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Whitetail Campground

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

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As of October 2026, Whitetail Campground is a campground in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota with 12 campsites. Whitetail Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Whitetail Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Whitetail Campground is located at 44.0126° N, 103.8030° W.

people allowed on each site: 8

Whitetail Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Whitetail Campground

1345678910141517

Standard 12

What an RV fits

36 ft2 sites
37 ft1 site
39 ft2 sites
41 ft1 site
45 ft1 site
46 ft1 site
47 ft2 sites
48 ft1 site
76 ft1 site

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography, offroad, horse riding.

All sites at Whitetail Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the WHIT loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
01	Standard	8	48 ft
03	Standard	8	37 ft
04	Standard	8	36 ft
05	Standard	8	76 ft
06	Standard	8	39 ft
07	Standard	8	45 ft
08	Standard	8	46 ft
09	Standard	8	47 ft
10	Standard	8	47 ft
14	Standard	8	39 ft
15	Standard	8	41 ft
17	Standard	8	36 ft

About Whitetail Campground

Overview

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.

Recreation

Black Hills National Forest offers recreational opportunities for all ages. Guests can take advantage of opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on moderate terrain.

The 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. It encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline and offering

fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking.

Nearby Deerfield Trail connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Sites along the trail include a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades, providing a glimpse into the area's history.

Deerfield Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating, but it is a no wake lake. The lake supports populations of stocked rainbow and native brown trout.

Facilities

Whitetail Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs.

Each campsite has picnic tables, and campfire rings. Electrical hook-ups are not available.

Lake access is within walking distance.

Natural Features

Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves.

Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie.

Wildlife in the area abounds. Bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon, and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (605) 574-4402.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles. It features sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the

largest concentrations of passageways in the world.

Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.

Charges & Cancellations

No refunds will be given for weather or related events.

Rules and notices at Whitetail Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Whitetail Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

FYI: During the off season starting 10/01 the USFS operates this campground. Lower Loop (including Toilet) is OPEN during the Off Season. The Upper Loop is CLOSED.

October 1st to May 15th.

Their information is listed below:

Black Hills National Forest / Hell Canyon Ranger District

1019 North 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730

Phone 605.673.9200 www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills0

Daily Fee is $0 per First Come First Served campsite of which there are 17 available.

The stay limit is 14 days in a 28 day period.

Parking Spur Length is 50ft.

Drinking water is NOT available. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets are also available.

Garbage and Trash "Pack It In Pack It Out" at all times.

Please note that roads are not maintained during the off-season. Sites are open until weather prohibits access or closed on the date noted above.

The information listed below is pertinent during the open season from May 15th to September 30th.

These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. 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.

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The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that hoses the card holder.

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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.

In accordance with standard industry practices, ExplorUS will be assessing an additional vehicle fee of $5.00 per night on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered to be one vehicle and the third and fourth are also considered to be one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Whitetail Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Whitetail Campground?

Whitetail Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Whitetail Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Whitetail Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Whitetail Campground have?

Whitetail Campground has 12 campsites.