Castle Peak

We Came April 1st 2026 so you know it was freezing cold at night, but it was lowkey kind of worth it. We had the entire grounds to ourselves and truly felt so at peace here. We saw people pass the campground (who i believe live up here) and they were friendly! everyone waved on the way in. No bugs, and no run ins with wild life outside of a few white tailed deer on the way in. It gets DARK here and can be a little intimidating if you’ve never camped before alone but the sound of the creek in the background and the birds chirping in the morning makes it all worth it. There is a small town nearby that’s open in the spring but we made the hour and 15 minute drive into town to the nearest walmart to charge our phones and get supplies.

only advice is prepare for the possibility of it being cold at nights regardless of the season and clean up behind yourselves it was to many beer bottles left behind.

The drive to Castle Peak was a little rough and time consuming but well worth it. We lucked out and were able to get into the last open campground on Labor Day weekend, which is great since it is first come first serve. The creek was amazing to listen to all day and all night, and the kids had to do something other than sit on electronics since there is no service. This all made for a calm and peaceful weekend.

Several sites nestled under the trees and next to a rushing creek. Great if you want to be isolated. No water, electric and cell phones probably won't work. 

BUT, beware of Google & Bing Maps. They usually want to bring you in from the west. This part of the road is extremely rough. As in tore up the underside of my Prius to the tune of $750. OUCH!  You want to come in from the east, coming off the road between Mystic and Hill City. That road has a few places with deep ruts, but otherwise ok.

Only take the west road if you have a high ground clearance vehicle.

Several miles down a rough dirt road you'll find a campground that is as close to perfect as you could find.  With only nine sites and in a remote area you'll be instore for a peaceful rest.  The only other folks I saw were riding in their side-by-side, they waved as they passed through.  Located on the top of the ridge is an American flag that was put there by a group of disabled vets!

If you’re willing to invest 45 minutes to go down a bumpy 8 mile dirt road the reward will be seclusion and beauty. 9 lonely campsites situated next to Castle Creek surrounded by hills and Lodgepole Pines and wildflowers. There is a clean vault toilet but no potable water so bring your own or be prepared to filter. About 16 miles out of Hill City well worth the trouble. The directions on the USDA website are accurate. Every campsite is next to the flowing creek. Campsites come with a picnic table fire ring (plenty of wood around) and a level campsite. We were there early September and no one was there!