Is Reva Gap Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Reva Gap Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Reva Gap Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Reva Gap Campground?

Cell phone service at Reva Gap Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Reva Gap Campground have?

Reva Gap Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Reva Gap Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Reva Gap Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Reva Gap Campground?

Reva Gap Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Reva Gap Campground?

Popular activities at Reva Gap Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Reva Gap Campground

4.18

52 reviews

Box 37, Main & First, Camp Crook, SD 57724

Top 9% in SDFall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

3,281 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,281 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Reva Gap Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

(605) 797-4432

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Campground Map

Box 37, Main & First, Camp Crook, SD 57724

Reva Gap Campground

Box 37, Main & First, Camp Crook, SD 57724

Nearby places

Buffalo, SD (approximately 20 miles)

Weather at Reva Gap Campground

Best Time to Camp at Reva Gap Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic scenery — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights often dipping into the 20s–40s°F — making long hikes around the Castles and badlands formations pleasant. Foliage on the forested slopes and the warm late-afternoon light on the clay formations create peak photography and wildlife-viewing opportunities (elk, deer, raptors), while insect activity drops and the small, 8-site campground stays quiet. Crowds (b Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in SD

Overview: 'Best season: fall' with comfortable days and dramatic scenery; reviewers favor fall.

Planning Tips

About Reva Gap Campground

Reva Gap Campground sits in the foothills of Custer Gallatin National Forest near Buffalo, South Dakota, operated by the Sioux District Office. This very small primitive site offers vault toilets and dispersed tent and RV camping with no hookups or potable water. Visitors come for solitude, hiking access to the Castles and badlands formations, and unobstructed views of clay ridges and forested slopes.

Reva Gap Campground is a primitive campground with 8 sites, offering a natural and secluded camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and dramatic scenery — daytime highs are typically in the 50s–70s°F with crisp nights often dipping into the 20s–40s°F — making long hikes around the Castles and badlands formations pleasant. Foliage on the forested slopes and the warm late-afternoon light on the clay formations create peak photography and wildlife-viewing opportunities (elk, deer, raptors), while insect activity drops and the small, 8-site campground stays quiet. Crowds (b Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation3281 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain at 3,281 feet elevation, where ponderosa pine slopes transition into badlands topography. Clay mountains display bands of color formed by millions of years of erosion. Flat-topped plateaus and exposed formations surround the camping area, creating a mix of woodland shade and open geological features. The Castles National Natural Landmark rises nearby. A short hike from camp reaches a scenic overlook of the formations.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or lodging options at this campground. Campers must bring their own camping gear.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

8(user review mentions adequate space for group camping, likely following USFS regulations)

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly supported, and there are no designated group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityThe campground includes an accessible toilet but lacks detailed information about other accessibility features.

Site SizeThe campsites are generally spacious and secluded, with some flat, level areas that can accommodate large vehicles, such as a 38-ft fifth wheel as noted in user reviews.

PrivacyMost sites are described as very secluded and spread out, offering a high level of privacy. Reviews frequently emphasize the solitude and quietness of the area.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites based on openness or privacy preferences; user reviews highlight secluded options and proximity to scenic hikes.

Best CampsitesNo specific sites identified as best. All 8 sites are secluded and spread out across the campground.

Amenities available

The Reva Gap Campground offers a basic camping experience with 8 sites located in the Slim Buttes Unit near the Castles National Natural Landmark. Amenities provided include pit toilets, but there are no facilities for trash pickup or firewood provision. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Reva Gap Campground

Reva Gap Campground provides opportunities for hiking, observing natural landmarks, and enjoying solitude in a forested area. Activities are mostly self-guided and rely on the natural features of the surrounding area.

Hiking4.0/5

Winter Activities1.0/5

No winter-sports facilities or offerings noted; primitive site and limited services.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Banded clay ridges, plateaus, sunsets and dark skies make for strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at this campground. All toilet facilities are vault-style.

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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash pickup is not provided, and campers are encouraged to pack out what they bring in. One user review emphasized, 'Remember you don't have it if you don't bring it with you, and take it out when you leave, respect these rare gems.'

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but limited. For example, one user noted that T-Mobile had 4G service with 2 bars, which was sufficient for connecting to YouTube TV. Another review mentioned no specific issues but did not elaborate further.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

52 reviews

Satisfactory

Reva Gap Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and simplicity. The average sentiment for general reviews is 4.73, and for campground-specific reviews, it is 4.45.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the privacy of the sites, the natural beauty of the area, and the opportunity for solitude. Phrases such as 'an oasis,' 'secluded campsites,' and 'perfect quiet stop for the...

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the lack of water, trash services, and fire rings as drawbacks. Vault toilets were also mentioned as needing attention in some cases.

Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific information on which sites were preferred or less desirable beyond general comments that all sites are secluded and spread out.

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies, including water and firewood, as none are provided. Be prepared for ticks during certain seasons. Consider exploring the short hike to the scenic overlook.

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears less crowded during weekdays and off-peak seasons, such as November. However, in summer months like July, some users reported finding available spots even mid-week.

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Want solitude and seclusion? This is one of those places.' 2. 'An oasis! A nice forested area with basic spots for a night before traveling on.' 3. 'No pay station, so free... A beautiful spot...

Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

Details on accessibility are limited. The presence of vault toilets may not cater to all accessibility needs.

Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressed pet policies or experiences.

Based on 52 reviews

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Reva Gap Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(605) 797-4432

Go if

You want solitude and dramatic scenery without amenities, and you're prepared to bring your own water.

Skip if

You need hookups, potable water, or maintained facilities beyond basic vault toilets.

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Reva Gap Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Reva Gap Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Reva Gap Campground

Best Time to Camp at Reva Gap Campground

Planning Tips

About Reva Gap Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Reva Gap Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Reva Gap Campground

Best Time to Camp at Reva Gap Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Reva Gap Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews