michele p
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
We usually love it here but had problems with the cows in the campground. Hopefully this will be fixed moving forward for other guests.
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About Bear Gulch
This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir. Great for group events with up to 40 people, there are eight individual tent sites around a central parking area. The summers are pleasant, and the bay provides a great way to cool off on sunny days (summer temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s, to lows in the mid-50s). It can be reserved from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Apr
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Jul
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
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001, Loop: BEAR
🚐
RV
- Pet Friendly
- Gravel
- Driveway entry: Back-In
Site Details
Up to 40 guests
Hookup: No Hookups
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Reviews
9 reviews
Summary
Bear Gulch is a beloved camping destination known for its privacy and beauty. However, recent issues included overflowing garbage dumpsters and difficulties accessing drinking water, which impacted the experience. Guests expressed hope for improvements in service and facility maintenance moving forward.
Based on guest feedback
3.3
Overall rating
Based on 9 reviews
5 stars
22.2% (2)
4 stars
11.1% (1)
3 stars
44.4% (4)
2 stars
22.2% (2)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 9 reviews
Verified Only
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pati g
VerifiedJuly 22, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
The garbage dumpster was overflowing when we got there and next to where we slept and stunk terribly. We complained immediately and nothing was done. We complained in person, online, and by phone, on the 3rd day they came and drug the dumpster out to the gate but never dumped it . For $200 a night for 7 days we expected more than that. It still wasn't dumped by the time we left.
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michele p
VerifiedJuly 5, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
We love coming to Bear Gulch. Our favorite place to camp every year. Very private and so pretty.
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Josh U
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Being drinking water, the well on site is very irony. The water is orange when you pump it. The lake is way down, very muddy and difficult to access the water.
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Megan M
VerifiedJune 29, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Garbages were overflowing when we arrived. Wasn’t given the passcode to get through second gate and could not get in contact with anyone to help.
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G C
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Can’t wait to go
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G C
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Can’t wait to go
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Heather M
VerifiedJuly 29, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Absolutely beautiful private campground. The bathroom is very clean and boaters that come by are very respectful to not come in too close. We did have to run a young couple out who had parked by the locked gates, decided to disregard the signs, and walked in on foot, but that is not the fault of the campground management. We’ve camped here a couple times prior and that was the first time that has happened.
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Heather M
VerifiedJuly 29, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Absolutely beautiful private campground. The bathroom is very clean and boaters that come by are very respectful to not come in too close. We did have to run a young couple out who had parked by the locked gates, decided to disregard the signs, and walked in on foot, but that is not the fault of the campground management. We’ve camped here a couple times prior and that was the first time that has happened.
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Location & Directions for Bear Gulch
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, SD 57745 United States
Elevation: 1,404 ft
Getting There
From Highway 385 take Custer Gulch Road to Forest Service Road 251. Travel six miles to Forest Service Road 253 (Bear Gulch Road). Go three miles to the end of the road and campground.
Highway access
Bear Gulch is accessible via Highway 385, which is approximately 6 miles from the campground via Custer Gulch Road and Forest Service Roads.
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
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Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Hill City, SD
Population: 834
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 15 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,980 ft
Hill City, SD
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service