Whitetail

Deerfield Lake
Whitetail
Deerfield Lake 1

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

12 total sites

RV Sites

12 sites

About Whitetail

Whitetail Campground is located above Deerfield Reservoir at 6,000 feet, an ideal setting for guests seeking summer climate relief, recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Sites in this campground are widely spaced. Several have lake views, while others are more secluded and tucked into ponderosa and lodgepole pine forest.

Number of accommodations: 12

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 - May 20 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

12 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 03, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 04, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 07, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: WHIT RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (78)

What Guests Are Saying

Whitetail Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, beautiful scenery, and friendly, attentive hosts who provide helpful information. Many campers enjoyed the peaceful, quiet atmosphere and the well-maintained facilities, including clean bathrooms and access to scenic trails and the lake. While some reviewers noted concerns about costs and site conditions for tent camping, the overall sentiment remains positive, with a strong recommendation for future visits.

Review Summary

4.6
78 reviews
5
73.1%
57
4
19.2%
15
3
3.8%
3
2
3.8%
3
1
0.0%
0

John W

Verified

July 21, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: WHIT

5

Great location. Camp host was a very nice lady

Diane K

Verified

July 14, 2023 Stayed at: 03, Loop: WHIT

5

An excellent location for exploring surrounding areas.

James C

Verified

June 15, 2023 Stayed at: 03, Loop: WHIT

5

ALWAYS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO CAMP!

Fred G

Verified

June 14, 2023 Stayed at: 17, Loop: WHIT

3

Camp host was very helpful with our stay. However everyone camping seems to have dogs which are rarely leashed which is the rule. They barked a lot. Several camp groups near us seemed to think it was their own private party place and did not honor the 10pm to 6am quiet time. They apparently have never been told what “quiet” means nor read the placque that also requires dogs must be leashed at all times. A bit unnerving when dogs charge at you when walking by their site to fetch water or use outhouse. Wud help if host cud drive thru at 10pm to assure quiet time is in compliance to give the rest of us some peace and quiet to enjoy our vacation.

Kate B

Verified

June 11, 2023 Stayed at: 08, Loop: WHIT

5

We had a beautiful 5 days. I highly recommend being prepared with everything you need so you don't have to drive the 30+minutes into Hill city. Spend it going out hiking or fishing instead😍

Brian S

Verified

September 30, 2022 Stayed at: 14, Loop: WHIT

5

Campground was very neat and clean and the campground host was very friendly and helpful. Fishing was also great.

April Dawn M

Verified

August 24, 2022 Stayed at: 07, Loop: WHIT

5

Wonderful campground with the most amazing host. Roger is a true gem, I hope to see him again next season. Roger takes true pride in his care for the campground and its patrons! The grounds are clean, well kept, and monitored, we had a great time!

David S

Verified

August 19, 2022 Stayed at: 08, Loop: WHIT

5

Nice campground. We tent camped and flat spots were non-existent except parking pad of gravel. Still, the site was nice, clean, lake views, host had things under control and made good new friends. Would book there again without a worry. Deerfield Lake is beautiful.

John Y

Verified

August 18, 2022 Stayed at: 17, Loop: WHIT

5

Camp host was incredibly pleasant and helpful upon arriving at the site. The site was clean and well tended without feeling like a KOA spot. Vault toilets were also clean.

We enjoyed having a very central base of operations while we explored the Black Hills and having the reservoir a short hike away meant we could take an afternoon dip to cool off.

Beth D

Verified

August 15, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: WHIT

4

We love to four wheel in this area and the lake is beautiful. We just wish you would upgrade the campground! The dust is overwhelming by the end of the weekend. Paved roads and real bathrooms with running water would be great. Cottonwood Springs near Hot Springs has paved roads and flush toilets with sinks for $18.00 a night. Campgrounds in Pierre, run by GFP, have electricity and full bathrooms for about $23.00 a night. The Forest Service gets $24.00 a night for dusty roads and vault toilets! I think you can do better. We only stay here less than once a year for these reasons. I do love that one can make reservations however so you don't drive up there for nothing. Beautiful area, I just want more basic amenities. Thanks!

Location Whitetail

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

Highway access

The nearest major road is US Highway 16, located approximately 17 miles east of the campground.

Elevation: 1829 feet

Distance to downtown

16 mi drive to downtown Hill City (about 24 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run only.
  • Non-reservable sites may be available on a first come, first served basis
  • Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
  • A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check-in
  • No refunds for inclement weather
  • Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest
  • 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.
  • The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that hoses 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.
  • During walk up season, fewer sites may be available.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 9, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service