Dalton Lake Campground

Black Hills National Forest

Dalton Lake Campground sits next to the 2.8 acre Dalton Lake and offers nearby access to fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and a variety of motorized recreation opportunities. Explore the dozens of miles of nearby trails or simply relax and enjoy the lake and nearby Little Elk Creek. The campground offers 11 sites and a picnic area nestled into the Ponderosa Pines of the Northern Black Hills. Whether you are looking to take some time to relax or looking for an adventure, the seclusion of Dalton Lake Campground offers an ideal experience for almost any explorer.  

• Standard Nonelectric Campsites

• Restrooms 

• Group Picnic Shelter 

Need to Know

• These campsites are non-electric sites. Generators may run from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. only. 

• 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. 

• The Senior and Access discounts are only honored for the site that houses the card holder. 

Natural Features

Dalton Lake Campground sits at just under 4,400 feet elevation and is surrounded by tall peaks and beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest. Little Elk Creek feeds into Dalton lake and continues it’s meandering journey through large boulders and winding canyons east toward Piedmont, South Dakota. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

Recreation

Dalton Lake Campground provides extensive opportunities for access to outdoor recreation. Try fishing from the several piers surrounding Dalton lake, explore a portion of the 111 mile Centennial trail that runs adjacent to the campground or hop on your dirt bike, ATV or side by side to adventure through the dozens of nearby OHV trails.  

Contact Information

Mailing

Forest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168 Hill City SD 57745

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Sturgis, I-90 exit 32 take Vanocker Canyon Hwy south for approximately 12.5 miles to Dalton Lake Road. Dalton lake is a gravel road. Take Dalton Lake Road east for 3.7 miles to Dalton Lake Campground. The Campground and lake will be on the left-hand side of the road.  

Available Campsites

• Site 11, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 3, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 2, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 4, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 6, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 9, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 5, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 1, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 7, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 8, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric

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