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This campground lies beneath a canopy of oak and Ponderosa pine on the banks of Grizzly Creek. The site has retained much of its original Civilian
Conservation Corps character, and offers visitors recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Located along the Iron Mountain Road, it is between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park.
A pavillion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps still stands and is available for use by campers.
Black Hills National Forest offers visitors 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. The winter landscape is ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. From a nearby trailhead, visitors can access the Centennial Trail and parts of the Black Elk Wilderness and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Trails weave through the wilderness for a primitive, non-motorized recreation experience. For those seeking higher elevations, a day-long trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower (Harney Lookout Tower) at the top, once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.
Due to tight, sharp turns, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. This includes vehicles pulling trailers and fifth-wheels, motorhomes pulling vehicles, and vehicles pulling pop-up campers.
Vehicles up to 24 feet maximum are allowed. No overflow parking available.
Some sites within the campground are designated for Day Use only.
The campground has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available.
Firewood is available for a fee.
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. This campground is located in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and is close to the Black Elk Wilderness, South Dakota's only designated wilderness area. This area encompasses the Harney Range, an area long held sacred by American Indians. 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.
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
A short 2 miles away is the fabulous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which hosts almost 3 million visitors a year.
This campground is located on the scenic Iron Mountain Rd. with its famous CCC built Pigtail Bridges and tunnels for breathtaking views of Mt. Rushmore.
Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which 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.
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
From Keystone, South Dakota, take Route 16A west 1.9 miles to campground on the right.
We stayed in lucky #13, it was a great experience. The camp hosts Jim and June were absolutely awesome they went out of their way to help us. The campsite is nice and quiet and the path to the creek is across the road and the bathroom is one site away. The helicopters were barely noticable. And wood is really available along with water. We had a blast and it was an excellent experience for us all. The camp hosts were the best part of our experience they were just great and were very knowledgeable about the area. We just loved everything about the whole experience. Always,
The Rock Girls
This review is long overdue. I came BACK to Grizzly Creek simply because the campsite is beautiful. My wife and I met a close friend there on our engagement trip years ago.
Truly an escape for those who are ready to hunker down for a couple nights in a primitive set up, but not so far away from any amenities or resources you may need. That being said my only "complaint" would be the Rushmore helicopter tours.
The hosts are stellar. Rob and Katie were there last I visited in May '22. They have firewood if you need it and will welcome you with neighborly delight. Also they keep the place so tidy I barely got dirt on my slides.
If you've got a hammock, hike up the hill a little ways and catch some z's as you sway in the breeze.
Mr.took great care of us and explained how to get to the waterfalls, grizzly bear falls... you can camp, it's primitive, very beautiful, and comfortable, be prepared... 🤩🇵🇷
I camped here for 4 nights. The Camp Host, Jim was great. Site #5 has the sound of a creek. Centrally located to Mt. Rushmore, Keystone, Custer State Park, the City of Custer and Crazy Horse Memorial. I think Crazy Horse is a MUST see! The camp ground has no electric and has vault toilets. I had some AT&T phone coverage. There is a regular flyover of helicopters, so if you are looking for day time peace and quiet this is not the place. Though I'm not sure there is a camp ground near Rushmore where you would not hear helicopters during the day.
