Hanna Campground
4.5631 reviewsHanna Campground, South Dakota
Hanna Campground
$18.00 - $21.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
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 fee is $21.50 per night for single-unit sites. During some user reviews, $18 per night was mentioned with an additional $2 per pet, per day fee.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Spearfish Canyon, Hanna Campground offers an intimate escape where the gentle murmur of Spearfish Creek provides nature's soundtrack to your stay. This hidden gem features just 13 sites during peak season, creating an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion that larger campgrounds simply can't match. For the adventurous souls seeking year-round wilderness experiences, walk-in tent sites remain accessible even when winter blankets the surrounding pine-covered peaks. The campground sprawls across a picturesque meadow, where wildflowers dance in summer breezes and towering mountains stand sentinel on all sides.
Hanna Campground offers primitive tent camping and combined use sites. It is suited for campers seeking a rugged and natural experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular campground remains unwritten, the surrounding Spearfish Canyon has long served as a corridor for travelers, wildlife, and water carving its patient path through ancient limestone walls.
Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here plays by its own rules, keeping campers on their toes with its mercurial moods. Even in the height of summer, temperatures can plummet as evening shadows creep across the canyon walls, transforming warm afternoons into crisp nights that demand cozy sleeping bags and campfire stories. Experienced visitors know to pack layers and warm gear regardless of the forecast—Mother Nature loves to surprise guests at 5,600 feet with sudden temperature swings that can turn a balmy day into a chilly adventure.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above sea level, Hanna Campground offers a natural air conditioning system that provides blessed relief from summer's heat. At this elevation, the air carries a crisp clarity that sharpens the senses—pine scents seem stronger, stars shine brighter, and morning coffee tastes infinitely better. The altitude creates a refreshing microclimate where afternoon temperatures remain comfortable even when the valleys below swelter.
Natural Features and SceneryThe crystalline waters of Spearfish Creek serve as the campground's centerpiece, its gentle babbling creating a natural white noise machine that lulls campers to sleep. Majestic spruce sentinels line the creek banks, their evergreen boughs providing shade and shelter for both campers and the diverse wildlife that call this canyon home. Beyond the immediate campground, dense forests of ponderosa pine carpet the surrounding mountainsides, creating a verdant amphitheater that frames every sunrise and sunset in spectacular fashion.
Geological RegionNestled within the renowned Spearfish Canyon management area, Hanna Campground sits at the intersection of geological wonder and natural beauty. The canyon itself tells a story written in stone—layers of ancient sediment exposed by millions of years of patient erosion. Pine-covered mountains rise dramatically from the canyon floor, their slopes adorned with a tapestry of evergreens that shift from deep emerald to sage depending on the play of light and shadow. The spruce-lined corridor of Spearfish Creek has carved this remarkable landscape over millennia, creating a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a sanctuary for those seeking communion with nature.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. The walk-in tent sites may be challenging for individuals with mobility restrictions.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized for either tent camping or combined use. Specific measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe walk-in tent sites offer more privacy due to their location in mature spruce trees, while combined sites in the meadow are more open.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers recommended arriving early afternoon to secure creek-adjacent spots. Additionally, sites with more shade were preferred during summer.
Best CampsitesSites near the creek were highly recommended. Site #12 and #1 were specifically praised by users for their proximity to water and cleanliness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits per site are not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
Group sites are available, offering ample space and proximity to the stream for large parties. No specific capacity limits are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThere are two sections to the campground: one open meadow with spruce trees and another walk-in tent area. Each site offers a picnic table and grill.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round; however, specific sections close during the off-season. The open season for all sections is May 18 through September 10.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted. Sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Users have mentioned arriving early afternoon to secure better sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available. All sites are first-come, first-served.
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
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers several activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, and nature exploration. The nearby Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway provides additional opportunities for adventure.
Hiking
Hanna Campground has a 1-mile moderate nature loop trail with an overlook nearby. It is suitable for casual hikers and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest.Fishing
Fishing is available in the creek, which flows adjacent to the campground. Common catches include rainbow, brook, and brown trout.Biking
While there are no dedicated biking trails, the nearby forest road is suitable for biking, as mentioned in user reviews.Wildlife viewing
The serene environment and proximity to Spearfish Creek make it an excellent location for observing local wildlife, including birds and small mammals.Winter Activities
Winter activities include sledding, as noted in a user review.Water Sports
No water sports are available at Hanna Campground due to the lack of suitable water bodies.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but may be restricted during certain seasons. Specific fire policies were not elaborated.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned in the source data.
Hazards
General hazardsThe campground is situated close to a creek, and campers noted that fallen trees may block some trails occasionally. Wildlife such as trout was observed in Spearfish Creek.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.2 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
Northern Hills Ranger District Office, located at 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783. Contact: (605) 642-4622, operational Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 18 to September 10.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but no explicit mention of recycling options. Users should pack out recyclables if needed.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Spearfish Creek, which offers opportunities for fishing rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
Common complaintsSome campers noted occasional noise from ATVs passing nearby. Others indicated the lack of water availability and vault toilets as minor drawbacks.
HostThe camp host was described as helpful and friendly. One user noted that hosts may have Tuesdays and Thursdays off, while others praised the camp host for starting fires for campers.
Campground Map
Hanna Campground, South Dakota
Driving directionsFrom Lead, SD, take US Highway 85 south 7.6 miles to Hanna Campground sign (just beyond Cheyenne Crossing). Turn left at the sign and go 2.2 miles to the campground.
The access road is described as gravel and is open year-round for walk-in tent sites. However, the drive-in section is closed during the off-season.Nearby places
Lead (approximately 9.8 miles, 15-20 minutes), Cheyenne Crossing (approximately 2.2 miles, 5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Limited groceries and gas are available at Cheyenne Crossing, north of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
31 reviews
Hanna Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The majority of user reviews highlight Hanna Campground's scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient location near Spearfish Canyon. Common praises include the sound of the creek, clean facilities, and friendly camp hosts. Negative remarks mention occasional noise from ATVs and limited privacy in the combined sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the serene environment ('Beautiful place to camp if you are in the area' - Vikram Chhatre), proximity to Spearfish Canyon ('Minutes from Spearfish Canyon' - Vikram Chhatre),...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Occasional noise from ATVs ('Only drawback was the noise from all the ATVs that went past several times a day' - Rachel Seeman) and limited privacy in some sites ('One acre to stuff everyone together...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring warm sleeping bags for colder nights, even during summer ('Bring a warm sleeping bag and/or an extra blanket as it can get cold even in summer' - Vikram Chhatre). Arrive early in the day for...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends indicate colder nights even in summer. Winter sledding is a possibility, and the campground remains open year-round for tent camping.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Wonderful small campgrounds. Spent a night here a few years ago. If you love the sound of a babbling brook, this is the campground for you!' - Big Beautiful Traveling; 'Stayed here week before rally...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is praised for its cleanliness and proximity to the stream ('Site #1 was clean and right next to stream.' - MJS). Site #12 offers scenic views and proximity to the stream, as noted in several...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly; however, the walk-in tent sites may present challenges for individuals with mobility restrictions.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with a $2 per pet, per day fee. Several users found the area suitable for pets ('Stayed here with my 5 boys, they were able to explore and have fun.' - Surrounded by Boys (Angie)).
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025