How much does camping cost at Dalton Lake Campground?

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

Is Dalton Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Dalton Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Dalton Lake Campground has 9 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 Dalton Lake Campground?

Dalton Lake Campground is open May 16 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 Dalton Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Dalton Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Dalton Lake Campground: 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 Dalton Lake Campground have?

Dalton Lake Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Dalton Lake Campground?

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

Dalton Lake Campground

3.67

30 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping South Dakota

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Dalton Lake Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Plan a trip to Dalton Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Dalton Lake Campground

44.2310, -103.4750

Nearby places

Sturgis: directions begin from Sturgis (I-90 exit 32) — follow Vanocker Canyon Hwy ~12.5 miles then Dalton Lake Road east 3.7 miles to the campground.

Weather at Dalton Lake Campground

Current alerts(3)

Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water youâll need for your visit, including drinking water.
The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses the card holder.
These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only.

Best Time to Camp at Dalton Lake Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers crisp, stable weather and the best combination of solitude, scenery, and fishing at Dalton Lake — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F in September–October with chilly nights in the 20s–40s. Cooler water temps make trout and other mountain species more active, and surrounding pockets of aspen and oak put on golden color in September into early October while crowds thin compared with summer weekends. Trails, mountain-biking and OHV access are still good early– Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers best balance of fishing, scenery and solitude per overview and reviewer notes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Dalton Lake Campground

Dalton Lake Campground sits at 4,400 feet in the Northern Black Hills, offering 11 primitive sites around a 2.8-acre fishing lake. It's a small, trailhead-style campground with direct access to extensive OHV/ATV networks and the Centennial Trail. Expect no hookups, limited water, and frequent engine noise from riders using the area as a staging point.

Dalton Lake Campground comprises 11 standard non-electric campsites and a picnic/group picnic shelter nestled in Ponderosa Pine forest beside Dalton Lake. The site supports trail-based and lake-adjacent recreation.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers crisp, stable weather and the best combination of solitude, scenery, and fishing at Dalton Lake — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F in September–October with chilly nights in the 20s–40s. Cooler water temps make trout and other mountain species more active, and surrounding pockets of aspen and oak put on golden color in September into early October while crowds thin compared with summer weekends. Trails, mountain-biking and OHV access are still good early– Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation4400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a small mountain valley ringed by Ponderosa Pines and granite spires typical of the Northern Black Hills. Dalton Lake itself spans 2.8 acres and is fed by Little Elk Creek. South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks stock it with Rainbow and Brown Trout. Sites sit among the pines with views of the lake and surrounding ridges. The elevation provides cooler temperatures than the plains to the east, and patches of aspen and oak add golden color in early fall. Dust from nearby trails can settle over the area during dry periods, especially with heavy OHV traffic.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site Size11 standard nonelectric campsites

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake provide easy access to fishing piers and Centennial Trail access; campground is convenient for OHV users seeking nearby trails. Expect standard, non-electric sites suited for tent and basic RV camping.

Amenities available

These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only.

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

From Booking Sources

3.7

30 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dalton Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Dalton Lake Campground for its beautiful setting, small size, fishing lake, and excellent access to OHV/ATV trails; many call the host welcoming and the sites clean. However several visitors warn that it is a primitive, trailhead campground with frequent ATV noise, dust, and limited (or no) water hookups. A recent 2025 review also clarifies that despite some listings saying it is closed, the campground is open and welcoming campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers like the scenic lake and trout fishing, close access to extensive ATV/UTV/OHV trail networks, and overall cleanliness — several reviews call the site 'beautiful' and praise the tidy bathrooms...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviewers mention noise, dust, and constant ATV/motorcycle traffic (machine noise is expected at this trailhead campground). Other recurring issues are no hookups or running water (bring...

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several reviews note the campground is a trailhead with direct access to OHV trails and nearby attractions (Centennial Trail, Nemo, Wonderland Cave, Piedmont). The lake is repeatedly cited for...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and basic supplies—reviews note limited/no water availability and no hookups. Expect a semi-primitive, trailhead experience: bring layers for chilly nights, plan for dust and...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No strong seasonality overall, but a few visitors note cooler nights at higher elevation ("gets chilly at night up higher like that") and that summer heat can affect closed bathroom doors...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It is a trail head campground, so machine noise was, and HAS to be expected. It is a semi-primative campground, so BE PREPARED. We will be going back! ! !" "No water, you have to bring it." "Tiny...

