Dalton Lake Campground

3.93

30 reviews

Dalton Lake Campground, Dalton Lake Rd, Nemo, SD

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$18 - $21.5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Northern Hills Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$18 - $21.5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Northern Hills Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Dalton Lake Campground

$18.00 - $21.50 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for single unit camping is $18, with an additional charge of $2 per pet per night.

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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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USFS

Provider

(605) 642-4622

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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 30 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhikingstaff

Some mention

noise

"User reviews emphasize the campground's peaceful setting, historical appeal, and access to outdoor recreational trails. However, minimal facilities, occasional noise from ATVs, and proximity of sites were noted as downsides."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dalton Lake Campground, Dalton Lake Rd, Nemo, SD

Dalton Lake Campground

Dalton Lake Campground, Dalton Lake Rd, Nemo, SD

Driving directionsIn 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. Dalton Lake Rd. is a single lane dirt road with some pullouts.

The road to the campground, Dalton Lake Rd., is a single lane dirt road with pullouts, which may pose challenges for larger vehicles or during adverse weather conditions.

Nearby places

Nemo (approximately 7 miles, roughly 15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies available in Nemo (approximately 7 miles away), including basic groceries and fuel. Larger towns like Spearfish may provide wider options (approximately 25 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Dalton Lake Campground

Experience the Black Hills' dramatic seasonal tapestry at 4,400 feet, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest floor and temperatures that demand cozy campfires. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers carpet the meadows. Summer brings perfect camping weather with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 75°F, though mountain evenings still call for a warm sweatshirt. Fall arrives in a blaze of golden aspens against evergreen backdrops. Note that seasonal conditions can affect road accessibility—winter adventurers should come prepared for snow-covered routes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 18–Sept 10; summer described as the most favorable season despite cool nights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into early fall (through Sept 10); scenic but season is short and variable weather noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 18 (late spring), so limited spring access; nights can be chilly.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside May 18–Sept 10; winter camping/sports not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but peak season aligns with the open season from May 18 to September 10.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 18 through September 10.

About Dalton Lake Campground

Step into a piece of living history at Dalton Lake Campground, where the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on in every stone and timber. Built by the hands of young men during the Great Depression (1934-1937), this intimate 11-site retreat offers a rare glimpse into America's conservation heritage. Towering spruce and fir trees create a natural cathedral overhead, while carefully maintained grassy meadows beneath give the grounds an enchanting, park-like atmosphere. Each site offers its own character—some tucked away in private forest nooks, others more open and social. The shimmering waters of Dalton Lake beckon just steps away, while the legendary Centennial Trail winds through the forest, inviting exploration.

Dalton Lake Campground offers traditional tent camping and is suitable for small groups. It does not support RV camping, equestrian camping, or glamping.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the young men who shaped this landscape during America's darkest economic hour. Between 1934 and 1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps transformed this wild corner of the Black Hills into a recreational haven, leaving behind masterfully crafted stone bridges that still span mountain streams and a charming sheltered picnic area that has hosted countless family gatherings. Though nature reclaimed some of their work during a dramatic flood in 1972, the remaining structures stand as monuments to their skill and determination—each hand-laid stone a testament to the enduring spirit of the CCC.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Black Hills' dramatic seasonal tapestry at 4,400 feet, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forest floor and temperatures that demand cozy campfires. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers carpet the meadows. Summer brings perfect camping weather with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 75°F, though mountain evenings still call for a warm sweatshirt. Fall arrives in a blaze of golden aspens against evergreen backdrops. Note that seasonal conditions can affect road accessibility—winter adventurers should come prepared for snow-covered routes.

ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet in the heart of the Black Hills, Dalton Lake occupies that sweet spot where mountain magic happens. This elevation gifts campers with crisp, pine-scented air and refreshingly cool nights that make for perfect sleeping weather, even when summer temperatures soar in the valleys below. The altitude creates an ideal climate for the towering spruce and fir that dominate the landscape, while ensuring that evening campfires remain a welcome comfort throughout the camping season.

