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
No available sites
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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
Glen B
VerifiedJuly 24, 2026 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
Campground was clean and nice views of the lake
Brett A
VerifiedJuly 25, 2026 • Stayed at: 037, Loop: PACT
++++
Rebecca O
VerifiedJuly 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: RSVC
The hosts were great. The bathrooms were clean and the campground well kept. Despite the reservoir being really low, the scenery was beautiful. Camp sites are private with plenty of space in between.
Robert S
VerifiedJuly 30, 2026 • Stayed at: 063, Loop: RESB
Camp hosts were very helpful and the campground was well maintained. We enjoyed our visit.
Taylor W
VerifiedJuly 30, 2026 • Stayed at: 053, Loop: RESB
Good location, camp sites are super close to outhouses, 40 minutes from town
Tim P
VerifiedJuly 31, 2026 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: RESB
Quite disappointed with no dump station. Having to pay to dump at a private location. Also, paying extra to use the swimming area was disappointing.
David M. L
VerifiedAugust 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: RSVC
lake was low, no one's fault. seems like campground is going downhill, bathrooms aren't as clean as in the past, ground is overgrown, which used to be well manicured, dogs barking constantly. overall, had a fair time, not as enjoyable as in the past .
Charlie S
VerifiedAugust 3, 2026 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: PACT
My family stayed at site #34 which was spacious and had a great view of the lake and even a private trail down to the shore. You can't actually go swimming in the water from the shore due to the extremely mucky banks, which was disappointing to learn. The site is next to the boat ramp, which I don't think was mentioned online. Be aware that it was pretty busy with boats being loaded well past sunset due to it being a hot Saturday in July. If you're coming to Pactola to boat, this would be a great site.
Mio M
VerifiedAugust 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: RSVC
Beautiful campground, clean, well kept, quiet, and spacious. Loved that proximately to various Black Hills locations and the reservoir itself.
Thomas B
VerifiedAugust 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: PACT
The campground was lovely, though there is only one water source in the loop we stayed at which was too far to walk with a heavy water container. The reservoir itself was at a record low, according to an employee. The hiking trails are very nice and not too busy.
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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