Recreation Sites to Open in Black Hills National Forest

CUSTER,  SD  –   The Black Hills National Forest is preparing to open recreation sites across the Forest for spring and summer visitors.

Boat docks at Deerfield Reservoir, Sheridan Lake and Pactola Reservoir will be installed on May 1, conditions permitting.

Seasonal gates are scheduled to be open Wednesday, May 15 conditions permitting. Opening of Forest gates is staggered and times gates are opened varies depending on travel time to each site.

The Black Hills National Forest has 30 campgrounds with 682 individual sites. Most sites are expected to be available for use on May 17. The majority of the campgrounds on the Black Hills National Forest are operated by a Forest Service recreation service partner, Forest Recreation Management, Inc. based in Hill City SD, under a concession permit. If you have questions about whether a specific campground is open, please contact a Forest Service office.

The fees in the Forest Service campgrounds range from $18 to $26 per night.

Many of the campgrounds have on-site hosts who can provide information about outdoor attractions in the area. While electric, sewer, and water hook-ups and showers are not available, most campgrounds have potable water and either flush or vault toilets.

To reserve a campsite, visit Recreation.gov at http://www.recreation.gov/ or call Toll Free 1-877- 444-6777. Reservations are recommended for holiday weekends.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest call (605) 673-9200 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.