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One review calls out dogs not on leash and disrespectful kids; another mentions a small herd of cattle wandering through and leaving messy cow pies around the campground and lake. Campers should plan...

Based on 30 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

OHV riders and trout anglers get the most from this place: ATV trails leave straight from camp, the lake piers are right there, and fall weekdays offer cooler temps, active browns and rainbows, and far fewer machines running past your site.

Skip if

No electric hookups, no running water on tap, and constant engine noise from OHV traffic are baked into the experience here, tent campers or anyone chasing quiet mountain solitude will likely leave frustrated, especially on summer weekends when dust and party noise compound it.

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Campgrounds

Black Hills National Forest

Dalton Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Dalton Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<ul class="usa-card-group"><li class="tablet:grid-col-12 usa-card--flag usa-card"><div class="usa-card__container"><header class="usa-card__header"><h2>Historic CCC Campground</h2></header><div class="usa-card__media"><div class="usa-card__img"><img alt="A placeholder image" src="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd1145630.jpg" /></div></div><div class="usa-card__body"><p>Between 1934 -1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed a dam, campground, sheltered picnic area, and other structures in this beautiful location. The quiet and small eleven site campground overlooks Dalton Lake. The nearby Dalton Lake Trailhead provides access to the Centennial Trail which is open for hiking, horseriding and bicycling (on Centennial trail going north). The Centennial trail going to the south it is open for motorized travel. There was also, at one time, a ski slide in the area that has since fallen into disuse. Many CCC remnants remain here including two stone bridges and a <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/learning/history-culture/?cid=fseprd1139462">sheltered picnic area</a>, but unfortunately, when a massive flood in 1972 happened, other remnants were washed away forever. Forest Engineers, Archeologists and HistoriCorps are working together to un-cover what materials and tools will be needed to preserve the sheltered picnic area while keeping its historical characteristics accurate and intact and hope to begin work on it towards the end of summer 2024.</p></div></div></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/blackhills/recreation/wateractivities/recarea/?recid=82015&actid=79">Dalton Lake</a> is next to the campground and is a popular little fishing area with populations of rainbow and brook trout. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks manages the fishing here, so prior to fishing consult the state fishing regulations. Shoreline access is good, as is access via a pier. Dalton Lake is approximately 2.8 acres and 15 ft. deep. The Forest Service and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks drained and dredged the lake in 2011/2012.</p><ul class="usa-card-group"><li class="tablet:grid-col-12 usa-card--flag usa-card"><div class="usa-card__container"><header class="usa-card__header"><h2>Dalton Lake Campground Layout</h2></header><div class="usa-card__media"><div class="usa-card__img"><img alt="A placeholder image" src="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd616731.jpg" /></div></div><div class="usa-card__body"><p>Reservations are not available for Dalton Lake Campground. Sites are available first come, first served. See the layout of the campground to find your perfect camping site.</p></div><div class="usa-card__footer"><a class="usa-button" href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/fseprd616731.jpg">Download</a></div></div></li></ul>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,400 ft. The campground stretches out between Dalton Lake Rd and Dalton Lake. Most sites are tucked in among mature Spruce and fir trees. A groomed grass understory gives the campground a park-like feel with privacy poor to good. Dalton Lake is a pleasantly small canoe lake. With several fishing piers and a paved wheelchair-friendly path on the campground side of lake, this is a delightful family-friendly campground.

Seasons & access

Open May 18 through September 10

Facilities

The spigot is a handpump. Black Hills National Forest 103

Water activities

Dalton Lake is two acres.

RV information

The parking aprons are gravel.

Directions

In Nemo, SD, at the intersection of Nemo Rd. and Vanocker Canyon Rd./Forest Rt. 26, take Rt. 26 east 3.3 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Dalton Lake Rd and go 3.9 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Dalton Lake Rd. is a single lane dirt road with some pullouts.

National Forest: Hills National Forest
Ranger District: Northern Hills
Elevation: 4400
Rate: $18 per day plus $2 per pet, per night
Maximum Stay: 14