South Dakota / Pennington County / Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Grizzly Creek Primitive

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from late May through early September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

This campground lies beneath a canopy of oak and Ponderosa pine on the banks of Grizzly Creek and has retained much of its original Civilian Conservation Corps character. A historic CCC-built pavilion remains available for camper use. Located on the scenic Iron Mountain Road between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park, the campground sits within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve near the Black Elk Wilderness. From nearby trailheads, visitors can access the Centennial Trail and explore the Black Elk Wilderness and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. The area offers hiking, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities. A day-long trek to Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, rewards hikers with expansive views from its bare granite summit and historic Harney Lookout Tower. Due to tight, sharp turns on Iron Mountain Road, towing vehicles is prohibited. Only vehicles up to 24 feet maximum are allowed. The campground features picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. No electrical hookups are available. Wildlife abounds in the area, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and numerous bird species.

Directions

From Keystone, South Dakota, take Route 16A west 1.9 miles to campground on the right.

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