Dalton Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground closes September 30 each year and reopens approximately mid-May. During the off-season, no services are available.
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
Dalton Lake Campground sits in a secluded setting along Little Elk Creek in the Northern Black Hills, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1937. The campground features 11 first-come, first-served sites overlooking the 2.8-acre Dalton Lake, which is stocked with rainbow and brook trout and managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Fishing access is excellent with shoreline access and a pier. Historic remnants from the CCC era include two stone bridges and a sheltered picnic area. The campground provides direct access to the 111-mile Centennial Trail, which runs adjacent to the site. North of the campground, the trail is open for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. South of the campground, the trail allows motorized travel, making this an ideal base for OHV enthusiasts exploring the dozens of nearby trails. The surrounding Ponderosa Pine forest at nearly 4,400 feet elevation offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire grill. The campground also provides a sheltered picnic area and nearby day-use parking for lake access. Non-motorized boating is permitted on Dalton Lake.
Directions
From Nemo, South Dakota, travel north on FSR 26 (Vanocker Canyon Road) for approximately four miles. Turn right (east) onto FSR 224 (Dalton Lake Road). Travel on FSR 224 for approximately five miles to the campground entrance. From Sturgis (I-90 exit 32), take Vanocker Canyon Highway south for approximately 12.5 miles to Dalton Lake Road, then east for 3.7 miles to the 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 | $21.5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 642-4622 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Dalton Lake | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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