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Camper submitted image from Timon CampgroundView 15 Photos
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Timon Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible by a four-mile gravel road off the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Timon Campground provides a compact camping option with seven sites arranged in a single loop. The US Forest Service manages this Black Hills National Forest location, charging $24 per night during its April through December season. Sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet, though some lack adequate shade coverage.

The campground sits alongside a creek that flows past several sites, with reviewers noting the sound of rushing water throughout their stays. A vault toilet and hand-pump water source handle basic needs, while a camp host from nearby Hanna Campground maintains cleanliness and empties trash receptacles daily. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with firewood available for purchase.

Traffic passes through regularly as visitors access the Dances with Wolves filming location and Roughneck Rapids attraction further up the road. A hiking trailhead begins just beyond the campground, and ATV routes branch off from the main access road. Leslie B. recommends "sites 6, 7, 3" as the most desirable options.

For additional space, Rod & Gun Campground offers more sites just over a mile east on the same forest road system.

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Location

Public Campground

Timon Campground is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

To access the Timon Campground from Spearfish, travel south on US Highway 14A to Savoy, then turn right, or west onto FSR 222, the Roughlock Falls Road. Travel approximately 3.5 miles to the campground.

Coordinates

44.34335459 N
103.98816355 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

84%
17%
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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited this small 7-site campground's primitive charm and clean facilities, with creek-side sites being particularly popular. Many mentioned the scenic but rough gravel road access and nearby hiking trails as highlights.

LThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2023

2nd visit

Best sites are 6,7,3. FMR host working out of Hanna campground is keeping Timon very clean. Toilet was clean and he had a trash can out by the water pump that he emptied daily. Very nice host. This is one of my favorite CGs in the Black Hills.

Site6
Month of VisitJuly
LThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2021

Hidden gem

Stopped here mid June 2021. I got a site right on the creek (#7) which the dog adored. Only a few other campers. Very peaceful

Site7
Month of VisitJune
M
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2021

Nice Little Campground

Stayed here one night & it was just what we were looking for. Nice campground with vault toilet, water pump, picnic table & fire ring. Our site was on the creek. It was pretty buggy during the day, but nothing that bit. There is a great hiking trail just up the road & lots of ATVs driving by.

Site7
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Molly , June 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Molly , June 8, 2021
Scott D.
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2021

Best Hidden Campground in Spearfish

After a 4 mile drive down a dirt road, we came upon this campsite and were delighted. We stayed for three nights to do some climbing in the area and this was a great spot to come back to each night. The one drawback was a lack of shade in some campsites.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Scott D., February 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Scott D., February 2, 2021
Ryan
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2020

Quiet site of the beaten path

Small campground with a more primitive feel tucked away off a rough gravel road. We stayed here over the summer one night and had an awesome experience with only one other site occupied. We enjoyed the spring creek rushing through next to our site and there is a breathtaking trail not too far past the site.

Update 2021: Trash/waste is pack in pack out

  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Ryan , September 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Ryan , September 26, 2020
Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2019

Primitive but near popular tourist stop

Spearfish highway scenic drive goes right by the forest road to this campground. There is a big tourist stop and the turn-off. Once you get past that the road turns to gravel and the beauty continues. 

Timon campground is small. One loop with 7 sites. About half were filled up when we came here. A clean vault toilet and interesting water pump provide the necessities. 

There is a historic marker that leads you to a Flume site. Just down the road is a trailhead for a hiking trail. ATV roads are here too.

We did see a lot of traffic. People driving to look at the Dances With Wolves film site as well as visitors to the Roughneck Rapids. This is a nice place to visit.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Art S., June 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Art S., June 26, 2019
  • Review photo of Timon Campground by Art S., June 26, 2019
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Timon Campground located in South Dakota?

Timon Campground is located in the scenic Spearfish Canyon area of South Dakota's Black Hills. To reach the campground, follow the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway until you see a tourist stop at the turn-off. From there, you'll travel approximately 4 miles down a gravel forest road to reach this secluded campground. The campground is situated alongside a creek in a beautiful natural setting, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to experience the beauty of Spearfish Canyon.

What amenities and facilities are available at Timon Campground?

Timon Campground offers basic amenities in a primitive setting. The small campground features 7 sites arranged in a single loop, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Facilities include vault toilets and a water pump for drinking water. Some sites are positioned right alongside the creek, with sites 6, 7, and 3 considered the most desirable. The campground is maintained by a forest service host who keeps the facilities clean, including regular trash removal. Be aware that some campsites lack shade.

What activities can I enjoy near Timon Campground in Spearfish Canyon?

Timon Campground offers excellent access to outdoor recreation in Spearfish Canyon. There's a breathtaking hiking trail just up the road from the campground that's perfect for day hikes. The area is popular for ATV riding, with several trails accessible nearby. Rock climbing opportunities are available within driving distance, making this a great basecamp for climbers. The spring creek running through the campground provides pleasant streamside relaxation and is enjoyed by pets and campers alike. The scenic beauty of Spearfish Canyon also makes photography and wildlife watching rewarding activities during your stay.

Are there photos of Timon Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Timon Campground are available online through various camping websites and forest service resources. These images showcase the campground's intimate setting with its 7-site loop, creek-side locations, and surrounding forest environment. Photos typically highlight the picnic tables, fire rings, and the spring creek that runs through the property. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the official U.S. Forest Service website or popular camping platforms where visitors regularly upload their camping photos.

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