Find a campground that best suits your camping comfort level. Deadwood's developed campgrounds offer tent, camper, RV and cabin camping. You can also choose "dispersed camping," which is camping away from developed campgrounds.
Go modern. There are over a dozen different developed campgrounds in the Deadwood area. Developed campgrounds include access to flushing toilets, showers, electricity and other modern amenities. You'll likely be near other campers at this type of camping area.
Go rugged. Dispersed camping is allowed for free in most of the Black Hills National Forest near Deadwood. If you opt for this type of camping, you must camp at least 50 feet from trails, streams or roads and follow signs about designated camping areas near developed reservoirs and campgrounds. You can only camp for up to two weeks total in any 60-day period and you cannot have an open campfire. Check with the nearest forest service office for special instructions in the specific area you wish to camp.
If selecting a developed campground, make a reservation. Confirm rates for your prospective visit before booking a campsite or cabin. Many Deadwood-area campgrounds have higher rates and minimum stays during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which takes place in August every year.
Ask what time check in and check out is on the dates of your visit.
Check in at your chosen campground. Get directions to your reserved site or cabin and reconfirm check out time on your date of departure.
Talk to the campground manager and ask for food, activity and entertainment suggestions for the area if you are staying at a developed campground.
Visit the Deadwood History & Information Center located in the old train depot of downtown Deadwood for more information. They have brochures, information on the town's interesting history and locals who can answer questions.
Check out on your date of departure by your campground's check out time.
