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
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Rates, 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 (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
Bret D
VerifiedSeptember 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 063, Loop: RESB
Website has incorrect info. Toilets are not flushing.
Tim D
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful setting, had a great time.
Brad L
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: PACT
N/A
Tim D
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful setting, had a great time.
Brad L
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: PACT
N/A
Tim D
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful setting, had a great time.
Brad L
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: PACT
N/A
Robert T
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
This is a beautiful campground but it is a boondocking campground. Some sites will be level, others definitely not. The website says there is water available...and there is...but...if you need to connect a hose to the supply to fill a tank in your camper you are out of luck. The campground host was exceptionally UN-helpful and declared to me, "you have to get water somewhere else...where is your business. BUT! It is ILLEGAL to connect a hose to our water supply". I can't tell you how disappointed I was when, camping right next to the camp host I saw a hose, connected to a water supply with a "Y" adapter--one going to their camper and one lying there so they could wash their rig. Rude and unhelpful. I drove around for 2 hours before I found someone who would help me out and fill my tank (for $20). Later in our stay (we've been here for 13 nights) we found an RV park at the intersection of 385 and 44 that would allow us to fill and dump our RV. Lesson learned...but I've been consistently disappointed with the campground host.
On the plus side, this campground is in a beautiful setting and I highly recommend hiking the Osprey trail--especially early in the morning. To watch an Osprey catch a fish and fly off with it is amazing.
Oh yea, the road to the campground is EXCEPTIONALLY CURVY--many sharp curves. I recommend using the south entrance to the campground...it is about 1/2 mile south of the visitor center...it's a lot easier to drive.
We stayed in a 38' Class A. Verizon cell reception is ok (2 bars). No OTA TV reception to be had.
Robert T
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
This is a beautiful campground but it is a boondocking campground. Some sites will be level, others definitely not. The website says there is water available...and there is...but...if you need to connect a hose to the supply to fill a tank in your camper you are out of luck. The campground host was exceptionally UN-helpful and declared to me, "you have to get water somewhere else...where is your business. BUT! It is ILLEGAL to connect a hose to our water supply". I can't tell you how disappointed I was when, camping right next to the camp host I saw a hose, connected to a water supply with a "Y" adapter--one going to their camper and one lying there so they could wash their rig. Rude and unhelpful. I drove around for 2 hours before I found someone who would help me out and fill my tank (for $20). Later in our stay (we've been here for 13 nights) we found an RV park at the intersection of 385 and 44 that would allow us to fill and dump our RV. Lesson learned...but I've been consistently disappointed with the campground host.
On the plus side, this campground is in a beautiful setting and I highly recommend hiking the Osprey trail--especially early in the morning. To watch an Osprey catch a fish and fly off with it is amazing.
Oh yea, the road to the campground is EXCEPTIONALLY CURVY--many sharp curves. I recommend using the south entrance to the campground...it is about 1/2 mile south of the visitor center...it's a lot easier to drive.
We stayed in a 38' Class A. Verizon cell reception is ok (2 bars). No OTA TV reception to be had.
Robert T
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
This is a beautiful campground but it is a boondocking campground. Some sites will be level, others definitely not. The website says there is water available...and there is...but...if you need to connect a hose to the supply to fill a tank in your camper you are out of luck. The campground host was exceptionally UN-helpful and declared to me, "you have to get water somewhere else...where is your business. BUT! It is ILLEGAL to connect a hose to our water supply". I can't tell you how disappointed I was when, camping right next to the camp host I saw a hose, connected to a water supply with a "Y" adapter--one going to their camper and one lying there so they could wash their rig. Rude and unhelpful. I drove around for 2 hours before I found someone who would help me out and fill my tank (for $20). Later in our stay (we've been here for 13 nights) we found an RV park at the intersection of 385 and 44 that would allow us to fill and dump our RV. Lesson learned...but I've been consistently disappointed with the campground host.
On the plus side, this campground is in a beautiful setting and I highly recommend hiking the Osprey trail--especially early in the morning. To watch an Osprey catch a fish and fly off with it is amazing.
Oh yea, the road to the campground is EXCEPTIONALLY CURVY--many sharp curves. I recommend using the south entrance to the campground...it is about 1/2 mile south of the visitor center...it's a lot easier to drive.
We stayed in a 38' Class A. Verizon cell reception is ok (2 bars). No OTA TV reception to be had.
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
