OutReserve

Bear Gulch

Pactola Lake
Bear Gulch Entrance
Bear Gulch

Featured amenities

Parking

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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 20 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Beach Access
  • Lake Access
Missing information?

001, Loop: BEAR

Price not available
🚐 RV Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 40 guests
Hookup: No Hookups
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Back-In
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (4)

Review Summary

4.0
4 reviews
5
50.0%
2
4
0.0%
0
3
50.0%
2
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

G C

Verified

September 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR

3

Can’t wait to go

G C

Verified

September 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR

3

Can’t wait to go

Heather M

Verified

July 29, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR

5

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.

Heather M

Verified

July 29, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR

5

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.

Location Bear Gulch

Address:
Forest Recreation Management, Inc
Hill City, SD, 57745
United States

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 44.0744 / -103.526

Elevation: 1404 feet

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service