Sheridan Lake

Star4.45
470 reviews
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,642 ft

Price

$26 - $28/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

124 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025 – ...

Cell

No 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
Sheridan Lake
$26.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $28 per night for standard non-electric and tent-only sites. Non-peak rates are $26 per night. Additional fees include $2 per...
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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

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Provider
605-673-9200
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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 470 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakefriendlysites

"User feedback highlights Sheridan Lake Campground's scenic beauty and lake access as major positives, while maintenance of vault toilets and the absence of showers are common complaints. The campground is praised for its spacious sites and variety of activities."

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Campground Map

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

Sheridan Lake

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

Driving directionsFrom Rapid City, take Highway 16 for 18 miles west to Three Forks. Turn right (north) on Highway 385 and travel 2 miles to Calumet Road at the inlet. Turn right and travel 1 mile to the campground.
The campground is accessed via paved roads but includes narrow sections and challenging navigation for RVs or trailers. Seasonal closures may occur due to weather conditions.
Nearby places
Hill City (10 miles, ~15 minutes), Rapid City (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Custer (15 miles, ~25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Three Forks convenience store and gas station (~2 miles). Firewood available at campground entrance. RV dump station and water fill station located at Three Forks RV Park (~$10 fee).

Best Time to Camp at Sheridan Lake

Summer days at Sheridan Lake unfold with comfortable temperatures hovering around 75°F, ideal for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool to a refreshing 50°F perfect for campfire gatherings. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with crisp temperatures dipping to 20°F, creating a serene atmosphere for those seeking solitude.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; ~75°F ideal for swimming, hiking and boating; reviews favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder weather and scenic trails make fall attractive; likely fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers milder weather and reopening activity, but is a shoulder season for the campground.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground reservation season is May 21–Sep 28; winter camping not supported by reservation system.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21, 2025 – September 7, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025 – September 28, 2025 for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: None currently reported.

About Sheridan Lake

Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, Sheridan Lake Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its five spacious camping loops that embrace the shoreline. This prime location serves as your gateway to winding recreational trails and fascinating historical sites, offering the perfect basecamp for Black Hills adventures.
Sheridan Lake Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RVs, and trailers. Sites range from standard non-electric to tent-only options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Sheridan Lake Campground offers an array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is a popular spot for swimming and water sports. Trails like the Flume Trail and nearby attractions enhance the experience.
HikingHiking trails are abundant, including access to the Flume Trail and the Centennial Trail. The Flume Trail is particularly noted for its historical significance and 11-mile length, with a 3-mile loop option. 'The Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance,' as described in the official content.
FishingFishing is a major attraction at Sheridan Lake, with populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, and perch. One reviewer noted, 'The lake was warm, beautiful, and easily accessed from our site.' Ice fishing is also popular in the winter.
SwimmingSwimming is available at designated beaches. However, some reviews highlight issues such as 'mucky' conditions at the beach. Many campers prefer swimming off the rocks or from their campsites.
BikingMountain biking is popular in the area, with trails like the Dakota Point Trailhead for the Centennial Trail offering options for cyclists.
BoatingBoating is a highlight of Sheridan Lake. The campground features an accessible boat ramp and dock, and boat rentals are available at the marina. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities.
Wildlife viewingThe Black Hills National Forest is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. One reviewer described the setting as 'stunning,' with opportunities to observe nature up close.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFly infestations in vault toilets have been noted. Narrow roads and steep campsites may pose challenges for RVs.
Active AlertsNone currently reported.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Sheridan Lake

Reviews

4.5
470 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Sheridan Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback highlights Sheridan Lake Campground's scenic beauty and lake access as major positives, while maintenance of vault toilets and the absence of showers are common complaints. The campground is praised for its spacious sites and variety of activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 470 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include lake access, well-spaced campsites, friendly hosts, and the abundance of recreational opportunities. Reviewers frequently describe the campground as 'beautiful' and emphasize...
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Based on 470 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised by users include the lack of showers, unmaintained vault toilets, and the absence of Wi-Fi or cell service. Some campers also noted challenges with campsite leveling and the...
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Based on 470 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra water and planning for a dry camping experience. Those seeking privacy should carefully select their site. Early arrivals are suggested for better site selection.
Based on 470 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular time, with reviewers enjoying swimming, hiking, and boating. However, winter activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing are also noted. Spring and fall offer milder...
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Based on 470 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The lake is beautiful, the fishing is good, and the weather was delightful.' 2. 'Vault toilets were fly-infested and didn't appear to have been cleaned.' 3. 'Our site was spacious and had a...
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Based on 470 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews include mentions of popular sites like #65 and #109, known for their lake views. Others caution against sites that are difficult to level or poorly maintained.
Based on 470 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are noted positively, but vault toilets received mixed reviews in terms of cleanliness and usability.
Based on 470 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but a $2 per night fee applies. Some users mentioned the lack of clarity about the pet fee during registration.
Based on 470 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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