142 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Advice includes reserving sites close to the lake for better views and bringing water shoes for rocky beaches. A user noted, "Try to get a camp spot closest to the water."
Based on 142 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive experiences are more frequent during mid-week stays when crowds are smaller. Weekends tend to be noisier and busier, with lax rule enforcement as cited in multiple reviews.
Based on 142 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Record lake trout are caught here annually." "Vaults are by far the cleanest we have ever experienced!" "Try n get a camp spot closest to the water tho."
Based on 142 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsite 037 received criticism for being difficult to access and located near a poorly ventilated bathroom. Campsite 012 is consistently praised for its quiet atmosphere and views.
Based on 142 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features were appreciated, particularly by users with mobility issues. One reviewer noted, "I had a handicapped site which helped my spouse immensely."
Based on 142 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviewers reported unruly dogs disturbing the peace. "There were a lot of dogs barking at all hours of the day."
Based on 142 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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