Is Boxelder Forks Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Boxelder Forks 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 Boxelder Forks Campground before I book?

Yes! Boxelder Forks Campground has 7 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.

Are there showers at Boxelder Forks Campground?

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

How many campsites does Boxelder Forks Campground have?

Boxelder Forks Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Boxelder Forks Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Boxelder Forks Campground?

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

Boxelder Forks Campground

4.59

47 reviews

Fishing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds South Dakota Summer Camping South Dakota Fall Camping South Dakota +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

4,783 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

13 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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,783 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Boxelder Forks Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(605) 574-4402

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 47 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryprivacyquietpeaceful

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Boxelder Forks Campground, consistently describing it as peaceful, beautiful, and very well kept. Many mention returning year after year, calling it a favorite or even their “absolute favorite place in the world.” Clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a serene creekside setting stand out across reviews."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Boxelder Forks Campground

44.1978, -103.5353

Nearby places

Rapid City (directions begin there: 7.1 miles on South Canyon Road to Nemo Road, then 11 miles on Nemo Road to the town of Nemo).

Driving directionsFrom Rapid City, take South Canyon Road for approximately 7.1 miles to Nemo Road. Then proceed on Nemo Road for 11 miles to the town of Nemo, South Dakota. Turn left onto Boxelder Forks Road / Forest Road 140 and stay on Forest Service Road 140 for approximately 1.7 miles. The campground will be on your right.

Accessible from Rapid City via South Canyon Road to Nemo Road, then Forest Road 140 (Boxelder Forks Road).

Best Time to Camp at Boxelder Forks Campground

Summer brings daytime highs in the 70s and 80s°F with nights dropping into the 40s and 50s°F. The long days and stable weather make this the most popular season for hiking the Centennial Trail, fishing the creek, and exploring nearby OHV routes. The ponderosa pines provide shade during afternoon heat, and the creek keeps sites comfortable. Weekend crowds pick up in summer but the 13-site layout keeps things relatively quiet. Winter camping is possible for those who can handle the cold. Some sites get gated off, but the campground becomes especially peaceful with snow on the ground. Motorcycle riders should use caution after heavy rain as road conditions can become challenging.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 13% in SD

Creek fishing and spring greenery likely strong; reviews praise seasonal visits.

Planning Tips

About Boxelder Forks Campground

Boxelder Forks Campground sits at 4,783 feet near Nemo, South Dakota, with 13 wooded sites along Boxelder Creek. The campground occupies a quiet pocket of ponderosa pines and white spruce just off the Centennial Trail, offering vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings but no water or electric hookups.

The campground comprises 13 campsites located along Boxelder Creek in a Ponderosa Pine and White Spruce setting. The source does not specify whether sites are designated tent, RV, primitive, group sites, cabins, or glamping units.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs in the 70s and 80s°F with nights dropping into the 40s and 50s°F. The long days and stable weather make this the most popular season for hiking the Centennial Trail, fishing the creek, and exploring nearby OHV routes. The ponderosa pines provide shade during afternoon heat, and the creek keeps sites comfortable. Weekend crowds pick up in summer but the 13-site layout keeps things relatively quiet. Winter camping is possible for those who can handle the cold. Some sites get gated off, but the campground becomes especially peaceful with snow on the ground. Motorcycle riders should use caution after heavy rain as road conditions can become challenging.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground follows Boxelder Creek through a forest of ponderosa pines and white spruce, with rock formations scattered throughout the wooded terrain. Sites sit close enough to the creek that many campers can hear the water from their tents. The surrounding Black Hills forest attracts white-tailed deer, elk, squirrels, and a variety of birds. The creek holds rainbow and brook trout. At nearly 4,800 feet, the elevation keeps summer temperatures moderate under the pine canopy. The wooded setting provides natural privacy between sites, and the surrounding rock and pine landscape makes for scenic hiking and exploring.

Best Campsites

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Activities you can enjoy

The site provides access to both motorized and non-motorized recreation. The Centennial Trail (about 1 mile east) supports hiking, biking and horseback riding, while dozens of miles of OHV trails are nearby. Boxelder Creek at the campground provides immediate fishing access.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Weather at Boxelder Forks Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

47 reviews

Top-Rated

Boxelder Forks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly love Boxelder Forks Campground, consistently describing it as peaceful, beautiful, and very well kept. Many mention returning year after year, calling it a favorite or even their “absolute favorite place in the world.” Clean facilities, friendly hosts, and a serene creekside setting stand out across reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 47 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers highlight the quiet, peaceful atmosphere with a creek/stream running right next to many sites, surrounded by ponderosa pines and rock formations. They love the privacy of the sites, the...

Based on 47 reviews

Common Concerns

There are almost no true complaints in the reviews. The only minor negative mentioned is “annoying and very populated yellow jackets” during one stay, which seems seasonal rather than related to...

Based on 47 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest it’s an excellent place for a winter camp if you can handle the cold, noting some sites may be gated off in winter but the area is very peaceful then. Expect basic amenities: vault...

Based on 47 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful, quiet campground amidst towering ponderosa pines and magnificent rock spires, with a small stream flowing along one edge.” “Love this campground! The hosts are the most wonderful people....

Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer specifically praised campsite 4, saying they “really enjoyed staying at campsite 4” and noting that the camp host was very friendly and memorable. Another review mentioned camping right...

Based on 47 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as easy to get to with a pretty drive, and one user mentioned it is “right off main trails,” implying convenient access for hikers. However, there are no detailed comments...

Based on 47 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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