Available sites
52 total sites
RV Sites
About Pactola Reservoir Campground
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Kayaking
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Spring
Boating
Kayaking
Summer
Boating
Kayaking
Swimming
Fall
Boating
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
- Marina
Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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52 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (639)
What Guests Are Saying
Pactola Reservoir Campground offers a beautiful lakeside setting with spacious, well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, clean facilities, and access to hiking trails and water activities. However, some concerns include the low water level in the reservoir, limited water sources, and occasional noise from nearby campers.
What Guests Are Saying
Pactola Reservoir Campground offers a beautiful lakeside setting with spacious, well-maintained sites and friendly camp hosts. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, clean facilities, and access to hiking trails and water activities. However, some concerns include the low water level in the reservoir, limited water sources, and occasional noise from nearby campers.
Review Summary
Ryan C
VerifiedJuly 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: PACT
Nice campground, enjoy all the lake activities.
Daniel I
VerifiedJuly 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 054, Loop: RESB
nice clean site
Tina N
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
A beautiful park for sure! Sadly the site that we stayed in, #10, was a bit trashed and not very private. The bathrooms were clean but no showers that I saw🤷🏾♀️ overall not a lot of guidance. Be aware that there is a drought and the reservoir is quite low.
Haven M
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: RESB
Lovely spot, access to service, which is nice for checking the weather and maps!
Franklin W
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 056, Loop: RESB
We booked a weekend campsite during 4th of July. The area was clean and site was near the bathrooms. Except for the next site over who did not go by the 10pm quiet time rules. First night they was drinking playing there music most of the night. Next night they were drinking and playing music loud again this time a fight broke out. Nobody seemed care or patrol our area to enforce any rules. Kinda beat the whole idea of camping and having a peaceful time in nature.
Rosemary K
VerifiedJuly 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC
The reservoir was extremely low, we figured about 12' lower than normal, and the water quality was bad.
The last time we stayed here the shower/laundry facility had just burned down and it was supposed to be rebuilt. It was never rebuilt, so no showers.
This use to be one of our favorite places to camp, kayak, and swim, not any more.
Joseph L
VerifiedJuly 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 047, Loop: PACT
I found the camp ground was very well kept and managed. The sites were not on top of eachother and you had your privacy for being in a campground. The entire park area was well maintained.
Jacob S
VerifiedJuly 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful campground with a great view. The camp host was incredible as well
Steven F
VerifiedJuly 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 038, Loop: PACT
This is a great location and the staff was very friendly.
Bethany A
VerifiedJuly 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful campground and tent campsite, spacious sites not cramped together , good shade trees, welcoming campground host, fun trails for kids and adults to use within the campground.
Location & Directions for Pactola Reservoir Campground
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, Hill City, SD 57745 United States
Elevation: 1,429 ft
Getting There
Drive 17 mi west on State Highway 44 from Rapid City, South Dakota. From
Highway 44, turn on 385 south. Campground located 2 mi off US Highway
385.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Hill City, SD
Population: 834
Nearby city: Rapid City, SD
Approx. 15 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 4,980 ft
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