About Cottonwood Springs Campground
Number of accommodations: 17
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Archery
Boating
Fishing
Hunting
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Playground
On Site Services
- Playground
Water Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
17 Sites Available
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Site Details
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17 Sites Available
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Reviews (190)
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Springs Campground offers an excellent location with friendly staff, providing a peaceful and clean environment close to a scenic lake. While some campers noted the lack of RV hookups and occasional cramped sites, many appreciated the well-maintained facilities and the campground's natural beauty. Overall, it is a tranquil spot ideal for relaxation and enjoying outdoor activities, with easy access to nearby attractions.
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Springs Campground offers an excellent location with friendly staff, providing a peaceful and clean environment close to a scenic lake. While some campers noted the lack of RV hookups and occasional cramped sites, many appreciated the well-maintained facilities and the campground's natural beauty. Overall, it is a tranquil spot ideal for relaxation and enjoying outdoor activities, with easy access to nearby attractions.
Review Summary
Sherry W
VerifiedJune 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: 1
This was a quaint little campground! Very clean, quiet and pretty! The camp host and park ranger were very friendly and helpful. I would definitely stay again.
Sherry W
VerifiedJune 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: 1
This was a quaint little campground! Very clean, quiet and pretty! The camp host and park ranger were very friendly and helpful. I would definitely stay again.
George B
VerifiedMay 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: 1
We were at site 17 for four days and then two days at site 1 both were great with site 1 the easiest to get into. Just a great place to use as a base to see the area. Some have mentioned the rough road back, I don’t think they know what rough is. Take your time and all will be fine.
George B
VerifiedMay 31, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: 1
We were at site 17 for four days and then two days at site 1 both were great with site 1 the easiest to get into. Just a great place to use as a base to see the area. Some have mentioned the rough road back, I don’t think they know what rough is. Take your time and all will be fine.
rebecca l
VerifiedMay 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: 1
Clean, quiet, large campsite. Clean facilities. Cute playground nearby for the kiddos. There's a small trail that leads to a cliff overlooking the lake and dam with a great view. Campsite was a little open to the southern neighbor (would be great for large groups using two sites) but very private with trees and bushes hiding the fire pit and picnic table from the road and the northwestern neighbor.
rebecca l
VerifiedMay 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 8, Loop: 1
Clean, quiet, large campsite. Clean facilities. Cute playground nearby for the kiddos. There's a small trail that leads to a cliff overlooking the lake and dam with a great view. Campsite was a little open to the southern neighbor (would be great for large groups using two sites) but very private with trees and bushes hiding the fire pit and picnic table from the road and the northwestern neighbor.
darren w
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: 1
Nice campground but my neighbors and i were right on top of each other...felt a little uncomfortable. Site was clean and manicured. Campground sits on a plateau above the lake but views are obstructed by trees and forest growth. I suggest taking the main road down to the lake as there is some wide open space for picnics and the lake has nice scenery.
darren w
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: 1
Nice campground but my neighbors and i were right on top of each other...felt a little uncomfortable. Site was clean and manicured. Campground sits on a plateau above the lake but views are obstructed by trees and forest growth. I suggest taking the main road down to the lake as there is some wide open space for picnics and the lake has nice scenery.
Chris L
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: 1
Great campground, hoping to return. Kids loved the playground. Our site had enough privacy. Highly recommend.
Chris L
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 5, Loop: 1
Great campground, hoping to return. Kids loved the playground. Our site had enough privacy. Highly recommend.
Location Cottonwood Springs Campground
Address:
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, Hot Springs Office, P.O. Box 664
Hot Springs, SD, 57747
United States
- From Rapid City, SD take US-79 S, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on Couny Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.
- From Chadron, NE take US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on County Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.
Latitude & Longitude: 43.4393 / -103.573
Elevation: 1217 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- All camping passes will be checked. Usable passes are as follows: America the Beautiful pass Senior annual, Senior Lifetime and Access Pass. Golden Age and Golden Access can also be used. Military and Annual Passes CAN NOT be used for a camping discount. All public-use of Cottonwood Springs Lake & Dam Project is governed by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) . Rules and Regulations are enforced by uniformed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers. Maximum Camping Stay: Each person and camping unit is limited to 14-days in a 30-day period. All campsites are 100 percent reservable with a zero day booking This means you can check and reserve your campsite on the same day you are planning to camp. However, by that time all campsites might already be booked and not available. Campsites are limited to either: (a) One (1) wheeled camping unit and one (1) small tent for dependents OR (b) Two (2) Tents per campsite. Camping is only permitted on designated campsites. All motor vehicles are restricted to designated roadways and parking areas only, off-road travel is prohibited. Vehicles may only be parked in designated parking areas or on campsite pad, no parking along roadways or in a manner that restricts or prohibits traffic flow. Vehicles parked in campsites are restricted to two (2) wheels on gravel, two (2) on grass. Fireworks are strictly prohibited. All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs), golf carts and dirt bikes are prohibited, unless licensed and street legal. Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash no longer than six (6') in length within campground. All pet waste must be properly disposed of promptly. Pets may be off-leash within wildlife area. Quiet hours are from 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. All fires must be contained within designated fire rings or grills. All visitors must properly dispose of all garbage in designated containers. Do not place garbage in fire rings or grills. Use of gasoline motors on Cottonwood Lake is strictly prohibited. Archery hunting is permitted within designated areas during open seasons in accordance with South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks rules and regulations. Fishing, boating and hunting rules and regulations apply and are enforced by South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks . In case of Emergency, Dial 9-1-1. For more information, please contact the Corps of Engineers, Hot Springs Office at 605-745-5476.
- Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns, Wear your Life Jacket! The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) asks you to please play it safe while on, in, or near the water. USACE public recreation fatality statistics show that 88 percent were male, 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket, and 47 percent were swimming in areas not designated as a swimming area. Most people that drown would have survived if they had worn a life jacket. Life jackets come in many styles, sizes, and colors. Choose the right one that fits you properly and make sure to wear it correctly. There is a life jacket for every kind of water activity including swimming. For more information, please visit www.PleaseWearIt.com .
- Firewood Alert! Don't Move Firewood: Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for further information.
- Protect Your Waters! Attention Boaters, Paddlers and Anglers: Do your part to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) by remembering to always Clean, Drain, and Dry! Visit SDLeastWanted.com for more information.
- Be Weather Aware! Weather conditions can vary and can change rapidly year-round. Tune to local media or radio for weather alerts or visit the National Weather Service - Rapid City Office Website for up-to-date information.
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Last updated: June 5, 2026
