Bismarck Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically opens mid-May and operates through late September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
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.
Prohibition of Motor Vehicles On Beretta Road, Mystic Ranger District
A closure of the entirety of NFS Road 366.3 (Beretta Road), located approximately 3.3 miles north-northeast of Keystone, South Dakota, beginning at the intersection with US Highway 16 South and continuing to the intersection with NFS Roads 674.
Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD Continues Operations
The Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD continues operations.Tethered fuels reduction (a steep slope logging/fuels treatment system that uses equipment tethered to steel cables) is being utilized to perform chipping and mastication operations. These operations cause flying debris.
Attention Cavers and Spelunkers
Remember that access to all caves in Region 2 must be authorized through a mandatory registration system that is available Online through the regional office.
Please Use Caution When Entering the Black Elk Wilderness
Please use caution when entering the Wilderness. At any given time, trees can fall without warning.
Don't Move Firewood & Other Firewood Information
The Forest Service sells permits to cut firewood for personal use. Firewood cutting can be a fun outing, can save on your heating bill and can be good exercise.
Hwy 385 Construction Updates
Visit https://us-385.com/ for updates on the Hwy 385 Construction project and/or text “US385” to 605-566-4041 to receive updates.
Order 082 - Area Closure - Motorized Vehicles within Botanical Area
Acts prohibited information on possessing or operating a motorized vehicle off Forest Development Roads within these Botanical Areas. 36 CFR 261.53 (b).
Order 079 - Area Closure - Craven Canyon
Area closure for occupancy and use regulations - Craven Canyon information
Order 074 - Prohibited Entry - Forest Caves/Mines
Prohibited Entry - Forest Caves/Mines information.
Order 046 - Length of Stay Restrictions & Reservation - Campgrounds
Length Order Special Restrictions & Reservation.
Order 044 - Area Closure - Concentrated Public Use Areas & Developed Rec. Areas
Special Closure Order on Concentrated Public Use Areas and Developed Recreation Areas. See Order below for details.
Order 015 - Road Use Regulations - Forest Development
Code of Federal Regulations, the following acts are prohibited on all Forest Development Roads under the jurisdiction of the Black Hills National Forest:
Order 025 - Site Closure - Designated Seismic
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibited: No person(s) may enter or be within the area within 1/2 mile of the Designated Seismic Site, (DSS), or on Forest Development Road 711 or FDR 110.4A within 1/2 mile of the DSS.
Order 019 - Mining Prohibited - Norbeck
In accordance with. "36 CFR 251.10 PROHIBITION OF LOCATION OF MINING CLAIMS WITHIN CERTAIN AREAS IN THE NORBECK WILDLIFE PRESERVE, SOUTH DAKOTA", it has been determined that the location of mining claims within the area described below would not be in the public interest.
Order 010 - Nuclear Burial Site - Warren Peak
For public health or safety the use of explosives within the below described area is prohibited. (36 CFR 261.53)
About
Bismarck Lake Campground sits at 5,000 feet elevation in the Black Hills National Forest, nestled among scattered aspen groves and towering ponderosa pines along the southeast shore of Bismarck Lake. The campground offers 21 sites including 20 standard nonelectric sites and 1 tent-only site, all widely spaced to provide privacy while maintaining views of the lake. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, with picnic tables and campfire rings at each location. The campground provides vault toilets and drinking water (fill station available), but no electrical hookups. A beautiful boardwalk with fishing piers stretches along the lake's edge, offering excellent access for anglers pursuing rainbow trout, brown trout, sunfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish. A short foot trail traverses the forested shoreline, ideal for morning birding or afternoon picnicking. Access to the campground is through Custer State Park near the West Highway 16A entrance, placing visitors within miles of the scenic Needles Highway. The area offers hiking opportunities including trails to Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point east of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby attractions include Custer State Park's wildlife viewing, Crazy Horse Monument, Wind Cave National Park, and Jewel Cave. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, managed by Forest Recreation Management, Inc.
Directions
In Custer, SD, at the intersection of State Route 89/US Route 16A (Mt. Rushmore Road) and US Route 16/US Route 385 (5th Street), take US Route 16A east for 4.8 miles past Custer State Park entrance to Bismarck Lake campground sign. Turn left at sign into campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 574-4402 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Bismarck Lake |
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