Grizzly Creek Primitive
4.6261 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168 Hill City, SD 57745 USA
Grizzly Creek Primitive
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Tent-only sites are priced at $26.00 per night during peak season (May 21 to September 7, 2025). Fees do not include taxes or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a magnificent canopy of ancient oak and towering Ponderosa pine, Grizzly Creek Primitive Campground offers an authentic glimpse into America's outdoor heritage. The gentle murmur of Grizzly Creek provides a natural soundtrack as you settle into this timeless retreat, where original Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship remains beautifully preserved. Each campsite comes equipped with sturdy picnic tables and traditional campfire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. While modern amenities like vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort, the absence of electrical hookups preserves the campground's primitive charm, inviting you to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature's rhythms.
Grizzly Creek Primitive campground is best suited for tent camping and small RVs up to 24 feet. Primitive camping is emphasized, with no modern facilities such as showers or flush toilets.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Grizzly Creek follows the legendary Iron Mountain Road, where ingenious Civilian Conservation Corps-built bridges frame perfect views of Mount Rushmore through their narrow tunnels. This remarkable engineering feat connects you not just to America's most iconic monument, but to a landscape held sacred by American Indians for countless generations. The surrounding hills and valleys echo with stories of vision quests, ceremonial gatherings, and the deep spiritual connection between the land and its first peoples, making every visit a walk through layers of American history.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Grizzly Creek bring warm, golden sunshine filtering through the pine boughs, occasionally punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the Black Hills, filling the air with the fresh scent of rain-washed forest. As autumn yields to winter, the campground transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, becoming a coveted basecamp for adventure seekers. The pristine white landscape beckons snowshoers to explore hushed forest trails, while cross-country skiers glide through meadows and snowmobilers discover miles of groomed trails winding through this winter paradise.
ElevationElevation details are not provided.
Natural Features and ScenerySprawling across nearly 1.25 million acres of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, the Black Hills National Forest creates a dramatic backdrop of contrasts around Grizzly Creek. Ancient granite spires pierce the sky while hidden canyons and mysterious gulches invite exploration. Open grassland parks roll like golden seas between forested ridges, where tumbling mountain streams cascade toward deep blue lakes that mirror the endless sky. Adventurous souls might discover one of the area's unique caves, each a portal into the earth's hidden mysteries. This diverse landscape supports an impressive cast of wildlife – majestic elk graze in meadow clearings, white-tailed deer bound through dappled sunlight, sure-footed bighorn sheep navigate rocky cliffs, while overhead, peregrine falcons slice through the air and bald eagles soar on thermal currents.
Geological RegionGrizzly Creek Campground sits at the heart of the Black Hills National Forest's most spectacular geological showcase, where millions of years of earth's artistry are on full display. Dramatic granite formations thrust skyward from pine-covered slopes, their faces carved by eons of wind and weather into fantastic shapes. Deep canyons slice through the landscape, revealing layers of geological history, while hidden gulches harbor secret waterfalls and pristine pools. The campground's proximity to the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve ensures pristine wilderness surrounds you, while nearby Black Elk Wilderness – South Dakota's only designated wilderness area – offers intrepid hikers the chance to experience the Black Hills as the Lakota have known them for centuries. Crystal-clear streams weave through the terrain, feeding mysterious blue lakes and creating a network of life that sustains this remarkable ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, accessible drinking water, and accessible vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeSites are described as reasonably sized, with specific mentions of spacious and large sites like #19. "Site #19 was sizeable and right next to the creek," commented one reviewer.
Sites PrivacySite privacy varies; some are closer to neighbors while others are more secluded. "Site 19 was nice and private," noted one user, while another mentioned, "Site 15 only has neighbors across from it but not on the sides."
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite-specific highlights include Site #19 for large, private space near the creek and Site #13 for convenience to bathrooms and creek access.
Best CampsitesSite #19 is noted for its privacy, size, proximity to the creek, and suitability for families. Site #13 is also highly rated for its shade and proximity to amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM local time
Check-out
11:00 AM local time
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site unspecified.
