Dutchman
DUTCHMAN
Part of Black Hills National Forest
Overview
Dutchman Campground, located in a shady Ponderosa pine forested area on the northeast edge of Deerfield Reservoir at 5,000 feet. This camp is an ideal setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest.
Sites in the campground are widely spaced, and a few offer wide views of the lake. Of the 3 campgrounds in the Deerfield Recreation Area, this one is the most RV-friendly.
Facilities
Dutchman Campground has sites able to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The campground has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water; however, electrical hook-ups are not available. Lake access is within walking distance. Deerfield Lake is a no wake lake.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.Open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the 10-mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail encircles Deerfield Lake, traversing the forested shoreline. It offers fantastic views and opportunities for birding and picnicking.
Across the lake, Deerfield Trail connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Sites including a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades provide visitors with a glimpse into the area's history.
Deerfield Reservoir is an ideal spot for fishing and boating. The lake supports populations of stocked rainbow and native brown trout.
Nearby Attractions
Possible day trips include Custer State Park with its many buffalo and other wildlife, Crazy Horse Monument and Wind Cave National Park as well as Jewel Cave which 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
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. Please note that the Top Loop is OPEN during the Off Season. All other loops are 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 9 available.
The stay limit is 14 days in a 28 day period.
Parking Spur Length is 50 ft.
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
A pet fee of $2 per pet per night is required upon check in. Pets must be leashed, under control and attended at all times.
Drinking water is available but you CANNOT hook up for filling.
The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses 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.
Sites 9,10, 23 & 37 are double sites for up to 2 rigs and up to 16 people. The fee is double ($48) if the site is used in this manner. The camp host will collect any additional fees warranted upon arrival.
During the off season, fewer sites may be available.
Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment, and tires before using lake or trails
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.
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. This fee is payable to the camp host upon arrival
Notifications and Alerts
National Forest Service lands in the State of South Dakota will return to Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Thu. Sept. 24. 2026 at noon.
Alert Start Date: September 24, 2026
Alert End Date: December 15, 2026
Order Number: BKF-198-2026
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
- Boating - Boating
- Biking - Biking
Directions
Take Forest Highway 17 (Deerfield Road) for 16 miles northwest of Hill City, South Dakota.
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 017, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 037, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 038, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 035, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site XXX, Loop DUTCHMAN, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 042, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 039, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 043, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 041, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 044, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 036, Loop DUTC, Type Standard Nonelectric
