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
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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
Janice W
VerifiedJuly 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 028, Loop: PACT
If you like camping in a parking lot this might be the place for you.
Website misrepresents campsites.
Camp hosts nowhere to be seen while visitors of campers park any which way and block cars of those who paid.
Gerald B
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: PACT
Great location; wonderful campground hosts and staff
Gerald B
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: PACT
Great location; wonderful campground hosts and staff
Gerald B
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: PACT
Great location; wonderful campground hosts and staff
Bethany A
VerifiedJuly 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 066, Loop: RESB
Had spots 66 & 67 on Loop C. No where in the description did it state that you have to park your camper in a parking lot and your camp space is above it. Never camped like that before and despite how strange it was to park your camper in a parking lot with your truck right next to it, we really enjoyed it. Big open field behind the camp spots that was perfect for games and kids. Lots of trees, well shaded and clean bathrooms
Bethany A
VerifiedJuly 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 066, Loop: RESB
Had spots 66 & 67 on Loop C. No where in the description did it state that you have to park your camper in a parking lot and your camp space is above it. Never camped like that before and despite how strange it was to park your camper in a parking lot with your truck right next to it, we really enjoyed it. Big open field behind the camp spots that was perfect for games and kids. Lots of trees, well shaded and clean bathrooms
Bethany A
VerifiedJuly 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 066, Loop: RESB
Had spots 66 & 67 on Loop C. No where in the description did it state that you have to park your camper in a parking lot and your camp space is above it. Never camped like that before and despite how strange it was to park your camper in a parking lot with your truck right next to it, we really enjoyed it. Big open field behind the camp spots that was perfect for games and kids. Lots of trees, well shaded and clean bathrooms
Charlotte D
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: PACT
We used this site as a jumping-off point for various Park Service sites in the area (Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Mt. Rushmore). We enjoyed the evening program at Mt. Rushmore.
The site was nice but it was hard to find two flat spots for our tents. Vault toilets, but no hand sanitizer. Camp host congenial and helpful.
Charlotte D
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: PACT
We used this site as a jumping-off point for various Park Service sites in the area (Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Mt. Rushmore). We enjoyed the evening program at Mt. Rushmore.
The site was nice but it was hard to find two flat spots for our tents. Vault toilets, but no hand sanitizer. Camp host congenial and helpful.
Charlotte D
VerifiedJuly 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: PACT
We used this site as a jumping-off point for various Park Service sites in the area (Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Mt. Rushmore). We enjoyed the evening program at Mt. Rushmore.
The site was nice but it was hard to find two flat spots for our tents. Vault toilets, but no hand sanitizer. Camp host congenial and helpful.
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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