Public Campground
Alkali Creek Campground
Sturgis, South Dakota
Campground in South Dakota.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Whitetail Campground
Campground in South Dakota.
Whitetail Campground offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Black Hills, nestled near Hill City, South Dakota. This public campground provides an authentic camping experience with seventeen well-maintained sites that cater to RV travelers seeking a blend of nature and accessibility. The location puts you right in the middle of some of South Dakota's most iconic attractions and outdoor adventures.
Hill City serves as a gateway to some of the region's most spectacular natural and cultural landmarks. Just minutes away, you'll find Mount Rushmore, one of America's most recognizable monuments, where four presidential faces are carved into granite cliffs. The proximity to this world-famous attraction makes Whitetail Campground an ideal base for families and history enthusiasts. Beyond the monument itself, the surrounding Black Hills region offers endless exploration opportunities with scenic byways, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation that range from easy walks to challenging mountain adventures.
The Black Hills area is renowned for its diverse landscape, featuring dense pine forests, granite peaks, and beautiful valleys. This geography creates a naturally cooler climate compared to the surrounding plains, making it an excellent destination during the warmer months. The area attracts photographers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts who come to capture stunning vistas and experience the region's natural beauty.
Beyond Mount Rushmore, the area boasts numerous other attractions worthy of your time. The town of Hill City itself has developed into a charming destination with local restaurants, shops, and galleries that reflect the region's artistic community. Nearby, you'll find opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Black Hills offer some of the best chances to spot mule deer, white-tailed deer, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
With a solid 4.8 rating from thirty-six reviewers, Whitetail Campground has proven itself as a reliable choice for RV travelers exploring this magnificent region. Whether you're planning a multi-day exploration of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding attractions or using the campground as a home base for Black Hills adventures, this public facility provides a comfortable launching point for your South Dakota vacation.
Hill City serves as a gateway to some of the region's most spectacular natural and cultural landmarks. Just minutes away, you'll find Mount Rushmore, one of America's most recognizable monuments, where four presidential faces are carved into granite cliffs. The proximity to this world-famous attraction makes Whitetail Campground an ideal base for families and history enthusiasts. Beyond the monument itself, the surrounding Black Hills region offers endless exploration opportunities with scenic byways, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation that range from easy walks to challenging mountain adventures.
The Black Hills area is renowned for its diverse landscape, featuring dense pine forests, granite peaks, and beautiful valleys. This geography creates a naturally cooler climate compared to the surrounding plains, making it an excellent destination during the warmer months. The area attracts photographers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts who come to capture stunning vistas and experience the region's natural beauty.
Beyond Mount Rushmore, the area boasts numerous other attractions worthy of your time. The town of Hill City itself has developed into a charming destination with local restaurants, shops, and galleries that reflect the region's artistic community. Nearby, you'll find opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Black Hills offer some of the best chances to spot mule deer, white-tailed deer, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.
With a solid 4.8 rating from thirty-six reviewers, Whitetail Campground has proven itself as a reliable choice for RV travelers exploring this magnificent region. Whether you're planning a multi-day exploration of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding attractions or using the campground as a home base for Black Hills adventures, this public facility provides a comfortable launching point for your South Dakota vacation.
17
Total Sites
4.8
Rating
36
Reviews
Park Details
Total Sites
17
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Hill City is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
South Dakota weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Hill City.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Hill City. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Whitetail Campground Reviews
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Amanda Mueller
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Amanda Mueller
Whitetail is a beautiful small primitive campground. There are water spigots and pit toilets (very clean!) and only 17 sites, 12 of which are reservable on recreation.gov and the other 5 are first come first serve. You can walk down the hill to the lake from the campground or go to either of 2 close by picnic areas on the lake. Your camping pass allows you to access any of the day use areas within... Whitetail is a beautiful small primitive campground. There are water spigots and pit toilets (very clean!) and only 17 sites, 12 of which are reservable on recreation.gov and the other 5 are first come first serve. You can walk down the hill to the lake from the campground or go to either of 2 close by picnic areas on the lake. Your camping pass allows you to access any of the day use areas within the National Forest without additional charges. There is a great 11 mile loop trail around the lake with several access points to set a shuttle if you don’t want to do the whole trail in one day. You are right smack in the middle of the Black Hills with so much to do close by while you enjoy a remote campsite in the pine forest.
