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
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Kayaking
Swimming
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
- Marina
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Pactola Reservoir Campground.
Rates, Sites & Availability
52 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
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.
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 (592)
What Guests Are Saying
Pactola Reservoir Campground offers stunning, clean campsites with deep pads suitable for larger RVs and tents, along with friendly and helpful hosts. The picturesque lake and access to water activities enhance the camping experience, making it ideal for families and bikers alike. While some site entrances may be slanted and the lake level can vary, overall, visitors enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and convenient amenities, including nearby attractions and a lodge for essentials.
What Guests Are Saying
Pactola Reservoir Campground offers stunning, clean campsites with deep pads suitable for larger RVs and tents, along with friendly and helpful hosts. The picturesque lake and access to water activities enhance the camping experience, making it ideal for families and bikers alike. While some site entrances may be slanted and the lake level can vary, overall, visitors enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and convenient amenities, including nearby attractions and a lodge for essentials.
Review Summary
David M. L
VerifiedAugust 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: RSVC
once again, did not disappoint!
David M. L
VerifiedAugust 9, 2024 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: RSVC
once again, did not disappoint!
Colleen Z
VerifiedAugust 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 046, Loop: PACT
It started out great but when there was a mix up in reservation night the camp host was very rude and demanding. I thought maybe it was just the mix up but one of them was never very nice to us. Due the mix up we had to move. The camp site we moved to was nice but the camp sites are on top of each other. I would not recommend these spots if you have pets. The other downside was most of the quite places to shore fish had steep hills. Other then that very very clean water. Our golden loved the water as we did too.
Colleen Z
VerifiedAugust 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 046, Loop: PACT
It started out great but when there was a mix up in reservation night the camp host was very rude and demanding. I thought maybe it was just the mix up but one of them was never very nice to us. Due the mix up we had to move. The camp site we moved to was nice but the camp sites are on top of each other. I would not recommend these spots if you have pets. The other downside was most of the quite places to shore fish had steep hills. Other then that very very clean water. Our golden loved the water as we did too.
Colleen Z
VerifiedAugust 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 046, Loop: PACT
It started out great but when there was a mix up in reservation night the camp host was very rude and demanding. I thought maybe it was just the mix up but one of them was never very nice to us. Due the mix up we had to move. The camp site we moved to was nice but the camp sites are on top of each other. I would not recommend these spots if you have pets. The other downside was most of the quite places to shore fish had steep hills. Other then that very very clean water. Our golden loved the water as we did too.
Tammy K
VerifiedJuly 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
The site was beautiful with lots of real estate for each site. We really enjoyed that, enjoyed the beautiful view, and enjoyed swimming in the reservoir each evening. We were well informed that the sites did not have water or electric hookups, so we were prepared for that. However, we saw no mention that the campground has no dump station. The dump station in the Badlands did not have a set-up with water that allowed us to completely empty our blackwater tank, so we needed to complete that before setting up at Pactola. If the reservation site or our reminder email had let us know that there was no dump station at Pactola we would have looked for a place (perhaps at a Flying J?) where we could have taken care of that before arrival. Instead, we had to leave, go pay a fee at a private campground in a neighboring town, and then come back to set up. It is really disappointing that this information is not out there for people who plan to come to this campground. Otherwise we had a very nice stay. We were able to visit Spearfish Canyon, hike to the Devil's Bathtub, tour the Wild West town of Deadwood, and visit Bear Butte State Park easily from this location.
Tammy K
VerifiedJuly 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
The site was beautiful with lots of real estate for each site. We really enjoyed that, enjoyed the beautiful view, and enjoyed swimming in the reservoir each evening. We were well informed that the sites did not have water or electric hookups, so we were prepared for that. However, we saw no mention that the campground has no dump station. The dump station in the Badlands did not have a set-up with water that allowed us to completely empty our blackwater tank, so we needed to complete that before setting up at Pactola. If the reservation site or our reminder email had let us know that there was no dump station at Pactola we would have looked for a place (perhaps at a Flying J?) where we could have taken care of that before arrival. Instead, we had to leave, go pay a fee at a private campground in a neighboring town, and then come back to set up. It is really disappointing that this information is not out there for people who plan to come to this campground. Otherwise we had a very nice stay. We were able to visit Spearfish Canyon, hike to the Devil's Bathtub, tour the Wild West town of Deadwood, and visit Bear Butte State Park easily from this location.
Julie A
VerifiedJuly 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 039, Loop: PACT
My happy place.
Julie A
VerifiedJuly 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 039, Loop: PACT
My happy place.
Julie A
VerifiedJuly 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 039, 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
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.
Site types & loops
- These campsites do not have electric service.
- Some sites are available on a first come, first served basis without reservations.
Safety & rules
- Inspect and clean all gear before using the lake or trails to avoid spreading invasive species.
Fees & deposits
- There is a $2 fee per pet per night.
- Senior and Access discounts apply only to the site of the card holder, and additional fees may apply for other sites.
General
- Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.
Fires & fuel
- Firewood should be sourced locally and burned on-site to prevent pests.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 5, 2026
