Can you reserve a site at Dalton Lake Campground?

Yes, Dalton Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

How many campsites does Dalton Lake Campground have?

12 sites in total, of which 10 can be booked.

What is the maximum RV length at Dalton Lake Campground?

55 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Dalton Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dalton Lake Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Dalton Lake Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Dalton Lake Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Dalton Lake Campground — 10 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

• Standard Nonelectric Campsites

• Restrooms

• Group Picnic Shelter

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.

The facts

10 bookable sites
12 sites in total, including non-bookable
Vehicles up to 55 ft
Up to 8 people per site

Site types

10 Standard Nonelectric
2 Management

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Shade
Pets allowed
Water hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

12 campsites at Dalton Lake Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Water	Max rig	People
1	—	Management	—	—	Lakefront	—	8	🐾
10	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	25 ft	8	🐾
11	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	30 ft	8	🐾
2	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	25 ft	8	🐾
3	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	45 ft	8	🐾
4	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	30 ft	8	🐾
5	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	35 ft	8	🐾
6	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	50 ft	8	🐾
7	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	55 ft	8	🐾
8	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	30 ft	8	🐾
9	—	Standard Nonelectric	—	—	—	30 ft	8	🐾
Standard S&P	—	Management	—	—	—	—	—

Getting there

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.

44.23100, -103.47500 · 44°13'51.6"N 103°28'30.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 39°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	39	39	48	55	64	75	83	81	73	59	48	40
Low °F	12	14	21	29	39	47	54	52	43	32	21	14
Precip in	0.4	0.5	0.9	2.4	4.2	3.6	3.5	2.1	1.4	1.6	0.6	0.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

$24.00 / Night for single campsite $5.00 / Day Use Fee

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Dalton Lake Campground

Can you reserve a site at Dalton Lake Campground?: Yes, Dalton Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Dalton Lake Campground have?: 12 sites in total, of which 10 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Dalton Lake Campground?: 55 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Dalton Lake Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Dalton Lake Campground.
Does Dalton Lake Campground have hookups?: No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Dalton Lake Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Dalton Lake Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Dalton Lake Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Dalton Lake Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Regular Season: $24/night --- See Off-Season Information

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Dalton Lake Campground

Boxelder Forks Campground 3.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Roubaix Lake 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bear Gulch 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pactola Reservoir Campground 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
South Boxelder Trailhead 3.3 mi · Facility
South Boxelder Trailhead 3.4 mi · Facility
Pilot Knob Trailhead 7.2 mi · Facility
Deer Creek Trailhead 9.1 mi · Facility
Deer Creek Trailhead 9.1 mi · Facility
Merritt System 9.7 mi · Facility
Riley Hill Trailhead 10.5 mi · Facility
Silver City Trailhead 11 mi · Facility

Contact

Email tbolton@goexplorus.com
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-24.

Dalton Lake Campground