Pactola Lake campground & Sheridan Lake campground

Yes we would not do the month till September sometime. Hopefully it won't be too crowded. Thanks everyone for your responses. Very appreciated! Tara

They are BHNF campgrounds, not state. Concessionaire operated by Forest Recreation Management of Hill City, SD. Contact them to find out about availability. They have been lokking for hosts for some of the other camps in the Black Hills.

As mentioned above, Sturgis makes everything fill up. Other than August, I think
Pactola would be toughest as it is smallest. Sheridan has more sites and you would have better chance. May not be on the water, but plenty of grassy sites.

busy time of year in the Black Hills. many hundreds of motorcycles for the Sturgis Rally. Best to call ahead and try for a reservation somewhere.

The Sturgis cycle rally is from Aug 5-14, so the B Hills will be full of motorcycles. Just an FYI. I would call the SD state park number and ask about availability, and size/clearance issues.

Jerry

Don't know Sheridan, but have checked out Pactola. The CG(s) are pretty basic. I cannot remember even seeing any power sources at all. When we were hosting at Custer we tried to check area attractions on our off days. Lake was pretty low back in those days and I was amazed there was no power house below the dam. But then we are from N Georgia where the population is much more dense. The over-flow was a low spot in the dam that the highway crossed at grade level-no bridge, just a low spot in the dam. Scenery around the area was great however.

Oops I didnt! In the Black Hills of South Dakota near Rapid City.

Don't know where these lakes are and you did not say. But arriving on a Monday or Tuesday will greatly improve your chances anywhere. Sunday late afternoon is less so but possible.