Pactola Campground
Open seasonally from late May through September 8. Currently experiencing a temporary water outage; campers must bring all water needed for their stay. Loop B is undergoing construction in 2026 with potential reservation impacts. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for Black Hills National Forest. Reservations via Recreation.gov; some sites available first-come, first-served.
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.
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.
Temporary Road Closure: NFSR 353.2C near Keystone, SD
Forest Road 353.2C near Keystone, SD is closed to motor vehicles, June 1–July 1, 2026. Check the Black Hills NF alerts page or call for details.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts, Wyoming
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Black Hills National Forest in Wyoming. Learn what activities are restricted to help prevent wildfires.
Rochford Exploratory Drill Pads and Access Routes Closure
Temporary closure of drill pads and access routes near Rochford, SD, to protect public safety on the Black Hills National Forest.
Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD Continues Operations
Topaz timber sale near Sturgis, SD continues. Tethered logging with chipping/mastication may cause flying debris near trails. Watch signs and flaggers.
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. Many of the trails located within the Black Elk Wilderness are cleared in early summer, but the number of downed trees across trails can change in an instant from storms passing over the Black…
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. Firewood cutting cleans up dead wood, reduces the potential for wildfires, and avoids waste of a valuable resource, but it can also cause…
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.
Open Fire Restriction - Black Hills NF in South Dakota
Prohibition on campfires or fires except for in certain established fireplaces or stoves within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District in South Dakota.
Order 172 - Cook Lake Closure Order
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails in the Bearlodge Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A…
Order 159 - Occupancy & Use Restrictions - Black Elk Wilderness
Pursuant to 16U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System(NFS) lands and trails within the Black Elk Wilderness of the Black Hills National Forest, located in Pennington County and Custer County, South Dakota, and shown on the attached…
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: 1. Using a National Forest road for commercial hauling of non-federal products, commodities, or materials without a permit or written…
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. This prohibited area is described as T.2N., R.1E.,…
Order 024 - Mine Closure - Spokane
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following are prohibited: a) All motorized vehicles are prohibited from entering the area known as the Spokane Mine. Access is limited to foot travel and by horseback. This prohibited area is shown on the attached map. (36 CFR 261.53(c) and (f)). b) Access is…
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. [13 FR 3676, July 1, 1948,…
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
Pactola Campground occupies a scenic forested setting on the south shore of Pactola Reservoir, a 3,400-surface-acre impoundment that is the largest body of water in the Black Hills. The campground spreads across three loops with 57 nonelectric sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 30 feet. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets and hand-pump drinking water available throughout. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow, lake, and brown trout, as well as kokanee salmon, largemouth and rock bass, and yellow perch. Two boat ramps within walking distance of the campground provide easy access for fishing boats and other watercraft, and a full-service marina operates nearby. A swimming beach is also accessible from the campground area. Beyond water activities, the surrounding Black Hills National Forest offers extensive trail networks for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. OHV trails rated for moderate terrain are nearby. The Pactola Visitor Center, located close to the campground, provides conservation education programs and area information.
Directions
From Rapid City, drive 17 miles west on SD Highway 44, then turn south on US Highway 385. Cross the dam and travel 2 miles to Custer Gulch Road. Turn right (west) and continue 2 miles to the campground entrance. Check in at the host site upon arrival.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $36 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 343-1567 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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