Dutchman

DUTCHMAN

Part of Black Hills National Forest

Overview

Dutchman Campground, located in a shady Ponderosa pine forested area on the northeast edge of Deerfield Reservoir at 5,000 feet. This camp is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest.

Sites in the campground are widely spaced, and a few offer wide views of the lake. Of the 3 campgrounds in the Deerfield Recreation Area, this one is the most RV-friendly.

Facilities

Dutchman Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The campground has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water; however, electrical hook-ups are not available. Lake access is within walking distance. Deerfield Lake is a no wake lake.

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.

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.

Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline. It offers fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking.

Across the lake, Deerfield Trail connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Sites including a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades provide visitors with a glimpse into the area's history.

Deerfield Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The lake supports populations of stocked rainbow and native brown trout.

Nearby Attractions

Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which 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

Contact Info

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

Important Notices

  • 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

  • A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times.

  • Drinking water is available but you CANNOT hook up for filling.

    • The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses 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.
  • Sites 9,10, 23 & 37 are double sites for up to 2 rigs and up to 16 people. The fee is double ($48) if the site is used in this manner. The camp host will collect any additional fees warranted upon arrival.

  • During the off season, fewer sites may be available.

  • Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
  • 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.
  • Click here for more information about Black Hills National Forest.

Available Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Fishing - Fishing
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Biking - Biking

Directions

Take Forest Highway 17 (Deerfield Road) for 16 miles northwest of Hill City, South Dakota.

Cancellation Policy

<p>No refunds will be given for weather or related events.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 605-673-9200

Forest Recreation Management, Inc
P.O. Box 1168
Hill City, SD 57745

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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