How much does camping cost at Whitetail?

Camping fees at Whitetail range from $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Whitetail first-come first-served or reservation?

Whitetail accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Whitetail before I book?

Yes! Whitetail has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Whitetail?

Whitetail is open May 20 to September 30. 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 Whitetail?

Whitetail does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Whitetail?

Fire policies at Whitetail: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Whitetail have?

Whitetail has 17 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Whitetail?

Yes, pets are allowed at Whitetail. 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 Whitetail?

Whitetail 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 Whitetail?

Popular activities at Whitetail include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Whitetail

4.50

101 reviews

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

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping South Dakota#2 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota#2 Primitive Camping South Dakota#3 +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Forest Recreation Management, Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Whitetail

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $26.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-673-9200:null

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Whitetail

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Campground Map

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

Whitetail

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

Nearby places

Hill City (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Rapid City (approx. 40 miles), Custer (approx. 30 miles).

Weather at Whitetail

Current alerts(8)

A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check-in
Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest
During walk up season, fewer sites may be available.
No refunds for inclement weather

Best Time to Camp at Whitetail

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight at Whitetail — expect mild daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s to low 50s at 6,000 ft, perfect for hiking, boating, swimming, and evening stargazing over Deerfield Reservoir. Reservoir water-based activities (boating, fishing, swimming) and long daylight hours are at their peak, while mountain breezes keep heat comfortable compared with nearby plains. Weekends in July and early August are busiest, so book sites in advance; weekdays/早 Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season (May 21–Sep 7); best weather and most activity availability.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 20 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025, to September 7, 2025, for peak reservable season.

About Whitetail

Whitetail sits in Black Hills National Forest near Hill City, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping at mid-elevation with access to Deerfield Reservoir. Operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc., the small campground draws visitors for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a forested setting. Reviewers praise the quiet nights and lake views but note dusty roads and occasional generator noise.

Whitetail Campground provides a range of accommodations suitable for tent camping, RVs, and trailers. It features widely spaced sites, some with lake views and others set in a pine forest.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight at Whitetail — expect mild daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s to low 50s at 6,000 ft, perfect for hiking, boating, swimming, and evening stargazing over Deerfield Reservoir. Reservoir water-based activities (boating, fishing, swimming) and long daylight hours are at their peak, while mountain breezes keep heat comfortable compared with nearby plains. Weekends in July and early August are busiest, so book sites in advance; weekdays/早 Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Black Hills rise abruptly from the surrounding prairie, their dark pine slopes creating the silhouette that gives them their name. Known to the Lakota as Paha Sapa, these ancient mountains feature exposed granite cores, limestone caves, and stream-carved canyons. At Whitetail, you're looking at deep blue reservoir water reflecting towering pines, with forested ridges climbing in every direction. Bighorn sheep navigate the cliffs, elk bugle at dawn, and deer graze nearby meadows. Eagles and falcons ride thermals overhead. One review put it simply: "Sites are well spaced, and the area is serene, with beautiful scenery."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles per campsite are allowed. Additional vehicles may be accommodated upon request.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and affiliated apps or contact centers.

AccessibilityWhitetail Campground includes accessible campsites and drinking water. However, further details about specific ADA-compliant features are not provided.

Site SizeCampsite sizes accommodate a range of setups including tents, trailers, and RVs.

PrivacySites are widely spaced, offering varying levels of privacy with some sites being more secluded and others having lake views.

Total Campsites17 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews recommend site #12 for lakeside views, and site #17 for quiet seclusion. 'We lucked out to get one that did (#17),' said one camper.

Best CampsitesSites #12 and #17 get mentioned repeatedly for lake views and tent-friendly terrain. One review called #12 "definitely the most coveted spot in the campsite for pitching a tent." Both sites offer proximity to the water and seem to balance view with usability.

Need help booking Whitetail?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Whitetail Campground offers a rustic experience with essential amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping. Each campsite includes a picnic table and a campfire ring. Lake access is within walking distance, providing convenience for water-based recreational activities. Electrical hookups are unavailable, emphasizing the campground's primitive nature. "Sites in this campground are widely spaced. Several have lake views, while others are more secluded and tucked into ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest."

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Whitetail Campground offers a variety of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Deerfield Lake and trails provide opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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).

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Whitetail

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From Booking Sources

4.5

101 reviews

Recommended

Whitetail is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Whitetail Campground is highly rated for its scenic beauty, proximity to Deerfield Lake, and cleanliness. While most reviews are positive, some issues with road dust, generator noise, and pets were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 101 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 101 reviews.

Site #12Loved
Site #12 was praised for being lakeside and ideal for tents.
Site #17Issues noted
Site #17 was noted for its spaciousness but had issues with unleashed pets.

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, beautiful lake views, peaceful environment, and friendly campground hosts. "The campground is amazingly still and extremely quiet at night."

Based on 101 reviews

Common Concerns

Dusty roads, occasional noise from generators, and issues with unleashed pets. "There is a dirt road on which many ATVs drive by. Noisy and very dusty."

Based on 101 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites #12 and #17 are popular for their views and tent-friendly spots. "#12...was definitely the most coveted spot in the campsite for pitching a tent." Bring all necessary supplies as the campground...

Based on 101 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the peacefulness and recreational opportunities, while complaints about dust and road conditions are more frequent during dry periods.

Based on 101 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The lake is crystal clear and beautiful." 2. "The latrines are pit-style, but they were the cleanest of that variety I've ever seen." 3. "Camp host was incredibly pleasant and helpful." 4. "No...

Based on 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews about accessibility features.

Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Some users noted issues with unleashed pets, which affected their experience. "They apparently have never been told what ‘quiet’ means nor read the placque that also requires dogs must be leashed at...

Based on 101 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lake access for fishing and boating in a quiet forest setting near Hill City.

Skip if

You're sensitive to dust or need guaranteed enforcement of quiet hours and leash rules.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Dutchman sits in mid-elevation Black Hills National Forest near Hill City, operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike, fish, bike, boat on nearby Deerfield Reservoir, and watch wildlife among well-spaced sites praised for their quiet, forested setting.