Overview

Dalton Lake Campground sits next to the 2.8 acre Dalton Lake and offers nearby access to fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and a variety of motorized recreation opportunities. Explore the dozens of miles of nearby trails or simply relax and enjoy the lake and nearby Little Elk Creek. The campground offers 11 sites and a picnic area nestled into the Ponderosa Pines of the Northern Black Hills. Whether you are looking to take some time to relax or looking for an adventure, the seclusion of Dalton Lake Campground offers an ideal experience for almost any explorer.

Recreation

Dalton Lake Campground provides extensive opportunities for access to outdoor recreation. Try fishing from the several piers surrounding Dalton lake, explore a portion of the 111 mile Centennial trail that runs adjacent to the campground or hop on your dirt bike, ATV or side by side to adventure through the dozens of nearby OHV trails.

Facilities

• Standard Nonelectric Campsites

• Restrooms

• Group Picnic Shelter

Natural Features

Dalton Lake Campground sits at just under 4,400 feet elevation and is surrounded by tall peaks and beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest. Little Elk Creek feeds into Dalton lake and continues it’s meandering journey through large boulders and winding canyons east toward Piedmont, South Dakota. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Dalton Lake Campground sits next to the 2.8 acre Dalton Lake and offers nearby access to fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and a variety of motorized recreation opportunities. Explore the dozens of miles of nearby trails or simply relax and enjoy the lake and nearby Little Elk Creek. The campground offers 11 sites and a picnic area nestled into the Ponderosa Pines of the Northern Black Hills. Whether you are looking to take some time to relax or looking for an adventure, the seclusion of Dalton Lake Campground offers an ideal experience for almost any explorer.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Dalton Lake Campground provides extensive opportunities for access to outdoor recreation.  Try fishing from the several piers surrounding Dalton lake, explore a portion of the 111 mile Centennial trail that runs adjacent to the campground or hop on your dirt bike, ATV or side by side to adventure through the dozens of nearby OHV trails.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>•	Standard Nonelectric Campsites</p>
<p>•	Restrooms </p>
<p>•	Group Picnic Shelter </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Dalton Lake Campground sits at just under 4,400 feet elevation and is surrounded by tall peaks and beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest. Little Elk Creek feeds into Dalton lake and continues it’s meandering journey through large boulders and winding canyons east toward Piedmont, South Dakota. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.</p>
<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.

$24.00 / Night for single campsite

$5.00 / Day Use Fee

Dalton Lake Walking Path

Group Shelter

Campground Aerial Map

Picnic Area

Dalton Lake Campground Map

Paved Path

Dalton Lake

Milddle of Dalton Lake

Dalton Lake Campground

Boxelder Forks Campground

Roubaix Lake

Bear Gulch

Pactola Reservoir Campground

Sheridan North Cove Grp Cg

Sheridan Lake

National Forest Service lands in the State of South Dakota will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Thu. Sept. 24. 2026 at noon.

Alert Start Date: September 24, 2026

Alert End Date: December 15, 2026

Order Number: BKF-198-2026

<p><strong> National Forest Service lands in the State of South Dakota will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Thu. Sept. 24. 2026 at noon.</strong></p><p><strong>Alert Start Date:</strong> September 24, 2026</p><p><strong>Alert End Date:</strong> December 15, 2026</p><p><strong>Order Number:</strong> BKF-198-2026</p><p></p>

FYI: Off Season Information for this campground can be found in the "Need To Know" Section.

Please note that NOT ALL Campgrounds are open during the Off Season, some are closed.

During the Off Season the Campgrounds that are open are operated by the US Forest Service and are all First Come First Served.

<p><strong>FYI:  Off Season Information for this campground can be found in the "Need To Know" Section.  </strong></p><p><strong>Please note that NOT ALL Campgrounds are open during the Off Season, some are closed.</strong></p><p><strong> During the Off Season the Campgrounds that are open are operated by the US Forest Service and are all First Come First Served.</strong></p>

The main points:

This order prohibits camping or occupying any Black Hills National Forest lands for more than 14 calendar days (including portions of days) within any continuous 28-day period.