Groups
Details about group camping are not explicitly provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTent-only sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are well spaced but not entirely private. Hosts are located nearby.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 21 to September 7, 2025. Peak season ends September 7, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website and app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or changed ahead of the arrival date, subject to a $10 change fee or cancellation fee. Late cancellations (within one day of scheduled check-in) also forfeit the first-night fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Grizzly Creek Primitive campground offers a variety of recreational activities, leveraging its proximity to Black Hills attractions. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. "Definitely make the trip up the valley to see the bridges and tunnels," recommended one reviewer.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound, including trails leading to Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point east of the Rockies, and the Grizzly Falls hike from the campsite: "The hike to Grizzly Falls is worth the effort," and "Definitely make the trip up the valley to see the bridges and tunnels."Fishing
Fishing opportunities exist in nearby streams and creeks within Black Hills National Forest. Details about the types of fish or specific fishing locations are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is possible on nearby trails in Black Hills National Forest. No specific trail details are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species. "A herd of deer was just hanging around the campground," noted one camper.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling in Black Hills National Forest.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings; firewood available for $8 per bundle.
- Quiet hours enforced after 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep terrain, thunderstorms, and wildlife such as bears. Vault toilets may emit strong odors, as noted by user reviews.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.8 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
Nearest hospital: Rapid City Regional Hospital (~25 miles); emergency services also available in Keystone (~2 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities details are not explicitly provided. Camp hosts are praised for maintaining cleanliness across the campground.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Grizzly Creek with easy access. A hike to Grizzly Falls is recommended; wear hiking sandals for creek crossings.
Common complaintsHelicopter noise is mentioned frequently, especially during daytime hours. Vault toilets have strong odors despite regular cleaning. Motorcycle noise increases during events like Sturgis.
HostCamp hosts Jim and June are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge about the area. Others have noted occasional disputes over dog policies and lighting.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc P.O. Box 1168 Hill City, SD 57745 USA
Driving directionsFrom Keystone, South Dakota, take Route 16A west 1.9 miles to campground on the right.
Vehicles up to 24 feet maximum are allowed, but tight, sharp turns prohibit towing vehicles, including trailers, fifth-wheels, motorhomes pulling vehicles, and pop-up campers. No overflow parking available.Nearby places
Keystone (approx. 2 miles), Hill City (~10 miles), Rapid City (~25 miles), Custer (~25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Keystone (~2 miles). Larger stores and services in Hill City (~10 miles) and Rapid City (~25 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.6
61 reviews
Grizzly Creek Primitive is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Most users praise the campground's cleanliness, helpful camp hosts, and proximity to Black Hills attractions. Some complaints focus on helicopter noise and aggressive behavior by certain camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 61 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, attentive camp hosts, and proximity to Mount Rushmore and other attractions. "Site #19 was clean, sizeable, and private," commented...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints frequently mention noise from helicopter tours and motorcycles, and occasional issues with camp hosts being overly strict. "Helicopter noise was deafening for almost the entire weekend,"...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend staying at spacious and private sites such as #19. "If you go, make sure to wear hiking sandals for all the creek crossings," noted a reviewer.
Based on 61 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Noise levels from helicopters and motorcycles tend to increase during summer and holiday weekends. Winter activities are highlighted as peaceful and less crowded.
Based on 61 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Site #19 was sizeable and right next to the creek." - Kim C
"The camp host was amazing!" - Amber T
"Helicopter noise was deafening for almost the entire weekend." - Karissa L
Based on 61 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #19 is frequently praised for its size and privacy: "My husband and I had site #19 and it was the best campsite ever. Nice and private and very large." Site #13 is noted for its proximity to...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features such as drinking water and vault toilets are appreciated. "Accessible drinking water and vault toilets are available," noted one reviewer.
Based on 61 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed for a fee, but users recommend keeping them leashed at all times. "The camp host gave us a warning for having dogs off-leash before I even had my tent out of the car," shared one...
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Last updated August 10, 2025