Cottonwood Springs Campground
Fully closed for the 2026 season due to staffing and resource constraints. Supporting services including janitorial, trash collection, and park attendant coverage are suspended. Visitors with existing Recreation.gov reservations receive automatic full refunds. USACE expects to resume operations when staffing and conditions allow.
From Recreation.gov
Cottonwood Springs Campground, South Dakota will be fully closed at the start of the 2026 season. Supporting services, including contract janitorial, refuse collection, mowing, park attendant coverage, fire ring cleaning and weed control, will also be suspended during this period. Closure signage will be posted at the site. Visitors with existing reservations through [Recreation.gov][1] will receive full refunds automatically. USACE expects to resume full operations at Cottonwood Springs when staffing and conditions allow. The district thanks visitors, volunteers and partners for their patience and continued support. [1]: http://Recreation.gov
About
Located just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Cottonwood Springs Campground offers a tranquil escape in the rugged hills and evergreen trees of the southern Black Hills. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground provides 17 primitive campsites with no hookups, flush toilets, potable water, and a playground. A camp host is on site to assist visitors. Cottonwood Springs Lake, a mile from the campground, is the centerpiece for recreation. The small lake allows non-motorized and electric-motor boats only, making it ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Anglers can pursue largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and panfish. A non-motorized gravel path through the wildlife area offers a pleasant hike and allows dogs off-leash. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas, regulated by the State of South Dakota. Nearby attractions include Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Mammoth Site, Black Hills National Forest, and Mount Rushmore. The area's natural beauty and proximity to major Black Hills destinations make Cottonwood Springs a convenient basecamp for exploring the region.
Directions
From Rapid City, SD: Take US-79 S, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18 W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay left as the road forks staying on County Road 17, then enter Cottonwood Springs by turning right at the gate. From Chadron, NE: Take US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18 W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay left at the fork on County Road 17, then turn right at the gate.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 67ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 67ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 745-5476 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Cottonwood Springs Lake Gateway |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!