Natural Features and SceneryDalton Lake Campground feels like nature's own carefully tended garden, where towering spruce and fir trees stand like ancient sentinels over a meticulously groomed understory of emerald grass. The interplay of dappled sunlight and deep forest shade creates an ever-changing mosaic throughout the day. At the heart of it all lies Dalton Lake itself—a pristine mountain gem perfect for peaceful canoe paddles and patient anglers seeking the day's catch. The surrounding forest offers varying degrees of seclusion, from intimate, heavily wooded sites to more open spaces where the park-like ambiance invites neighborly conversations and shared s'mores.

Geological RegionNestled within the ancient granite heart of the Black Hills National Forest, Dalton Lake Campground occupies one of North America's oldest mountain ranges. These sacred hills, known to the Lakota as Paha Sapa, rise like an island of pine-covered peaks from the surrounding prairie. The rugged terrain tells a billion-year geological story, while more recent chapters written by the CCC blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Dense ponderosa pine and spruce forests cloak dramatic ridges and hidden valleys, creating a wilderness playground that has captivated visitors for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests per single site not specified.

Groups

No information about designated group sites was provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground layout stretches between Dalton Lake Rd and Dalton Lake with 11 sites, tables, and grilles on each site.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites are first come, first served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 11 sites are available first come, first served; no reservations accepted. User reviews mention challenges in finding availability during peak times.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since sites are first come, first served.

AccessibilityThe campground has a paved wheelchair-friendly path on the side of the lake, making the area partially accessible.

Site SizeThe campground has 11 sites suitable for small-scale camping.

PrivacyThe privacy of campsites ranges from poor to good, as noted in the general comments.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are nestled among spruce and fir trees, offering varying levels of privacy. Users recommend exploring the campground for quieter spots.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Dalton Lake Campground is known for its fishing opportunities, access to the Centennial Trail, and nearby off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. The campground’s serene lake environment offers a peaceful setting for anglers, while hikers and bikers can explore the adjoining trail network.

HikingThe Centennial Trail, which spans over 111 miles, is accessible from the nearby Dalton Lake Trailhead. This trail allows for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. To the south of the trail, motorized vehicles under 62 inches are also permitted. A separate network of ATV trails is located near the campground.

FishingFishing at Dalton Lake is a popular activity with good shoreline and pier access. The lake, approximately 2.8 acres and 15 feet deep, is home to rainbow and brook trout. Anglers should consult South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for regulations.

BikingBiking is allowed on the Centennial Trail and other nearby trails. Difficulty levels and terrain details are not specified, though the area is noted for its diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.

BoatingNon-motorized boating such as canoeing is allowed on Dalton Lake. No boat ramps are provided, but carry-down access is available.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include challenging road conditions, wildlife such as cougars, and noisy ATV activity reported by users.

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

Fire PolicyNot specified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesNorthern Hills Ranger District, Address: 2014 N. Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783, Phone: (605) 642-4622.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned, requiring campers to likely follow pack-in, pack-out principles.

Water FeaturesDalton Lake is adjacent to the campground. The lake spans about 2.8 acres and is 15 ft deep, offering fishing and canoeing opportunities.

Camp HostSome user reviews praise the campground hosts, describing them as helpful and accommodating. However, other reviews criticize the hosts for being absent during key times.

Weather at Dalton Lake Campground

Reviews

3.9

30 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews emphasize the campground's peaceful setting, historical appeal, and access to outdoor recreational trails. However, minimal facilities, occasional noise from ATVs, and proximity of sites were noted as downsides.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback included praise for the quiet and scenic environment, friendly and helpful staff, and the campground’s cleanliness. The proximity to hiking and OHV trails was frequently mentioned...

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the lack of potable water, occasional noise from ATVs, proximity of campsites, and reports of cow dung in the area due to free-roaming cattle. Some reviewers noted that the...

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water due to the lack of potable water on-site. ATVs and dirt bikes are popular in the area, so prepare for potential noise. Plan to arrive early, as sites are...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground can get cold at night, even in summer due to its elevated location. Summer is the most favorable season for camping, given the open dates from May to September.

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet, small campground. No hook ups and minimal facilities but the lake is nice for fishing.' 2. 'The host was nice, the lots were clean and quiet, and I had a wonderful time.' 3. 'It is a...

Based on 30 reviews