Sheridan Lake

Show on map605-673-9200tbolton@goexplorus.com
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168
Hill City, SD 57745

Overview

This campground is along the south shore of Sheridan Lake. Within its 5 large loops, there are many sites with direct access to the lake. Access to the south boat ramp and the Flume Trailhead from within the campground and easy access to the South Beach Area, this recreational complex has everything needed for a fun, family camping experience.

Recreation

Black Hills National Forest offers a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. Winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.

The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail.

At 11 miles (plus a 3-mile loop), the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people. The Rockerville Flume carried water 20 miles, from Spring Creek west of present day Sheridan Lake, east to the placer diggings near Rockerville. The flume operated until 1885, and the trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length. Along the way are historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself.

Sheridan Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming and boating. The reservoir supports populations of rainbow, brown trout, northern pike and perch. Fly fishing is popular in Spring Creek below the dam, and ice fishing is popular on the lake in winter.

Facilities

Sheridan Lake Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including 2 tent-only sites. Each campsite has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Access to the lake and beach is within walking distance, and a boat ramp is available on-site.

Natural Features

Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world.

Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.

Charges & Cancellations

No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

Camp site features

Across 128 camp sites:

  • Pets allowed: all 128 sites
  • Longest RV: 77 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people
  • Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Rapid City, take Highway 16 for 18 miles west to Three Forks. Turn right (north) on Highway 385 and travel 2 miles to Calument Road at the inlet. Turn right and travel 1 mile to the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

489 reviews
5 stars
311
4 stars
106
3 stars
39
2 stars
21
1 stars
12
Dennis S
Loop:Rock
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Late season camping is great at Sheridan Lake. Relaxing views, gracious or few neighbors, birds, turkeys, ducks, geese, kingfisher, eagles. Every day something new. Looking forward to next fall.
Katie B
Loop:Wood
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
This is an absolutely beautiful lake and area. However: the site was less than 6 foot from the neighbor's generator and he ran it around 6a and until 10p. Fully allowed by the park but it truly made my bed shake in the camper. Not relaxing at all. Wanted to move sites, never did see the host, not even at their own site (the park was still "open" for the season). The last day of the stay the vehicle pass showed up on the site pole for the stay so they must come around sometimes. I would stay again but only if I made sure to get a site completely away from other campers because of the generator issue.
Debra V
Loop:Wood
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Sheridan Lake is my every September go to place with family. We go with a plan to relax, enjoy each other in this pristine location, read, eat good food and drink cheap wine. We checked all the boxes. The big bonus was a pair of inland osprey and a bald eagle fly over. It was fabulous as usual.
Chane G
Loop:Rock
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Beautiful relaxing time! The check in personnel were very helpful. Will definitely come back to visit!
Roger W
Loop:Rock
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Site 117 has an awesome view with a short walk to the water. Upon arrival mid afternoon September 23 we were informed the water had been shut off for the season due to weather. The forecast low for the next 6 days was only about 43 degrees. I had been planning on using the water and was quite disappointed it had been shut off before a pretty busy weekend revolving around the buffalo roundup. There were also quite a few mice, but not anything I expect the hosts to be able to address. Site was peaceful and we even saw a flock of turkeys walk right through including a couple under the picknick table. The vault toilet was o.k. and trash receptacles were within reasonable walking distance.
Mark C
Loop:Smok
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Beautiful campground. The pine trees are amazing. The staff was very nice and polite. The check-in process was a little excessive and charging for pets is unique. Would go back again.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 15, 2027 – Sep 30, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 15, 2028 – Sep 30, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

Availability not checked yet

No availability

We don't have availability data yet for camp sites at .

Interested in seeing what camp sites you can reserve here? Check it now, or watch this campground so we keep checking it for you.

Nearby Campgrounds