Effective from August 8, 2026 through December 31, 2031

This restriction is intended to reduce environmental impacts, prevent overuse, and ensure fair access for all users.

Violations are subject to legal penalties, including fines up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, and possible imprisonment up to six months.

For details or questions, the public can contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Office in Custer, SD.

For more information, continue reading the order and map below.

Order Number: #BKF-197-2026

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Occupancy and Use Prohibitions

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b) in order to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Black Hills National Forest.

Camping or occupying within the Black Hills National Forest as follows:

Camping or occupying on the Black Hills National Forest Lands for a period longer of 14 calendar days (including portions of days) in a continuous 28-day period. (36 CFR 261.58(a))

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION

This Order shall be in effect from August 8th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. through December 31st, 2031, at 08:00 a.m., unless rescinded.

A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts.

Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.

A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Office in Custer, SD, (605) 673-9200, for more information about this Order.

This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Areas.

Signed and issued on August 6, 2026.

/s/ Jason Virtue for

Shawn Cochran

Forest Supervisor

Black Hills National Forest

<h2>The main points:</h2><ul><li><strong>This order prohibits camping or occupying any Black Hills National Forest lands for more than 14 calendar days (including portions of days) within any continuous 28-day period.</strong></li><li>Effective from August 8, 2026 through December 31, 2031</li><li>This restriction is intended to reduce environmental impacts, prevent overuse, and ensure fair access for all users.</li><li>Violations are subject to legal penalties, including fines up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, and possible imprisonment up to six months.</li><li>For details or questions, the public can contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Office in Custer, SD.</li></ul><p>For more information, continue reading the order and map below. </p>
<p class="text-align-right"><strong>Order Number: #BKF-197-2026</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service </strong><br/><strong>Black Hills National Forest</strong></p><h3 class="text-align-center">Occupancy and Use Prohibitions</h3><h4>PROHIBITIONS</h4><p>Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b) in order to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Black Hills National Forest.</p><ol><li>Camping or occupying within the Black Hills National Forest as follows:</li><li>Camping or occupying on the Black Hills National Forest Lands for a period longer of 14 calendar days (including portions of days) in a continuous 28-day period. (36 CFR 261.58(a))</li></ol><h4>EXEMPTIONS</h4><p>Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:</p><ol><li>Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).</li><li>Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.</li></ol><h4>PURPOSE</h4><p>The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.</p><h4>IMPLEMENTATION</h4><ol><li>This Order shall be in effect from August 8th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. through December 31st, 2031, at 08:00 a.m., unless rescinded.</li><li>A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts"> https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts.</a></li><li>Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions. </li><li>A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.</li><li>Contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Office in Custer, SD, (605) 673-9200, for more information about this Order. </li><li>This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Areas. </li></ol><p>Signed and issued on August 6, 2026.</p><p><em>/s/ Jason Virtue</em> <em>for </em><br/>Shawn Cochran <br/>Forest Supervisor <br/>Black Hills National Forest</p>

14-day Limit for Camping/Occupancy in the Black Hills National Forest

Prohibition against building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area. Stove fires (fire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, a portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid gas stove, including a space-heating device) are not prohibited by this Order. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.52(a).

Order Number: # BKF-182-2024

U.S. Department of Agriculture,

U.S. Forest Service Black Hills National Forest

in the State of South Dakota

(Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District)

Open Fire Prohibition

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System lands in the Black Hills National Forest, Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, as defined by South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) § 34-35-15 (copied in Exhibit B) and as shown in Exhibit A.

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area. Stove fires (fire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, a portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid gas stove, including a space-heating device) are not prohibited by this Order. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.52(a).

Campfire means a fire, not within any building, mobile home or living accommodation mounted on a motor vehicle, which is used for cooking, personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial, or aesthetic purpose.

Violating any provision of SDCL §§ 34-35-15,34-35-16, and/or 34-35-17,which prohibit open fires in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(k). Copies of the South Dakota statutes are attached and hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit B.

