Cottonwood Springs Campground
Campground · South Dakota · 17 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
Cottonwood Spring Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 17
- Bookable sites
- 67 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 4,003 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Located just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, SD is a hidden gem of a campground. Cottonwood Springs Campground is a quiet, peaceful campground tucked away in the southern part of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It offers beautiful scenic views within a short walk of each campsite.
Recreation
While Cottonwood Springs Lake is a small lake, it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. The non-motorized gravel path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or for letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota.
Facilities
Cottonwood Springs Campground features 17 primitive campsites with no water or electric hook-ups. Amenities like potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are provided to help increase camping experience. A camp host is also on site to greet visitors and help with any questions they may have. Access to Cottonwood Springs Lake is only a mile drive from the campground. The boat ramp at the lake is steep, limiting the size of the boat being able to be put in and no gas motors are permitted. Picnic shelters, grills, potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are also located near the lake.
Natural Features
Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, construction of Cottonwood Springs Dam began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Cottonwood Springs Dam began construction in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it has created a park with approximately 600 acres of public lands and water that provides a variety of benefits to both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills and evergreen trees create a picturesque site.
Nearby Attractions
Popular nearby attractions include:
- Wind Cave National Park
- Black Hills National Forest
- The Mammoth Site
- Evans Plunge
- Buffalo Gap National Grassland
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Badlands National Park
- Custer State Park
- Crazy Horse Memorial
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (605) 745-5476 to speak with local staff.Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
The facts
- 17 bookable sites
- 18 sites in total, including non-bookable
- Vehicles up to 67 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: 1
Site types
- 17 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
18 campsites at Cottonwood Springs Campground
Check-in 04:00 PM · Check-out 04:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 56 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 10 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 11 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 12 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 13 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 56 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 14 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 55 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 15 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 55 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 16 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 67 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 17 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 55 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 18 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 64 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 2 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 47 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 3 | 1 | Management | Back In | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 4 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 66 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 5 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 6 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 7 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 8 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 49 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 9 | 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 50 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
- From Rapid City, SD take US-79 S, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on Couny Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.
- From Chadron, NE take US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on County Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.
43.43931, -103.57256 · 43°26'21.5"N 103°34'21.2"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Cottonwood Springs Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Cottonwood Springs Campground?
- Yes, Cottonwood Springs Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Cottonwood Springs Campground have?
- 18 sites in total, of which 17 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Cottonwood Springs Campground?
- 67 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Cottonwood Springs Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood Springs Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Cottonwood Springs Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Cottonwood Springs Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Cottonwood Springs Campground
- Cold Brook Campground 4.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Elk Mountain Campground 9.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Comanche Park 21.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bismark Lake 23.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Iron Creek Horse Camp 26.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Oreville Campground 30.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- South Dakota's Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration Lottery 30.8 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- Comanche Park Campground 21.6 mi · Campground
- Jewel Cave National Monument - Visitor Center 23.8 mi · Visitor Center
- Hell Canyon Trailhead 24.8 mi · Facility
- Information Center 30.7 mi · Facility
- Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center 30.8 mi · Facility
Contact
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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