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Kelly Haymes
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Kelly Haymes
Fabulous quiet campground. We stayed a week and it was a perfect base camp for exploring the area and the lake is great on hot summer days!
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Kelly Haymes
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Kelly Haymes
Fabulous quiet campground. We stayed a week and it was a perfect base camp for exploring the area and the lake is great on hot summer days!
G
Amanda Leigh
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Amanda Leigh
Beautiful campground! We stayed in the lower loop, lakeside in site #12 (pictured) which was Definitely the most coveted spot in the campsite for pitching a tent. Exceptionally clean pit toilets. Lake was crystal clear and the campground is amazingly still and extremely quiet at night - except for the howling of a few wolves across the lake. (It was incredible - there was a super moon that night a... Beautiful campground! We stayed in the lower loop, lakeside in site #12 (pictured) which was Definitely the most coveted spot in the campsite for pitching a tent. Exceptionally clean pit toilets. Lake was crystal clear and the campground is amazingly still and extremely quiet at night - except for the howling of a few wolves across the lake. (It was incredible - there was a super moon that night as well - also pictured (and no that’s not a sunrise!)) Note: Coming from Sundance, Google will take you down about 25 miles of unpaved forest road and into the campground from a rear entrance. When we left we went out toward the day picnic area heading south and East on paved road. There is no cell service in the campground. Host is friendly, and will come to you to grab registration fees.
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Amanda Leigh
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Amanda Leigh
Beautiful campground! We stayed in the lower loop, lakeside in site #12 (pictured) which was Definitely the most coveted spot in the campsite for pitching a tent. Exceptionally clean pit toilets. Lake was crystal clear and the campground is amazingly still and extremely quiet at night - except for the howling of a few wolves across the lake. (It was incredible - there was a super moon that night a... Beautiful campground! We stayed in the lower loop, lakeside in site #12 (pictured) which was Definitely the most coveted spot in the campsite for pitching a tent. Exceptionally clean pit toilets. Lake was crystal clear and the campground is amazingly still and extremely quiet at night - except for the howling of a few wolves across the lake. (It was incredible - there was a super moon that night as well - also pictured (and no that’s not a sunrise!)) Note: Coming from Sundance, Google will take you down about 25 miles of unpaved forest road and into the campground from a rear entrance. When we left we went out toward the day picnic area heading south and East on paved road. There is no cell service in the campground. Host is friendly, and will come to you to grab registration fees.
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Joel Nielsen
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Joel Nielsen
wonderful campground. Deerfield lake is what makes this campground special. its just a 200yd walk from the lower loop of campsites, the water is crystal clear and beautiful. there are quite a few sites here that don't have a grassy flat spot for tents. we lucked out to get one that did (#17). It was clean and quiet. the Latrines are pit-style, but they were the cleanest of that variety i've ev... wonderful campground. Deerfield lake is what makes this campground special. its just a 200yd walk from the lower loop of campsites, the water is crystal clear and beautiful. there are quite a few sites here that don't have a grassy flat spot for tents. we lucked out to get one that did (#17). It was clean and quiet. the Latrines are pit-style, but they were the cleanest of that variety i've ever seen. We had a wonderful time here
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Joel Nielsen
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Joel Nielsen
wonderful campground. Deerfield lake is what makes this campground special. its just a 200yd walk from the lower loop of campsites, the water is crystal clear and beautiful. there are quite a few sites here that don't have a grassy flat spot for tents. we lucked out to get one that did (#17). It was clean and quiet. the Latrines are pit-style, but they were the cleanest of that variety i've ev... wonderful campground. Deerfield lake is what makes this campground special. its just a 200yd walk from the lower loop of campsites, the water is crystal clear and beautiful. there are quite a few sites here that don't have a grassy flat spot for tents. we lucked out to get one that did (#17). It was clean and quiet. the Latrines are pit-style, but they were the cleanest of that variety i've ever seen. We had a wonderful time here
G
Brian Sommers
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Brian Sommers
Great view, close to the lake. Water and pit toilets, no electricity. Free in the off season but no trash or wood service then. Great fishing. Small boat and canoe landing nearby.
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Brian Sommers
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Brian Sommers
Great view, close to the lake. Water and pit toilets, no electricity. Free in the off season but no trash or wood service then. Great fishing. Small boat and canoe landing nearby.
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