Open

This is a day-use visitor site, not an overnight camping facility. The picnic area and grounds are accessible to visitors, though the fire lookout tower itself is closed to public entry. The tower is actively staffed from late spring through early fall.

Black Hills National Forest

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Black Hills National Forest

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Black Hills National Forest

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

About

Bear Mountain Fire Lookout stands at 7,166 feet elevation northwest of Custer, South Dakota, offering panoramic views across the southern Black Hills to the Wyoming border. The current all-steel structure replaced an earlier wooden tower from the 1910s and remains an active fire detection station, staffed by Forest Service personnel from late spring through early fall. The tower itself is closed to public entry, but visitors can access the surrounding day-use area featuring a picnic table, vault toilets, and a concrete parking pad. The access road is particularly scenic in June when Rocky Mountain irises bloom along the route. No potable water is available on site. This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping permitted. Visitors seeking overnight accommodations in the Black Hills National Forest should consider established campgrounds like Bear Gulch or the rentable Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin.

Directions

Located approximately 10 miles northwest of Custer, South Dakota in the southern Black Hills.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (605) 673-9200

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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