Map showing campground location near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from Custer Trail

Custer Trail

Accessible by a winding road through neighboring cattle ranches, Custer Trail operates as one of three campgrounds on Deerfield Reservoir within Black Hills National Forest. The Forest Service manages this small facility with 4-5 RV sites positioned directly on the water and additional walk-in tent sites scattered on the hillside about 100 feet from parking areas. Sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet with electric and water hookups available.

The campground attracts fewer visitors than other reservoir locations due to its longer access route. Campers frequently report washboard road conditions on the approach, though the drive remains manageable for RVs and trailers. "Very peaceful and we're able to watch Osprey dive into the lake all afternoon," notes Nevin C.. The reservoir provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and shoreline fishing, with reviewers particularly noting good fishing success north of the camping area.

Basic amenities include pit toilets, fire rings, and drinking water, with campers allowed to collect dead and down wood from the surrounding national forest. Cell service can be limited, particularly for Verizon users. Cattle from nearby ranches occasionally provide nighttime sounds that some visitors find pleasant. The facility typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day with self-check-in procedures, though late-season camping may be available without fees when signage is absent.

Campers seeking more developed facilities can find options at Dutchman less than a mile away.

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Location

Public Campground

Custer Trail is located in South Dakota

Directions

From Hill City go west on Highway 17, Deerfield Road approximately 23 miles to northwest side of lake, turn right or south on FSR 417, travel to end of road.

Coordinates

44.02500085 N
103.79700028 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Cabins
Tent Cabin
Yurts

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
WiFi
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 10 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 46 min from Casper, WY
4 hrs 38 min from Cheyenne, WY
5 hrs 39 min from Bismarck, ND

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the peaceful lakefront setting with basic amenities and level sites. Several reviews mentioned rough access roads but praised the quiet atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2025

Established Campground

Smallest campground on the lake from what I saw. There are 4-5 RV sites and a handful of walk-in tent sites. Trailhead is marked no camping. Staying in mid September, there was no camping/fee signage so I stayed for free. Was the only one there. Super duper quiet, and right on the water for a quick morning paddle.

Month of VisitSeptember

Connor N.

Ranger

Reviewed Dec. 10, 2021

Enjoyed a quick one night stay

Spent a night there while passing through to Wyoming. Site was nice and fairly level, close access to the lake. Cow sounds at night which were kind of nice! Rough-ish washboard roads on the way in. No Verizon service. Wish we could have stayed longer and explored more, maybe next time!

Month of VisitSeptember

Steve & Ashley G.

Legend

Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Hidden Gem in the Black Hills National Forest

This place was one our favorites on our western US tour last summer. The Black Hills National Forest is a beautiful area with stunning peaks and lakes. We stayed at Custer Trail campground for one night on the way to Wyoming. The site is a bit of a long drive around the lake and through some neighboring cattle ranches to drive down to the site. It can be reach by trailers and no problem for our Sprinter Van. You park in a line of about 5 or 6 sites next to each other with self checkin. The lake is great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The fishing from the shoreline north of the site was particularly good. We shared the site with one other group and appreciated the peace and quite. I would definitely recommend this one. They also have a few tent sites as well. Beautiful setting. We could have stayed longer.

(7) View All

Nevin C.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2018

Quiet with great lake views.

This site is one of three on Deerfield Reservoir and is the hardest to get to and the quietest. there are four sites on the water for RVs, no hookups, and lots of room on the hillside for walk in tent sites. You only have to walk 100 feet or so. Pit toilets and fire rings, it pretty basic. in August of 18 it was $16 a night. We stayed two nights and we're one of three groups there. Very peaceful and we're able to watch Osprey dive into the lake all afternoon. It's in the National Forest so collecting dead and down wood is allowed and there was plenty nearby to collect.

Sarah N.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2018

Deep into woods you go!

Quite a few turns up to the campsite! Surrounded by nature and beautiful trees It rained while we were here but still managed to enjoy the quietness

Month of VisitJune

(5) View All

Andrew S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2016

Love the Black Hills

While on our trip through the Badlands and round the Midwest we also got to wander around Custer State Park and love our experience. There was picture perfect views around every turn and can't wait to go back!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Custer Trail Campground located in the Black Hills?

Custer Trail Campground is located on the shores of Deerfield Reservoir in the Black Hills National Forest. It's positioned a bit off the beaten path, requiring several turns to access it via some rougher washboard roads. The campground is one of three camping areas on Deerfield Reservoir and is considered the most remote and quietest option. Its secluded setting provides beautiful views of the surrounding forest and lake, making it an excellent stopover point for travelers heading between the Black Hills and Wyoming.

What amenities are available at Custer Trail Campground?

Custer Trail Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. The campground features pit toilets and fire rings at campsites. There are approximately 4-5 RV sites with no hookups and several walk-in tent sites located about 100 feet from parking. The campground provides direct access to Deerfield Reservoir for water activities. Be aware that there is no Verizon cell service at the campground. This is a primitive camping experience with minimal facilities, perfect for those seeking a quiet, nature-immersed stay.

Do I need reservations for Custer Trail Campground in Black Hills National Forest?

Custer Trail Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking reservations. As the smallest and most remote of the three campgrounds on Deerfield Reservoir, it's less frequented than others in the area, which can improve your chances of finding an available site. During off-peak seasons like mid-September, the campground may be very quiet with few or no other campers. Fee collection systems may vary seasonally, so it's advisable to have cash on hand and check with the Black Hills National Forest office for current reservation policies and camping fees before your trip.

What are the best hiking trails near Custer Trail Campground?

While specific named trails aren't detailed in available information, Custer Trail Campground does have a trailhead on site that offers hiking opportunities. The campground's location in the Black Hills National Forest provides access to the area's stunning peaks, forests, and lakeside terrain. The proximity to Deerfield Reservoir means water-adjacent hiking with beautiful views. For more extensive hiking options, Custer State Park is within driving distance and offers numerous scenic trails with picture-perfect views at every turn. Consider checking with the campground host or the Black Hills National Forest visitor center for trail maps and current conditions.

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