Dalton Lake Campground

Star4.00
26 reviews
Dalton Lake Campground

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

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Dalton Lake 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 26 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

"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."

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About Dalton Lake Campground

Tucked away in a cathedral of Ponderosa Pines, Dalton Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just 11 non-electric sites surrounding a pristine 2.8-acre mountain lake. This secluded Northern Black Hills gem serves as your basecamp for fishing, trail adventures, and exploring miles of OHV terrain, all while maintaining that peaceful, off-the-grid atmosphere that makes you feel worlds away from everything.
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.
ElevationPerched at nearly 4,400 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that sweet spot where the air is crisp, the pines tower overhead, and the mountain views stretch endlessly across the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to sunlight filtering through towering Ponderosa Pines, their vanilla-scented bark warming in the morning sun at nearly 4,400 feet elevation. The campground cradles the shores of Dalton Lake, a sparkling 2.8-acre jewel fed by the cold, clear waters of Little Elk Creek. Dramatic peaks rise on all sides, creating a natural amphitheater that makes this spot feel like your own private mountain retreat. Anglers will find the lake regularly stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, making it an ideal spot to cast a line from shore or simply watch the water ripple as fish rise at dusk. The surrounding forest teems with wildlife, and the elevation provides relief from summer heat while offering that authentic mountain atmosphere.
Geological RegionNestled in the Northern Black Hills, where ancient granite spires pierce the sky and Ponderosa Pine forests blanket the slopes in every direction.
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Campsite details

Sites Size11 standard nonelectric campsites
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 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.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layout11 standard nonelectric campsites, restrooms, group picnic shelter, several piers surrounding the lake; sites are nestled among Ponderosa Pines.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to a variety of outdoor recreation including fishing on Dalton Lake, hiking and biking on nearby trails (including a portion of the Centennial Trail), horseback riding, and numerous motorized/off-highway-vehicle (OHV) trails. The lake and creek setting also support quiet nature enjoyment and shoreline activities.
Hiking
A portion of the 111-mile Centennial Trail runs adjacent to the campground and there are dozens of miles of nearby trails for day hikes and longer outings.
Fishing
Dalton Lake is surrounded by several piers and is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout (managed by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks).
Biking
Numerous nearby trails accommodate biking; motorized and non-motorized trail opportunities are available in the area.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Dalton Lake Campground

44
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 11.5 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated next to the 2.8-acre Dalton Lake with nearby Little Elk Creek feeding the lake.

Campground Map

Dalton Lake Campground
Driving directionsFrom Sturgis, I-90 exit 32 take Vanocker Canyon Hwy south for approximately 12.5 miles to Dalton Lake Road. Dalton Lake Road is a gravel road. Take Dalton Lake Road east for 3.7 miles to Dalton Lake Campground. The campground and lake will be on the left-hand side of the road.
Accessible from I-90 (Sturgis, exit 32) via Vanocker Canyon Hwy south approximately 12.5 miles, then Dalton Lake Road (gravel) east 3.7 miles.
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.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.0
26 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Dalton Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 26 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...
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Based on 26 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...
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Based on 26 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...
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Based on 26 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...
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Based on 26 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...
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Based on 26 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...
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Based on 26 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...
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Based on 26 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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