How much does camping cost at Rod & Gun Campground?

Camping fees at Rod & Gun Campground range from $18-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Rod & Gun Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rod & Gun Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the best time to visit Rod & Gun Campground?

Rod & Gun Campground is open Not specified.. 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 Rod & Gun Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Rod & Gun Campground?

Fire policies at Rod & Gun Campground: User reviews confirm fire pits are available. Firewood is not sold on site; bring your own.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Rod & Gun Campground have?

Rod & Gun Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Rod & Gun Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rod & Gun 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 Rod & Gun Campground?

Rod & Gun 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 Rod & Gun Campground?

Popular activities at Rod & Gun Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rod & Gun Campground

4.05

40 reviews

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

Top 21% in SDFall

Featured in:Primitive Camping South Dakota Mountain Camping South Dakota Spring Camping South Dakota +3 more

Quick Facts

5,463 ft

Price

$18 - $24/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Please be advised th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,463 ft

Price

$18 - $24/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Please be advised th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Rod & Gun Campground

$18.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $24 per night Peak Season: $24 / night (Approximately Mid-May through Late September) Shoulder Season: $15 / night (Approximately Late...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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USFS

Provider

605-642-4622

I manage this campground

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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

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.

Weather at Rod & Gun Campground

Best Time to Camp at Rod & Gun Campground

Fall brings the best conditions from mid-September through mid-October, with daytime highs between 45-60°F and nights dropping to 25-35°F. The aspen and cottonwood turn brilliant colors during this window, bug activity dies down, and fishing remains strong with lighter crowds than summer. Winter blankets the canyon in snow for hardy visitors. Late summer humidity from the creek can draw mosquitoes, especially in August.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in SD

Fall (mid-Sept to mid-Oct) noted as best time for aspen/cottonwood color and pleasant temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Please be advised that Rod & Gun Campground closes for the season on December 1 each year, due to snowmobile traffic in the local area. No services are available at this site from early December through mid-May of the following year.

About Rod & Gun Campground

Rod & Gun Campground sits in Spearfish Canyon within the Black Hills National Forest, offering seven small sites along Little Spearfish Creek at 5,463 feet elevation. The campground runs $18-24 per night and accommodates tents and RVs under 25 feet, though privacy from the Forest Service road and between sites is limited. No cell service reaches the canyon.

Rod & Gun Campground offers primitive camping in a scenic setting, suitable for tent campers and small to medium-sized RVs or trailers.

Historical Significance

The canyon served as a filming location for the Academy Award-winning film 'Dances with Wolves,' directed by Kevin Costner. A nearby film site is accessible to visitors.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions from mid-September through mid-October, with daytime highs between 45-60°F and nights dropping to 25-35°F. The aspen and cottonwood turn brilliant colors during this window, bug activity dies down, and fishing remains strong with lighter crowds than summer. Winter blankets the canyon in snow for hardy visitors. Late summer humidity from the creek can draw mosquitoes, especially in August.

Natural Features and SceneryLittle Spearfish Creek runs through the campground, carving through limestone and sandstone formations that define Spearfish Canyon. The canyon walls rise above the sites, and aspen and cottonwood trees provide color in fall. Some sites lack significant shade. The creek's constant sound carries through the small campground, and wildlife sightings are common along the water and nearby trails.

Geological RegionNestled within the ancient geological wonderland of the Black Hills National Forest, Rod & Gun Campground sits in the spectacular Spearfish Canyon—a natural masterpiece carved over millions of years. Here, where Little Spearfish Creek continues its patient work of sculpting limestone and sandstone, you'll camp amidst some of the most stunning geological formations in the American West.

Scenic ViewsUser reviews highlight the scenic views of Spearfish Canyon and proximity to Little Spearfish Creek.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging options such as cabins or lodges are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

None explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Enough room for two larger tents and one smaller tent at some sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSeven small sites arranged along the canyon, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites sit close to the Forest Service road and to each other, limiting privacy. Most sites work best for tents, though RVs and trailers under 25 feet can manage. Larger RVs over 30 feet struggle with maneuvering and turnaround space.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the data.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as small and most suitable for tents, though RVs and trailers under 25 feet can find space. Larger RVs (over 30 feet) may have difficulties maneuvering and turning around, as noted in user reviews.

PrivacySeveral reviews highlight a lack of privacy between sites and from the nearby road. One user described the location as 'offering no privacy either from the Forest Service road nor other campers.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid August for camping due to humidity and bugs. Campsite #7 is ideal for creek-side relaxation.

Best CampsitesSite #7 gets consistent praise for its position directly next to the creek. One camper noted falling asleep each night to the sound of the water and cool air. Reviewers recommend this site specifically for its creekside location and peaceful setting.

Amenities available

Rod & Gun Campground is a small, primitive camping area with seven sites situated near Little Spearfish Creek. It offers basic facilities including vault toilets and fire rings at each campsite, but lacks potable water and other modern amenities such as showers or Wi-Fi.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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 Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground has a single vault toilet.

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.

Fire PolicyUser reviews confirm fire pits are available. Firewood is not sold on site; bring your own.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency service is the Northern Hills Ranger District, located at 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 (approx. 15 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingNo trash and recycling services are available on-site; campers are advised to pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Little Spearfish Creek, with easy access for fishing and hiking along the creek.

Camp HostUser reviews mention a friendly host named Blake who is helpful and 'super nice.'

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

40 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 40 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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...

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."...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Fall tent campers who want creek sounds, trout pools, and aspen color in mid-September through mid-October. Grab site #7 early, it's the creekside spot reviewers keep coming back for. Host Blake gets consistent praise for being genuinely helpful.

Skip if

Potable water isn't available on-site, and the sites sit close to the Forest Service road with little buffer between neighbors. The $24 fee stings for vault toilets and no hookups, and RVs over 25 feet will have a hard time with turnaround space.

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