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
52 Sites Available
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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
Lucy T
VerifiedJune 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 042, Loop: PACT
A good location that is close to many of the Black Hills’ attractions as well as Rapid City. The cell coverage was amazing for my group, and the people at the campground’s general store were also very sweet (I recommend trying their muffins!). The water of the reservoir is definitely one of the cleaner ones in the area, and the campsites are fairly spacious— my group of seven had plenty of room. The only downside is there are no showers nearby, and we were told in advance that there was a water outage, so we would have to bring our own water. Luckily that was not the case and there was potable water available on site, but we were unaware of that until we arrived. It is also just generally difficult to call the campground if you have any questions/concerns, as they don’t have their own phone line. However, the campground itself is a wonderful place to stay!!
Chris G
VerifiedJune 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 032, Loop: PACT
Amazing site. Friendly and helpful staff
Kristie N
VerifiedJune 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful place with ample room and an abundance of pine cones for all your needs. Camp hosts where nice and very helpful. Stayed during the week so was quite and my dogs loved the space.
Kaycee T
VerifiedJune 21, 2026 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: PACT
Such a beautiful site! We got to overlook the lake and they had a trail down to the water which was very convenient for fishing. The campsite was very clean and so were the restrooms! Definitely recommend this campground!
Lisa J
VerifiedJune 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: RESB
Great stay. Beautiful, quiet, centrally located to lots of interesting places, clean, will be back!
Kelsie M
VerifiedJune 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: PACT
Location was beautiful and perfect
Warren J
VerifiedJune 26, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful campground, well maintained. Campsite overlooked the lake. Mored my boat just off shore, easy to get to. Which was good because the boat docks are reserved long in advance. Restrooms are primitive but very clean and well maintained.
Darla M
VerifiedJune 28, 2026 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: PACT
Good site, hosts are amazing!
Michael K
VerifiedJune 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 047, Loop: PACT
Had a real camp experience with our grand daughter. Our second trip with her. Planning on coming down next year.
Thanks
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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