OutReserve

Pactola Reservoir Campground

Warning

General

Construction 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.

PACTOLA ENTRANCE SIGN
PACTOLA LAKE
PACTOLA CAMPGROUND
PACTOLA BEACH

About Pactola Reservoir Campground

This campground is nestled in the pine trees along the south shore of Pactola Reservoir, offering guests lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water. Pactola Visitor Center is located in close proximity to the campground, providing opportunities for conservation education and information to visitors.

Number of accommodations: 52

Campground Amenities

  • Beach Access
    Beach Access
  • Lake Access
    Lake Access
  • Marina
    Marina

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 15 to May 15

Sites & Availability

52 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: RSVC
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 023, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 026, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 028, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 029, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 031, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 032, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 033, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 034, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 035, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 037, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 038, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 039, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 040, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 041, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 042, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 043, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 044, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 045, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 046, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 047, Loop: PACT
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 051, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 052, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 053, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 054, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 055, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 056, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 057, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 058, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 063, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 064, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 065, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 066, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 067, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 068, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 069, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 070, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 071, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 072, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 073, Loop: RESB
No Hookups
$30.00
/ per night

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.

Review Summary

4.3
198 reviews
5
60.6%
120
4
23.2%
46
3
5.6%
11
2
7.1%
14
1
3.5%
7

Dennis M

Verified

August 30, 2023 Stayed at: 042, Loop: PACT

5

Always a good experience. Maybe one of the most beautiful views in the United States. We like the way it is run as it is rough camping. We do like the generator rules and would just as soon see it run as is. We have been coming here for about 26 years and it is about the same today as 26 years ago. We like it like it is as this is just showing the beauty of the forest and the Black Hills. So dark at night!! So peaceful.

Nicole S

Verified

August 25, 2023 Stayed at: 008, Loop: RSVC

5

Loved the beautiful lake for swimming & paddle boarding. We enjoyed the lake view from our campsite too though wished we were closer to the lake. Unfortunately our campsite was such that the neighbors had to basically walk thru it to get to the nearest toilet.

Nicole U

Verified

August 22, 2023 Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC

5

Campsite was clean, bathrooms clean, it was quiet and great. My only complaint would be that I was right across from the camp host that had such a bright light coming off the camper it took away from star gazing a bit, but that wasn’t that big of deal.

James C

Verified

August 16, 2023 Stayed at: 016, Loop: RSVC

5

I think this is my favorite site now!

James C

Verified

August 16, 2023 Stayed at: 012, Loop: RSVC

5

great view from the campsite of the lake.

Hayden F

Verified

August 13, 2023 Stayed at: 033, Loop: PACT

5

Such a pretty lake!!! Absolutely loved my site and view. Definitely recommend

Patricia B

Verified

August 8, 2023 Stayed at: 033, Loop: PACT

5

One of the most beautiful lakes in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Cool clear water, plenty of fish and miles and miles of beautiful shoreline and scenery. Campsites that are on the shoreline with a great view, camp store with good food and things a camper or visitor might need. 2 marinas, 2 boat ramps, swimming beach. Everything you need for a great getaway vacation.

Kyle J

Verified

July 23, 2023 Stayed at: 047, Loop: PACT

5

Fantastic campground. Clean bathrooms and clean campsites.

Leon F

Verified

July 17, 2023 Stayed at: 012, Loop: RSVC

5

Most of the sites here have limited views of the lake because of trees. The toilets are well maintained as are the grounds. As an added bonus this is one of the few campgrounds that have excellent cell service.

Anne H

Verified

July 12, 2023 Stayed at: 024, Loop: PACT

5

Bathrooms were incredibly clean, we love that! No bothersome campground host in our business every hour was also a bonus. There was a host there but they left everyone alone, like it should be!

Location Pactola Reservoir Campground

Address:
Forest Recreation Management, Inc
Hill City, SD, 57745
United States

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.
If multiple sites are reserved on one card, the rest of the camping fee will be collected upon arrival unless another card holder occupies the site.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

Construction 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