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U.S. Forest Service · Black Hills National Forest

Bear Gulch

This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir. Great for group events with up to 40 people, there are eight individual tent sites around a central parking area. The summers are pleasant, and the bay provides a great way to cool off on sunny days (summer temperatures range from highs in the mid-80s, to lows in the mid-50s). It can be reserved from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pactola Reservoir is an 800-acre lake, great for water skiing, swimming, fishing and even scuba diving.

Reservable1 sitesAccessibility info
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Bear Gulch Group CG
USFS

Campsites

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Amenities & rules

Pets allowedCampfires allowedMax vehicle length 40 ftRVs & trailersTents

Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Getting there

From Highway 385 take Custer Gulch Road to Forest Service Road 251. Travel six miles to Forest Service Road 253 (Bear Gulch Road). Go three miles to the end of the road and campground.

Campgrounds nearby

Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.