French Creek Campground
Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations. 14-day stay limit typical for USFS sites.
Wind Advisory issued January 17 at 12:10PM MST until January 18 at 4:00PM MST by NWS Rapid City SD
* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to near 60 mph possible. * WHERE...Ziebach County, including portions of the Cheyenne River Reservation, Northern Oglala Lakota County, including portions of the Pine Ridge Reservation, Custer Co Plains, Haakon, Northern Jackson, and Hermosa Foothills. * WHEN...From 5 AM to 4 PM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Sudden wind gusts can cause drivers to lose control, especially in lightweight or high profile vehicles. Strong winds can cause blowing dust, reduced visibility, and flying debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow showers will be possible Sunday, which could lead to some localized blowing and drifting snow with reduced visibility.
About
French Creek Campground is a small, free primitive campground located on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland approximately 11 miles east of Fairburn on French Creek Road. Set in a remote badlands and prairie landscape, this rustic campground attracts rockhounds, OHV enthusiasts, and those seeking solitude in the Great Plains. The campground features basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. No drinking water is available, so campers must bring their own supply. Adjacent to the campground is a barren hill with exposed rock layers where rockhounds can search for agates and other minerals. A small creek flows nearby, adding to the natural setting. Some campsites are gated to allow horses to graze close to camp, making this a suitable destination for equestrian camping. The surrounding Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers opportunities for exploring badlands formations, prairie hiking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle use. The area is known for its geological diversity and fossil-rich terrain. Campers should note that collection of vertebrate fossils requires a permit, and no commercial fossil collection is permitted except for petrified wood. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a typical 14-day stay limit.
Directions
From Fairburn, travel approximately 11 miles east on French Creek Road to the campground turnoff on your left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (308) 432-0300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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