Note: South Dakota Statute defines “open fire” as any fire to burn slash, brush, grass, stubble, debris, rubbish, or other inflammable material not enclosed in a stove, spark proof incinerator, or an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area. SDCL §§ 34-35-16.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Any person with a Forest Service or State issued permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission as provided in SDCL §§ 34-35-16 and 34-35-17 (see Exhibit B for copies of statues).

Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety, and natural resources within the Black Hills National Forest by prohibiting fires within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.

IMPLEMENTATION

This Order shall be in effect from November 16, 2024, at 12:00am, and continue through December 31, 2029, at 11:59pm, unless rescinded.

A map showing the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District (Exhibit A) and the relevant South Dakota statutes (Exhibit B) are attached and made part of this Order. For a digital version of this Order, Exhibit A and Exhibit B, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts.

Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36

A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and

Contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Custer, SD, (605) 673-9200, for more information about this Order.

This Order supersedes BKF-146-2019 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.

C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.

$10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Signed and issued on November 14, 2024.

/s/Shawn Cochran

Forest Supervisor

Black Hills National Forest

Exhibit A (see Map linked below)

Exhibit B

South Dakota Statutes §§ 34-35-15,34-35-16 and/or 34-35-17, Black Hills Fire Protection District.

34-35-15. Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District -- Area included. To protect the timber on areas subject to unusual fire dangers, there is hereby created the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, consisting of all that part of the state described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at a point on the Wyoming-South Dakota state line at the junction of Interstate Highway 90 at the state line; thence east and southeast along Interstate Highway 90 via Rapid City to the intersection of U.S. Highway 16B; thence south and southwest along US. Highway 16B to the intersection of State Highway 79; thence south along State Highway 79 to the intersection of US. Highway 18; thence south along US. Highway 18 to the Cheyenne River; thence west and northwest along the Cheyenne River to the Wyoming-South Dakota state line; thence north along said state line to the place of beginning. The Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District does not include any area within the limits of any municipality.

34-35-16. Permit required for open fire in Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District --Violation as misdemeanor -- Liability for civil damages. The starting of an open fire within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District by a person or a group of persons is prohibited unless a permit to do so is first obtained from the state forester or from the United States Forest Service Supervisor. An open fire as used in this section and § 34-35-17 is any fire to burn slash, brush, grass, stubble, debris, rubbish, or other inflammable material not enclosed in a stove, spark-proof incinerator, or an established fireplace approved or constructed by public agencies in designated recreation areas. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this section is liable for civil damages for all injuries caused by the fire.

34-35-17. Issuance of permit for open fire in Black Hills Fire Protection District --Conditions required. Any United States Forest Service Supervisor, or his designee, the state forester or his designee shall have authority to issue a permit upon an application to any person to start an open fire within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District if in his opinion such fire will not endanger the life or property of another, or deny such permit if in his opinion the climatic conditions or location of the material to be burned is such that the burning would endanger the life or property of others and he may issue a permit subject to such conditions and restrictions as he may consider necessary to prevent the spread of the fire permitted; and he may revoke a permit issued by him upon the change of climatic or other conditions which he considers would make the burning unsafe.

