Whitetail
WHITETAIL
Part of Black Hills National Forest
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.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.
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.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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.Important Notices
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.
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicles will be charged a per night fee that is collected at the campground.
FYI: Off Season Information for this campground can be found in the "Need To Know" Section.
Please note that NOT ALL Campgrounds are open during the Off Season, some are closed.
During the Off Season the Campgrounds that are open are operated by the US Forest Service and are all First Come First Served.
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
- BOATING - Boating
- BIKING - Biking
Directions
From Hill City, take Deerfield Rd. (County Rt. 308/Forest Rt. 17) west for 15.1 miles to Whitetail Campground sign (Forest Rt.421). Turn right onto Rt. 421 and travel 0.9 miles to the campground.
Cancellation Policy
<p>No refunds will be given for weather or related events.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 605-673-9200
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 03, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 15, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop WHIT, Type Standard Nonelectric
