Parking
9 reviews
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
Based on 9 reviews
Showing 9 reviews
July 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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July 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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September 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Can’t wait to go
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September 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: BEAR
Can’t wait to go
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June 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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July 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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July 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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July 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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August 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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Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, SD 57745 United States
Elevation: 1,404 ft
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.
Bear Gulch is accessible via Highway 385, which is approximately 6 miles from the campground via Custer Gulch Road and Forest Service Roads.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Population: 834
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 15 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,980 ft
Hill City, SD