<p>Prohibition against <strong>b</strong><em><strong>uilding, maintaining, attending, </strong></em>or <em><strong>using </strong></em>a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area. Stove fires (fire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, a portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid gas stove, including a space-heating device) are not prohibited by this Order. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.52(a).</p>
<p class="text-align-right"><strong>Order Number: # BKF-182-2024</strong></p><p class="text-align-center"><strong>U.S. Department of Agriculture,</strong><br/><strong>U.S. Forest Service Black Hills National Forest</strong><br/><strong>in the State of South Dakota</strong></p><h3 class="text-align-center">(Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District)<br/>Open Fire Prohibition</h3><h4>PROHIBITIONS</h4><p>Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System lands in the Black Hills National Forest, Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, as defined by South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) § 34-35-15 (copied in Exhibit B) and as shown in Exhibit A.</p><ol><li><em><strong>Building, maintaining, attending, </strong></em>or <em><strong>using </strong></em>a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area. Stove fires (fire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, a portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid gas stove, including a space-heating device) are not prohibited by this Order. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.52(a).</li><li>Campfire means a fire, not within any building, mobile home or living accommodation mounted on a motor vehicle, which is used for cooking, personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial, or aesthetic purpose.</li><li>Violating any provision of SDCL §§ 34-35-15,34-35-16, and/or 34-35-17,which prohibit open fires in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(k). Copies of the South Dakota statutes are attached and hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit B.</li></ol><p><em><strong>Note: </strong>South Dakota Statute defines “open fire” as any fire to burn slash, brush, grass, stubble, debris, rubbish, or other inflammable material not enclosed in a stove, spark proof incinerator, or an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area</em>. SDCL §§ 34-35-16.</p><h4>EXEMPTIONS</h4><p>Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:</p><ol><li>Any person with a Forest Service or State issued permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission as provided in SDCL §§ 34-35-16 and 34-35-17 (see Exhibit B for copies of statues).</li><li>Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.</li></ol><h4>PURPOSE</h4><p>The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety, and natural resources within the Black Hills National Forest by prohibiting fires within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.</p><h4>IMPLEMENTATION</h4><ol><li><p>This Order shall be in effect from November 16, 2024, at 12:00am, and continue through December 31, 2029, at 11:59pm, unless rescinded.</p><ol><li>A map showing the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District (Exhibit A) and the relevant South Dakota statutes (Exhibit B) are attached and made part of this Order. For a digital version of this Order, Exhibit A and Exhibit B, go to <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts">https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts</a>.</li><li>Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36</li><li>A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and</li><li>Contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Custer, SD, (605) 673-9200, for more information about this Order.</li><li>This Order supersedes BKF-146-2019 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.</li></ol><p>C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.</p><p>$10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.</p></li></ol><p>Signed and issued on November 14, 2024.</p><p><em>/s/Shawn Cochran</em><br/>Forest Supervisor<br/>Black Hills National Forest</p><h3>Exhibit A (see Map linked below)</h3><h3 class="text-align-center">Exhibit B</h3><p>South Dakota Statutes §§ 34-35-15,34-35-16 and/or 34-35-17, Black Hills Fire Protection District.</p><p><strong>34-35-15. </strong>Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District -- Area included. To protect the timber on areas subject to unusual fire dangers, there is hereby created the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, consisting of all that part of the state described by metes and bounds as follows: Commencing at a point on the Wyoming-South Dakota state line at the junction of Interstate Highway 90 at the state line; thence east and southeast along Interstate Highway 90 via Rapid City to the intersection of U.S. Highway 16B; thence south and southwest along US. Highway 16B to the intersection of State Highway 79; thence south along State Highway 79 to the intersection of US. Highway 18; thence south along US. Highway 18 to the Cheyenne River; thence west and northwest along the Cheyenne River to the Wyoming-South Dakota state line; thence north along said state line to the place of beginning. The Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District does not include any area within the limits of any municipality.</p><p><strong>34-35-16. </strong>Permit required for open fire in Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District --Violation as misdemeanor -- Liability for civil damages. The starting of an open fire within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District by a person or a group of persons is prohibited unless a permit to do so is first obtained from the state forester or from the United States Forest Service Supervisor. An open fire as used in this section and § 34-35-17 is any fire to burn slash, brush, grass, stubble, debris, rubbish, or other inflammable material not enclosed in a stove, spark-proof incinerator, or an established fireplace approved or constructed by public agencies in designated recreation areas. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who violates this section is liable for civil damages for all injuries caused by the fire.</p><p><strong>34-35-17. </strong>Issuance of permit for open fire in Black Hills Fire Protection District --Conditions required. Any United States Forest Service Supervisor, or his designee, the state forester or his designee shall have authority to issue a permit upon an application to any person to start an open fire within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District if in his opinion such fire will not endanger the life or property of another, or deny such permit if in his opinion the climatic conditions or location of the material to be burned is such that the burning would endanger the life or property of others and he may issue a permit subject to such conditions and restrictions as he may consider necessary to prevent the spread of the fire permitted; and he may revoke a permit issued by him upon the change of climatic or other conditions which he considers would make the burning unsafe.</p>

Dalton Lake Campground

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Contact Info

Camp site features

Fees

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

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