Warning
GeneralConstruction 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.
About Pactola Reservoir Campground
Number of accommodations: 52
Campground Amenities
-
Beach Access -
Lake Access -
Marina
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
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 (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.
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
Erin C
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 070, Loop: RESB
Make sure you get in a different campground because camping in a parking lot is not much fun. You have to practically hike to get to the fire pit and table. The outhouse by marina was worse smelling than the outhouses at Buffalo Chip during the rally. Driving around it did appear there were campsites that you actually had a campsite in other loops but it is not indicated well on the internet bookings. Be careful which spots you pick.
Dennis M
VerifiedAugust 31, 2022 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
Maybe one of the most beautiful views in our country. We try to go every year for a few days and have been doing almost every year since 1997. This is rough camping but worth it.
Patricia B
VerifiedAugust 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 033, Loop: PACT
One of the most beautiful lakes in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Lovely campsites along the shore, and clear cool water in the lake. Great hiking trails. A safe, peaceful, beautiful place to camp
Allen Z
VerifiedAugust 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: PACT
Great experience. Campsites are a little small and the one we had lacked a nice spot or two that were level. Nevertheless it was a good experience. Can the management of the campground contract to level a place or two in the sites that can accommodate tent camping?
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!
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.
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!
Kari M
VerifiedAugust 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: RESB
We rented a pontoon and camped at Pactola. The experience was great as well as the camp hosts and friendly staff at the marina. Thanks to them for helping make our camping trip enjoyable!
Devin T
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 053, Loop: RESB
An absolutely beautiful campground, especially for someone who enjoys primitive camping.
Location Pactola Reservoir Campground
Address:
Forest Recreation Management, Inc
Hill City, SD, 57745
United States
Drive 17 miles west on State Highway 44 from Rapid City, South Dakota. From
Highway 44, turn on 385 south. Campground located 2 miles off US Highway
385.
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.
|
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralConstruction 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.
