About Pactola Reservoir Campground
Available sites
52 total sites
RV Sites
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
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 (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
Lionel A
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: PACT
Camp hosts were fantastic. Sites are clean and separated by a good deal of space. Reservation process at Pactola is hampered by folks from Rapid City who appear to be reserving sites for large blocks of time but either not showing up or cancelling at the last minute. Not just hearsay on that topic. I was told by someone who was doing it. Overall the experience was great. I love the area and the campground is great!
Dawn H
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: PACT
The campsite which I reserved (37) on the first possible day it was available to reserve, showed it was on the lake side of the road. The map was incorrect and it was actually right next to the outhouse on the other side of the road. There was an open spot across the road and I asked the camp host if we could change as it didn’t show anyone coming in for several days. At first they were receptive and we got all set up and then they came over and said they had made an error and it was already reserved. We moved back across the street and then that spot remained empty for several days. Very frustrating!
Lionel A
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: PACT
Camp hosts were fantastic. Sites are clean and separated by a good deal of space. Reservation process at Pactola is hampered by folks from Rapid City who appear to be reserving sites for large blocks of time but either not showing up or cancelling at the last minute. Not just hearsay on that topic. I was told by someone who was doing it. Overall the experience was great. I love the area and the campground is great!
Dawn H
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: PACT
The campsite which I reserved (37) on the first possible day it was available to reserve, showed it was on the lake side of the road. The map was incorrect and it was actually right next to the outhouse on the other side of the road. There was an open spot across the road and I asked the camp host if we could change as it didn’t show anyone coming in for several days. At first they were receptive and we got all set up and then they came over and said they had made an error and it was already reserved. We moved back across the street and then that spot remained empty for several days. Very frustrating!
Lionel A
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 031, Loop: PACT
Camp hosts were fantastic. Sites are clean and separated by a good deal of space. Reservation process at Pactola is hampered by folks from Rapid City who appear to be reserving sites for large blocks of time but either not showing up or cancelling at the last minute. Not just hearsay on that topic. I was told by someone who was doing it. Overall the experience was great. I love the area and the campground is great!
Dawn H
VerifiedAugust 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: PACT
The campsite which I reserved (37) on the first possible day it was available to reserve, showed it was on the lake side of the road. The map was incorrect and it was actually right next to the outhouse on the other side of the road. There was an open spot across the road and I asked the camp host if we could change as it didn’t show anyone coming in for several days. At first they were receptive and we got all set up and then they came over and said they had made an error and it was already reserved. We moved back across the street and then that spot remained empty for several days. Very frustrating!
dave l
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
My friends and I have enjoyed this 7 day vacation for 3 years, this last trip was somewhat disappointing. camp spots were not as clean and manicured as years past, camp hosts were not friendly, although we would try and wave and say hello...we just received a blank look, back. Not good at all. we will try again next year, hopefully the long trip will be worth it, once again.
dave l
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
My friends and I have enjoyed this 7 day vacation for 3 years, this last trip was somewhat disappointing. camp spots were not as clean and manicured as years past, camp hosts were not friendly, although we would try and wave and say hello...we just received a blank look, back. Not good at all. we will try again next year, hopefully the long trip will be worth it, once again.
dave l
VerifiedAugust 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
My friends and I have enjoyed this 7 day vacation for 3 years, this last trip was somewhat disappointing. camp spots were not as clean and manicured as years past, camp hosts were not friendly, although we would try and wave and say hello...we just received a blank look, back. Not good at all. we will try again next year, hopefully the long trip will be worth it, once again.
Jack B
VerifiedAugust 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 041, Loop: PACT
Amazing water and beautiful camp ground. Unfortunately, we had a really loud group across the street that kept us up most of the night which no one did much about. Other than that it was great!
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
Hill City, SD
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