Picnic Spring Campground
4.7713 reviewsPicnic Spring Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground does not require reservations and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. While there is no specific fee for camping at Picnic Spring, nearby fees associated with other facilities in the Custer Gallatin National Forest range from $3 to $8, depending on the booking method.
About this campground
Tucked away in the North Cave Hills Unit of the Sioux Ranger District, Picnic Spring Campground offers an intimate escape with just 8 sites for those seeking true solitude. This hidden gem, affectionately dubbed 'a great little campground in the middle of nowhere' by seasoned campers, provides the perfect balance of remoteness and comfort. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire pit nestled beneath towering Ponderosa pines, while vault toilets ensure basic amenities don't compromise the wilderness experience. Here, the absence of crowds isn't just a feature—it's the main attraction.
Picnic Spring Campground provides 8 primitive campsites suitable for both tent camping and small RVs. The focus is on providing a secluded and natural experience.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe campground shines during weeks of crisp, dry weather when clear skies reveal endless stars and gentle breezes whisper through the pines. These perfect camping windows offer moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation, creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. However, Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with periods of stronger winds and cooler temperatures, reminding visitors why proper gear and weather awareness remain essential for any backcountry experience.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryDramatic sandstone cliffs rise like ancient sentinels around Picnic Spring, creating a natural amphitheater that has earned praise as 'absolutely beautiful cliffside camping.' The campground's stunning geological canvas is painted with warm-hued rock formations that glow golden at sunset, while stately Ponderosa pines provide a verdant contrast. Wild turkeys strut through camp like feathered ambassadors, adding life to this picturesque landscape where every sunrise brings new photographic opportunities and every evening promises spectacular views.
Geological RegionPerched within the remarkable North Cave Hills Unit of the Sioux Ranger District, Picnic Spring Campground showcases nature's artistry through its spectacular sandstone formations and clifftop vistas. This geological wonderland, where ancient rock layers tell stories millions of years in the making, offers campers front-row seats to some of the region's most breathtaking scenery. Towering Ponderosa pines frame the sandstone canvases, creating a landscape that seamlessly blends forest and stone into what visitors consistently describe as 'absolutely beautiful cliff-side camping.'
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible toilet facilities are available at the campground.
Sites SizeThe campsites are small and suitable for tents or smaller rigs. "Room for bigger rigs" was mentioned by a reviewer, but specifics on maximum sizes are not provided.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced, providing ample privacy. A reviewer noted, "Spots are far enough apart, you will not hear or see your neighbors."
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest choosing campsites with shaded areas and picnic tables for the best experience.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
The campground has a 14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Most reviews indicate campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, suggesting enough space for typical family camping setups.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 8 sites that are well-spaced, providing privacy as noted by one user: "Spots are far enough apart; you will not hear or see your neighbors."
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsThe campground is managed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservation is required.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted, hence no cancellation policy applies.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is set amidst beautiful sandstone formations and Ponderosa Pines, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and enjoying the scenic surroundings. Some reviews highlight the quiet and remote nature of the campground as perfect for relaxation.
Hiking
The area offers hiking opportunities through trails surrounded by sandstone formations and Ponderosa Pines. Specific trail details are not provided, but the terrain is described as scenic and peaceful.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife appears to be abundant, with campers noting sightings of turkeys, yellow meadowlarks, and hearing coyotes. The quiet and natural setting enhances the experience.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, though the remote location may offer solitude during the colder months.Water Sports
Water sports are not applicable as the campground does not have access to large bodies of water.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each campsite includes a fire pit, and wood for the fire is noted to be abundant by some users. However, official sources indicate that firewood is not provided.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews caution against drinking the water from the nearby spring and note the presence of wasps in the pit toilets.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash pickup services are available. Campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground features a spring located down a trail, approximately 50 yards from the campsites. However, reviews advise against drinking the water from the spring.
Common complaintsUsers have noted wasps in the pit toilets, noise from cows, and the lack of trash pickup.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Ludlow, SD travel north 2 miles on Hwy 85 to Tufte Road. Turn left and continue for 4 miles and turn right continuing on Tufte Road. Go 1 mile and turn left on Forest Road 3114 (Fuller Pass Road). Go 1/4 mile and turn left on Forest Road 3123. Go 1/4 mile and turn right into Picnic Spring Campground.
The roads leading to Picnic Spring Campground include gravel roads, as described in the user reviews: "An absolutely wonderful free campground down a long, but good, gravel road." User reviews also confirm that these roads can accommodate larger rigs, suggesting good accessibility for most vehicles.Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.8
13 reviews
Picnic Spring Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and remote location. Common themes include the stunning sandstone formations, privacy of sites, and the natural surroundings. Some noted the lack of crowds, even during peak seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Most beautiful campground ever... quiet, overlooking cliff views."
- "Well laid out campground with 8 sites."
- "Absolutely beautiful cliff-side camping."
- "Fire pit and picnic table at each site...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- "No one else here mid-week in August. Don't drink the water and watch for wasp in the pit toilets."
- "Lots of noise from cows."
- "Vault toilets had wasps nearby."
- "Very isolated nature might...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own drinking water as the available water is not potable.
- Avoid the pit toilets if wasps are a concern.
- Campers should pack out all trash due to the lack of trash pickup services.
-...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground remains uncrowded even during peak camping months like August, making it an ideal location for those seeking solitude. Mid-week visits are particularly quiet. Summer months bring...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "Highlight campout of our week of road trip and car camping."
- "An absolutely wonderful free campground down a long, but good, gravel road."
- "Nice free camp with a couple pit toilets. Water is a...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided, but all 8 sites are noted for their privacy, scenic views, and inclusion of picnic tables and fire pits.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
The accessible toilet is the only mentioned feature for those with disabilities. No specific feedback on accessibility from users is available.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific comments about pet safety or amenities for pets are mentioned.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025