Cottonwood Springs Campground
Closed
— Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 15 through September 14 annually. Reservations available through Recreation.gov starting in early spring.
About
Located in the rugged hills and evergreen trees of the southern Black Hills, Cottonwood Springs Campground sits just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers following the completion of Cottonwood Springs Dam in 1969, this quiet campground offers 17 primitive campsites surrounded by approximately 600 acres of public lands and water.
The campground features no hookups but provides potable water, flush toilets, a playground, and a camp host during the operating season. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. Cottonwood Springs Lake, located about a mile from the campground, provides fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and panfish. The lake permits non-motorized boats and small watercraft without gasoline engines. A non-motorized gravel path in the wildlife area offers hiking opportunities, and pets can be off-leash in designated wildlife areas. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas during open seasons.
Nearby attractions include Wind Cave National Park, Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave National Monument, and the Mammoth Site. The campground is limited to a 14-day stay per 30-day period and operates as a fully reservable facility through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From Rapid City, 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, and enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.
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