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
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Beach Access
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Lake Access
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Marina
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
52 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
Select a site to view details
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
Jordan G
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: RESB
Neighbors had generators running through the night. Hardly a place to “get away from it all”.
Campsite layout is clumsily packed for maximum attendance. If you camp there you best make sure your neighbors are your friends and you’re there to party.
Great swimming, tho
dru t
VerifiedJuly 28, 2022 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
Composts were the best! Enjoyed our time boating!
Cindy R
VerifiedJuly 27, 2022 • Stayed at: 043, Loop: PACT
Beautiful spot!
Bart S
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 068, Loop: RESB
Campsite was very nice. We had a great time. The reservation process took forever to reserve 6 sites for our family gathering. We have been trying to reserve Bear Gulch for next year and it is impossible to get. Any ideas from you might be helpful.
Julie A
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 039, Loop: PACT
Some beaches needed tidying. Mostly micro-plastics like straw wrappers ect. Nevertheless, it is beautiful and prestine!
Melissa Y
VerifiedJuly 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: RESB
Would be nice to have electric units
Tom B
VerifiedJuly 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 053, Loop: RESB
Camp host Judy was wonderful and accommodating. We originally signed up for site 53 which we weren't thrilled with and she was able to help us. That whole loop isn't ideal unless you want to be in your neighbors site.
David S
VerifiedJuly 18, 2022 • Stayed at: 041, Loop: PACT
Large well spaced sites with lake access.
Robin C
VerifiedJuly 11, 2022 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: RSVC
I hesitate to write a review. I want this place to be a secret as much as possible. This was a homecoming trip for us and the site was able to handle our 42 ft 5th wheel without a problem. The camp hosts are wonderful, the lake-- pristine and the smell of the pines will bring us back again. Traveled from Florida just to take in the Black Hills once again.
Lawrence C
VerifiedJuly 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 068, Loop: RESB
We enjoyed our 5.night stay and told our friends and family how great a park Pactola is!!! However, it didn’t start out favorable. once the host moved us to site #19, we were happy campers. The C loop should not be rented to RV and Trailers. They are designed for tents. It is essentially two parking spaces on a parking lot. there is not enough room for a slide and awning to be out, and have room for a vehicle.
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.