Discover Free Camping Options in Hell Canyon Ranger District: Your Ultimate Guide
Explore the breathtaking Hell Canyon Ranger District in the Black Hills National Forest, a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. Covering over 1.2 million acres, this captivating area boasts diverse landscapes, from lush pine forests to stunning granite rock formations. Popular campgrounds such as the scenic Fish Hatchery Campground and Custer Gulch Campground offer essential amenities, while the nearby Gregory Butte provides a more rustic camping experience amidst beautiful natural surroundings. For those on a budget, free camping options like Cottonwood Campground and dispersed sites along forest roads allow you to soak in the peaceful beauty of nature without the cost. The district is home to over 300 miles of hiking trails, where you can encounter wildlife and enjoy panoramic views, making it a hiker's paradise. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly campsite or an isolated retreat, Hell Canyon Ranger District is a must-visit destination for your next camping adventure.

















Bismarck Lake Campground is located in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest (1 hr southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 5,220 feet. There are a total of 21 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. 19 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 74 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $28.00 per night. Some amenities include boat ramp. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Comanche Park Campground is located in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest (58 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 5,519 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 63 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $19.00 per night. Activities include biking, hiking trails.
Grizzly Creek Primitive Campground is located in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest (just 28 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 4,621 feet. There are a total of 19 campsites including 15 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. Max equipment length is 28 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $24.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Horsethief Lake Campground is located in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest (37 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 4,950 feet. There are a total of 22 campsites including 10 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. 12 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 28 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $28.00 per night. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Iron Creek Horse Camp is located in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest (51 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 5,153 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $28.50 per night. Activities include horseback riding, hiking trails.
Sheps Canyon Campground is part of Sheps Canyon Recreation Area in South Dakota (1 hr 17 min south of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 3,202 feet. There are a total of 22 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 55 and 95 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric hookups. Prices start at $26.00 per night. Some amenities include shower, dump station, boat ramp, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, water skiing, floating sports.
Sheps Canyon Horse Campground is part of Sheps Canyon Recreation Area in South Dakota (1 hr 23 min south of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 3,202 feet. There are a total of 11 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 75 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 3 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Prices start at $22.00 per night. Some amenities include drinking water, restroom. Activities include boating, fishing, horseback riding, water skiing, floating sports.
Stockade North Campground is part of Custer State Park in South Dakota (56 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 5,289 feet. There are a total of 39 campsites including 4 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the end of May to mid October. 35 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 95 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 31 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, playground, restroom, amphitheater, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Stockade South Campground is part of Custer State Park in South Dakota (58 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 5,289 feet. There are a total of 35 campsites including 13 cabins. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to mid October. 19 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. 19 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $55.00. Some amenities include shower, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Sylvan Lake Campground is part of Custer State Park in South Dakota (53 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 6,211 feet. There are a total of 35 campsites including 14 tent-only sites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of May to the beginning of October. 21 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 27 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. 21 sites have electric hookups. Fees range from $15.00 to $30.00. Some amenities include shower, drinking water, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include hiking trails.
Willow Creek Horse Camp is located in the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest (43 min southwest of Rapid City, SD) with an elevation of 4,981 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the beginning of September. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 34 and 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $28.50 per night. Activities include horseback riding, hiking trails.