Bear Gulch
4.837 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Bear Gulch
$100.00 - $100.00 / 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$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group standard nonelectric sites are priced at $100 per night during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Starting May 19, 2025, a non-refundable deposit equal to 50% of the total fee is required for reservations. A two-night minimum reservation for weekends and a three-night minimum for holiday weekends apply.
About this campground
Tucked away in the Black Hills, Bear Gulch offers something truly special: your own private camping kingdom. This exclusive group campsite grants you and your companions sole access to eight individual tent sites, creating the perfect retreat for family reunions, outdoor weddings, or adventures with friends. Perched above a secluded bay on Pactola Reservoir, this primitive paradise strikes the perfect balance between wilderness escape and creature comforts. Each site comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings for evening gatherings, while a reliable hand pump provides fresh mountain water. As one delighted visitor put it, 'You get the entire campground to yourself and your friends!' – a rare luxury in today's crowded outdoor spaces.
Bear Gulch is a group campground designed for private reservations. It accommodates both tent and RV camping, but is not suitable for large RVs due to limited maneuvering space.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bear Gulch into an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with comfortable days reaching the mid-80s perfect for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool to a refreshing mid-50s – ideal for campfire stories and stargazing. The shoulder seasons paint the surrounding pines in dramatic light, though visitors should come prepared for changing conditions. Winter adventurers will find a transformed landscape where snow blankets the access roads, creating a pristine wonderland that rewards the well-prepared with unmatched solitude and beauty.
ElevationElevation details are not specified.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has carved Bear Gulch into a dramatic sanctuary where towering Ponderosa pines stand sentinel over your private canyon retreat. This intimate valley, sculpted over millennia by mountain runoff, creates a natural amphitheater of steep slopes that both shelter and inspire. Below, the sparkling waters of Pactola Reservoir stretch out in a private bay, offering both scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The surrounding forest teems with life – from majestic mule deer picking their way through the pines to bighorn sheep navigating the rocky outcrops. Lucky visitors might spot elk at dawn or wild turkeys strutting through camp, while overhead, ospreys circle on thermal currents, their distinctive calls echoing off the canyon walls.
Geological RegionBear Gulch tells a story written in stone and water. This intimate canyon on Pactola Reservoir's southern shore stands as a testament to the patient work of mountain streams that carved through ancient rock over countless seasons. The steep slopes rising on either side of the winding access road create a natural gateway, building anticipation as you descend into your private camping haven. Massive Ponderosa pines have claimed these slopes, their roots gripping the mountainside while their crowns reach skyward, creating a living cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground features an accessible vault toilet and is designed for group camping. However, the narrow and rugged road may present challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Sites SizeThe campground contains eight tent sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. RV parking is possible but constrained by tight turning spaces, making it unsuitable for larger RVs or trailers over 28 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe group campground is private and isolated, offering a secluded experience for large groups.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesMost individual tent sites are flat and equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites closer to the bay offer the best views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 60 guests allowed for group events.
Groups
The campground is designed for group use, with a maximum capacity of 60 people. All eight sites are grouped around a central parking area.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged around a central parking area, with six originally designated tent-only camping spots and two spots suitable for small RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day (May 21) through Labor Day (Sep 13). Closed from Sep 14 through May 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis is a reservation-only campground; walk-up availability is not supported.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made within 60 days of arrival will forfeit the non-refundable deposit (50% of the total fee). Late cancellations (14 days or fewer before check-in) will incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates outside the original stay incur a $10 change fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Gulch offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its proximity to Pactola Reservoir, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The area's scenic and natural features enhance recreational opportunities.
Hiking
The campground is near the Osprey Trail trailhead, offering opportunities for hiking. Exact trail lengths and difficulty levels are not specified.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with opportunities to catch brown, rainbow, and record lake trout in Pactola Reservoir and Rapid Creek.Swimming
Swimming is available at Pactola Point Swim Beach, which is a short drive away from the site.Boating
While there is no boat ramp at the campground, two nearby ramps on the main Pactola Reservoir and a marina with rental services provide boating opportunities.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk, wild turkey, and osprey, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.Beach activities
The nearby Pactola Point Swim Beach provides a sandy area for sunbathing and other beach-related activities.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as ice fishing and hiking were noted during off-season user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports such as water skiing, scuba diving, and canoeing are facilitated by the proximity to Pactola Reservoir.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at each site. Firewood must be sourced locally.
- Quiet hours are Generators are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m; no explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad access may be challenging, especially for vehicles towing campers greater than 28 feet. Wildlife such as mule deer and wild turkey are common.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 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
The nearest town for emergency services is Hill City, located 6 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from May 21, 2025, through September 7, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers should assume a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to a private bay on Pactola Reservoir. Fishing, swimming, and kayaking are popular activities. "Huuuuge rainbow trout just off the shore," one review highlights.
Common complaintsAccess road conditions are frequently mentioned in user reviews as narrow and challenging for larger vehicles.
HostReservation holders must obtain gate access instructions at Pactola Campground Main Booth. A refundable lock charge of $20 may apply.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Vehicles must travel down nine miles of dirt roads to reach the facility. The road is gravel and narrows significantly past the gate. "There are only 2-3 places along the 1.4 mile stretch where two full size vehicles with campers in tow could pass each other," per a user review. Seasonal conditions such as snow-packed areas may further complicate travel.Nearby places
Hill City (6 miles), Rapid City (20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Hill City, 6 miles away, offers amenities such as groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.8
7 reviews
Bear Gulch is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's privacy, scenic beauty, and suitability for group events. Several reviewers appreciated the clean facilities and proximity to recreational activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently mention the clean vault toilet, scenic location, privacy, and peaceful environment. One user noted, 'Absolutely beautiful private campground,' while another called it 'the best group...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Concerns were raised about the narrow, rugged road leading to the campground, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. One reviewer noted the difficulty of turning around with a trailer over 28...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers recommend booking a year in advance for special events, bringing a large group to fully utilize the space, and preparing for the rugged access road by using a vehicle capable of handling...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is praised for its summer usability due to pleasant weather and access to water activities. Off-season use is more limited, though winter activities like ice fishing were noted.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely beautiful private campground.' - Heather M.
2. 'We got married here and it was a phenomenal campsite.' - Molly Messer
3. 'Nice campground in the trees with lots of shade.' - Interlucid...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 in Loop BEAR received positive reviews for its privacy and cleanliness. One reviewer noted, 'The bathroom is very clean.'
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
The accessible vault toilet received positive feedback, but the rugged road may pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with a $2 per pet per night fee. One reviewer advised keeping pets leashed and attended at all times.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025