Gravel Forest Service roads wind up to this dispersed camping area near the Mt. Roosevelt Friendship Tower trailhead, where campers find several pull-off sites scattered along the route. The US Forest Service maintains this free camping option within Black Hills National Forest, located less than two miles from Deadwood.
Road conditions present the main challenge here. The access route features washboard sections and sharp curves with steep drop-offs that can feel precarious for larger rigs. One reviewer noted the first site appeared too steep for their van, though they found suitable spots further down. Sites vary in accessibility—about half a dozen spots work for most vehicles, while additional sites deeper in require four-wheel drive capability.
Cell service reaches the area with varying strength depending on carrier. Verizon users report adequate coverage for calls and texts, while some campers managed to access wifi through vehicle connectivity systems. The camping spots offer room for tents with trees providing natural privacy barriers and open areas suitable for stargazing. tiffany K. mentions an "outhouse at close trailhead" for those hiking to the tower.
Traffic along the gravel road continues throughout the day and evening hours, with occasional vehicles pulling into occupied sites by mistake. No water sources are available for filtering or use. Those exploring dispersed spots outside Black Hills National Forest should bring extra water and arrive before dark to secure preferred sites.
Description
Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information.
General rules:
Camp 100 feet away from any creek or stream and 1/2 mile away from developed recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas. Motorized vehicles allowed 300 feet off of roads as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (dots) for dispersed camping on the Black Hills National Forest. Around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Can camp for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. No open campfires in South Dakota portions of the national forest. Open campfires are permitted in Wyoming portions of the national forest, unless a special order prohibiting such is in effect.
Location
Dispersed CampingMt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping is located in South Dakota
Coordinates
44.38848 N
103.75863 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 4/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 36 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 34 usersLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 36 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mt. Roosevelt Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 47 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 19 min from Casper, WY
- 4 hrs 14 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 4 hrs 30 min from Bismarck, ND
