Pactola Reservoir Campground
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground operates seasonally from May 21 through September 7. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
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
Pactola Reservoir Campground sits along the south shore of the Black Hills' largest and deepest reservoir, offering guests a pine-covered setting with lake access and mountain recreation. The reservoir spans 800 acres with 14 miles of shoreline and depths reaching 150 feet, managed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs across multiple loops, with several sites featuring direct views of the water. The reservoir is renowned for trophy fishing, regularly producing record lake trout and large brown trout. Waters are stocked with rainbow, lake, and brown trout, as well as largemouth and rock bass, kokanee salmon, and yellow perch. Two on-site boat ramps provide easy water access, while a nearby full-service marina offers supplies, boat rentals, and services. Within walking distance, visitors can access a swimming beach and the 2.2-mile Osprey Trail, which features two loops and an overlook spur trail where the namesake ospreys are frequently spotted. The Black Hills National Forest provides abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV riding. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with possibilities to see bighorn sheep, elk, deer, pronghorn, bald eagles, hawks, osprey, and peregrine falcons. The Pactola Visitor Center on the south side of the dam offers conservation education and information about dam construction and forest management. Day trips to Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Jewel Cave, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower, and Wind Cave National Park are all within reasonable driving distance.
Directions
From Rapid City, drive 17 miles west on State Highway 44. Turn south onto US Highway 385. The campground is located 2 miles south on Highway 385.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $28 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 82ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 82ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (605) 673-9200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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