Warning
GeneralConstruction project planned for Loop B only in 2026, this may impact reservations throughout the summer. You will be notified if your reservation changes, we recommend looking at a different loop if your dates are not flexible. We will update Rec.gov with new information as available.
About Pactola Reservoir Campground
Number of accommodations: 52
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Lake Access -
Marina
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
52 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
52 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (198)
What Guests Are Saying
Pactola Reservoir Campground offers beautiful, clean campsites with spacious pads suitable for larger RVs and tents, and close proximity to the scenic Pactola Lake. Camp hosts are friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience, while the campground provides excellent access to outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Some minor downsides include uneven site entrances and occasional noise from generators, but the serene environment and stunning views make it a popular choice for campers.
What Guests Are Saying
Pactola Reservoir Campground offers beautiful, clean campsites with spacious pads suitable for larger RVs and tents, and close proximity to the scenic Pactola Lake. Camp hosts are friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience, while the campground provides excellent access to outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Some minor downsides include uneven site entrances and occasional noise from generators, but the serene environment and stunning views make it a popular choice for campers.
Review Summary
Darryl W
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: RSVC
Gorgeous campsites on Pactola Lake. The sites are clean and the pads are deep and will accommodate larger RV’s or tents. The only slight downside is some site entrances is slanted uphill or downhill. You might have to backup or back down to get to the level camp pad. The host were awesome, the fishing was good! Mt. Rushmore, Rapid City and the other main attractions are within a 45 minute drive. Perfect location for the Sturgis bikers who want to be close but base camp in the prime motorcycle riding areas.
James H
VerifiedDecember 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 045, Loop: PACT
great place to camp, close to the lake and no traffic noise from the highway.
Emily C
VerifiedDecember 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: RSVC
We always enjoy staying at Pactola! The view of the reservoir is beautiful and the campsites are always clean. We also love the access to the water and the lodge where you can buy firewood and other essentials. Our only complaint ever is the sound of people's generators. They kind of ruin the nature experience and often people have them running for hours on end.
Bryson M
VerifiedNovember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: RSVC
I’ve only been to Pactola Lake once, but it honestly left a really good impression on me. The water was super clear, the scenery was beautiful, and the whole place had a calm, chill vibe. Even with just one visit, it felt like a spot I’d definitely go back to. Whether you’re swimming, just hanging out at the campground, or planning a day on the water, it’s a pretty solid place to spend time in the Black Hills.
John H
VerifiedOctober 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: PACT
Stayed one night on our way to Yellowstone. This was a convenient location off the highway and a nice lakeside campsite. Friendly staff and level site. This is on par for most COE campgrounds which are not fancy but great and cost effective especially if your have the senior pass for 1/2 price.
Jackie S
VerifiedSeptember 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: RSVC
Very nice and clean camping and clean restrooms
Susan H
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: PACT
Beautiful lake, spacious campsite. Hosts were excellent and personable. Couldn't have been happier
Vicki E
VerifiedAugust 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: PACT
The campground and facilities were very clean. The workers were very friendly and knowledgeable.
We were in site 032. The way it’s situated the door opened to the road and it’s quite close to the road. That was not ideal. However, we were not far from the lake and had a pretty good view.
I’d say all in all we had a very pleasant stay.
Angel F
VerifiedAugust 26, 2025 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: PACT
The lake was very low this year. Lots of sandbars/rocks
Julie A
VerifiedAugust 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 046, Loop: PACT
My happy place.
Location Pactola Reservoir Campground
Address:
Forest Recreation Management, Inc
Hill City, SD, 57745
United States
Drive 17 miles west on State Highway 44 from Rapid City, South Dakota. From
Highway 44, turn on 385 south. Campground located 2 miles off US Highway
385.
Latitude & Longitude: 44.0753 / -103.533
Elevation: 1429 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only. |
| General |
Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come, first served basis |
| General |
Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails |
| General |
A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in |
| General |
Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest. |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
| General |
The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses the card holder.
|
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralConstruction project planned for Loop B only in 2026, this may impact reservations throughout the summer. You will be notified if your reservation changes, we recommend looking at a different loop if your dates are not flexible. We will update Rec.gov with new information as available.
