Rod & Gun Campground

Star4.24
40 reviews
Northern Hills Ranger District, 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783

Quick Facts

5,463 ft

Price

$18 - $24/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Northern Hills Ranger District site

Official Website
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Rod & Gun Campground
$18.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fee ranges from $18 to $24 per night based on user reviews and authoritative sources. Self-pay system, cash or check required.
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
605-642-4622
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 40 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to Little Spearfish Creek, and suitability for primitive camping. However, complaints focus on the lack of amenities such as potable water, trash services, and privacy."

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Campground Map

Northern Hills Ranger District, 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783

Rod & Gun Campground

Northern Hills Ranger District, 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783

Driving directionsFrom US Highway 14 A at Savoy take Forest Service Road 222 or Roughlock Falls road to the east. Campground is approximately 2.5 miles.
The campground is accessed via Forest Service Road 222 or Roughlock Falls road, approximately 2.5 miles from US Highway 14 A at Savoy.
Nearby places
Spearfish (approx. 15 miles, 20 minutes driving), Deadwood (approx. 25 miles, 30 minutes driving), Rapid City (approx. 50 miles, 1 hour driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are located in Spearfish, approximately 15 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Rod & Gun Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Black Hills, where winter blankets the canyon in pristine snow and creates a wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring melts into summer, the campground becomes a cool refuge with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration. Late summer brings lush humidity from the creek, creating a verdant microclimate that occasionally attracts nature's smaller residents—so pack your bug spray for those August evenings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open and good for hiking; reviews note bugs, humidity and variable shade in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Black Hills have dramatic seasonal change; canyon views likely excellent in fall.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 13% in SD

Spring melt leads into active creek and good hiking; seasonal scenery improves.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round and becomes a snow-blanketed canyon, but access/amenities are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Rod & Gun Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Spearfish Canyon, Rod & Gun Campground offers an intimate escape into the Black Hills National Forest. This charming primitive campground features seven secluded sites where the gentle sounds of Little Spearfish Creek provide a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. With essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh hand-pump water, you'll find the perfect balance between rustic camping and basic comfort.
Rod & Gun Campground offers primitive camping in a scenic setting, suitable for tent campers and small to medium-sized RVs or trailers.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
None explicitly stated.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground's proximity to Little Spearfish Creek and its location in Spearfish Canyon offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the tranquility of the creek.
HikingThe Rimrock hiking trail passes through the campground, offering stunning views and scenery. It is described as an 'awesome hike' by reviewers.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the creek adjacent to the campground. Trout pools are specifically mentioned by one reviewer.
Wildlife viewingThe quiet setting and proximity to nature make the campground a good spot for observing local wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHumidity and bugs are concerns during August. Limited shade at some campsites. User reviews mention proximity to roads and construction noise.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Rod & Gun Campground

Reviews

4.2
40 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rod & Gun Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to Little Spearfish Creek, and suitability for primitive camping. However, complaints focus on the lack of amenities such as potable water, trash services, and privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the campground's serene environment, the sound of the creek, and its location near hiking trails and natural attractions. Site #7 is especially praised for its creekside...
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Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water, no trash services, minimal privacy, and limited shade at some sites. One user criticized the $18-$24 nightly fee as 'obscene' given the lack of...
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Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags. Choosing site #7 is suggested for its proximity to the creek. Visitors are also advised to have cash or checks for...
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Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews point out issues with bugs and humidity, while general reviews note shade availability varies by site.
Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground, peaceful. We were in site #7 which is situated next to the creek." "Campsite 7 is probably the best site." "$18/night tent camping with no trash nor clean water is obscene."...
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Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 is widely regarded as the best site due to its location by the creek. Site #6 is noted as being hard to access for larger trailers.
Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is not specifically addressed in the reviews.
Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, but one review mentions a pet fee and the lack of provided poop bags.
Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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