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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Site Details
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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
David J
VerifiedJuly 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
Thank you for the clean and quiet camp. Camp Host ("Beau") was very nice and professional. Camp site #8 has extensive growth of poison ivy next to the camp road. In my opinion, this should be removed.
Jennifer A
VerifiedJuly 5, 2025 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: RSVC
excellent national forest campground. Views are beautiful. Camp Host are very accommodating and friendly
Melanie M
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: PACT
Pactola Lake is beautiful. The campground is a little hilly but really just fine. Campground was quiet when we were there at the end of June. Loved the swimming area near the boat launch. I would recommend this campground .
Amy R
VerifiedJuly 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
Clean, well maintained and close to the lake. It was quiet most of the time and the scenery was beautiful. The restrooms were very well maintained. Would recommend!
Lindsey T
VerifiedJune 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: PACT
We love camping at Pactola! The reservoir is severely down right now, so getting in the water felt a little more treacherous as the gradual slope was not even in the water, and most parts had a steep drop off. The camp hosts were awesome and bathrooms always clean!
Jenny F
VerifiedJune 28, 2025 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: PACT
Very beautiful campground but sites are sloped and close together, no electric or water at sites. Loose dogs. I witnessed hosts smile and wave at campers whose dogs were loose and never say anything about loose dogs. Quiet
Mike M
VerifiedJune 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: PACT
Great time and gorgeous views! Grandkids loved it! Camp host's were super!
Delmar H
VerifiedJune 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 042, Loop: PACT
We had camped at Pactola 20+ years ago and wanted to return. The campground was just as i remembered. It is a very quiet rustic campground. The hosts were helpful and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We used the campground as a home base to sight see the sites.
Rob M
VerifiedJune 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 053, Loop: RESB
The campground was beautiful and quiet and the camp host Mike was excellent. He was very helpful even helping me cut some wood when I forgot an axe. He was a highlight of the trip and you’d be lucky to have him as your host.
Jeff D
VerifiedJune 1, 2025 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: RSVC
Campground host was helpful!
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.
