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Sheridan North Cove Group Campground, in a forest of Ponderosa pine is along the north shore of Sheridan Lake. This is an ideal setting for large groups and gatherings. Lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water draw guests to this part of Black Hills National Forest.
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, boating and water skiing. The lake 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.
Sheridan North Cove Group Campground has 5 group sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Several sites have views of the lake.
Each campsite has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available.
The north shore has a marina with boat slip rental, groceries and fishing supplies. A large swimming beach, a picnic area and boat launch are also on-site. Fishing piers are located in various areas around the lake. Ollie Otter site is available for reservation only by calling 605-574-4402.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.
No refunds will be given for weather or related events.
To access the Sheridan Lake North Group Campground from Rapid City, travel south (west) on US Highway 16 for 18 miles to Three Forks. Turn right, or north, onto Highway 385, and travel 3 miles to Sheridan Lake Road. Turn right, or east, onto Sheridan Lake Road, and travel 1 mile to the north shore.
Shhhh, don't tell anyone about this spot. Hard to reserve but if you get it your group is isolated in your own little holler.
Beautiful! We make it a point to Camp there every year with a group of friends of ours. We love the facility the cleanliness and the landscape.
Nice spots, but not much tree cover. You need to go back out of the camping area in order to find a spot to hang a hammock.
Picnic areas at the end of the park are reservation only. Stopped to have lunch and paid $7 per car. We told the lady at the gate we have been driving all day and wanted to stop for a picnic. Once we parked in the parking lot and we were having lunch at one of the picnic tables we were asked to leave by the park staff as the area we were in was for large reservations only.
