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Sheridan Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Black Hills National Forest |
| Location | South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest · 43.98082, -103.47229 · Map |
| Sites | 89 public sites counted from the federal listing — 87 standard nonelectric; 2 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 89 sites Water hookups at 0 of 89 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 89 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 89 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 77 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 89 sites · 30 ft: 87 sites · 35 ft: 86 sites · 40 ft: 76 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 1:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 92 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 605-673-9200 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-29.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceHorsethief Lake Campground
6 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceWillow Creek Horse Camp
6 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrizzly Bear Campground
7 mi straight-line · South DakotaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBear Gulch
7 mi straight-line · South Dakota
Trip Card — Sheridan Lake
South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | South Dakota · Black Hills National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 77 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 89 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232300 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.