Reuter Campground
4.3284 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Reuter Campground
$10.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Fees range from $10 during the offseason to $22 during peak season. Additional charges include $2 per pet per night and fees for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Black Hills National Forest, Reuter Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles providing the soundtrack to your stay. This rustic haven serves as your gateway to the legendary Sundance Trail System, where countless outdoor adventures await. Just a scenic drive away, the iconic Devils Tower rises from the Wyoming plains, adding an element of geological wonder to your Black Hills experience.
Reuter Campground offers a mix of tent and RV camping options with primitive facilities. Some sites are reservable while others are first-come, first-served.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests on ground rich with frontier history, bearing the name of Emil Reuter, a determined German immigrant who searched these hills for fortune in 1893. The surrounding Sundance Trail System tells even older stories—these pathways have connected communities and carried dreamers since the 1800s, when prospectors, outlaws, and pioneers carved their legends into the landscape. Today, you follow in their footsteps, creating your own Black Hills adventure.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings sun-dappled warmth perfect for hiking and exploration, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland that may limit access but rewards the intrepid with serene beauty. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing streams, creating ideal conditions for those seeking solitude without summer's bustling energy. Autumn paints the understory in golden hues as crisp air and gentle breezes make for spectacular camping conditions—and you'll likely have the trails mostly to yourself.
ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevations of the Black Hills' mountainous terrain, Reuter Campground offers that perfect high-country atmosphere where the air feels cleaner, the stars shine brighter, and morning mist dances through the pine valleys below. This mountain setting provides natural air conditioning during summer months and that distinctive thin-air experience that makes every breath feel more purposeful.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the bugle of elk echoing through cathedral-like stands of Ponderosa pine, where sunlight filters through the canopy to illuminate a soft, grassy understory perfect for morning yoga or evening stargazing. The rugged rock formations of the Bearlodge Mountains create a dramatic backdrop, their ancient faces telling stories millions of years in the making. Keep your camera ready—wild turkeys often parade through camp, while deer graze peacefully in nearby meadows, reminding you that you're a guest in their mountain home.
Geological RegionThe Bearlodge Mountains cradle Reuter Campground in a landscape where geology becomes art. These ancient peaks, part of the greater Black Hills National Forest, showcase nature's sculptural prowess through weathered rock formations that punctuate dense forests of aromatic Ponderosa pine. Beneath your feet, grassy meadows carpet the forest floor, creating perfect natural clearings where the rugged meets the serene—a testament to millions of years of geological patience that has crafted one of America's most distinctive mountain landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed in official sources or reviews.
Sites SizeCampsites are a mix of sizes, with some suitable for small tents and others accommodating RVs up to approximately 40 feet. Larger sites include Site 21 and Site 24.
Sites PrivacySites are well-spaced for privacy, as noted by several users. Some sites are more secluded while others, like Site 3, are closer to the road.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites like 1 or 24 for larger rigs. Tent campers may prefer sites in quieter sections of the campground.
Best CampsitesSite 24 provides scenic views but has a steep drop-off. Site 1 is spacious and ideal for large motorhomes. Site 20 is praised for privacy and proximity to trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at noon.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11 a.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of two vehicles per site.
Groups
No specific group camping sites or policies are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two loops with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open and reservable from May 21 to September 7 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the facility directly.
Walk-in AvailabilityNon-reservable sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately half of the sites are dedicated to this type of availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed with a $10 fee if made before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Reuter Campground is a great base for outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, and birding. The nearby Sundance Trail System is a highlight with its scenic trails offering views of Custer Expedition Route, Devils Tower, and Twin Missouri Buttes. Winter recreation like snowshoeing and skiing is also popular.
Hiking
The Sundance Trail System is accessible from the campground, featuring trails through dense forests and open ridges. Trails are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.Biking
Mountain biking is available on the Sundance Trail System, though specific trail details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as elk, deer, and turkeys can be spotted in the area. Bird species include bald eagles and hawks.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling within the Black Hills National Forest.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, or other non-motorized water sports are not applicable as no water bodies are mentioned near the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available at all sites, but burn bans are occasionally enforced.
- Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsCampers have noted difficult leveling for large rigs and occasional noise from logging trucks. Burn bans may apply seasonally.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 emergency services include the hospital and police in Sundance, approximately 4 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21 to September 7.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct water features nearby, but potable water spigots are available within the campground.
Common complaintsNoise from logging trucks and generators, unlevel sites for RVs, and sanitation issues such as untended vault toilets.
HostFriendly hosts are often praised for their helpfulness and hospitality, but occasional absences have been noted.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsTo access the Reuter Campground from Sundance, travel west on US Highway 90 for approximately 1 mile. Turn off the interstate at Exit 185 and travel west on US Highway 14 for 1 mile. Turn right, or north, onto County Road 100 (FSR 838) and travel 3 miles to the campground.
The access roads are paved up to the campground, making it feasible for larger campers. However, narrow sections once inside may make it challenging for big rigs.Nearby places
Sundance (approximately 4 miles north), Devils Tower (approximately 30 miles west)
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, fuel, and supplies are available in Sundance, about 4 miles north.
Camper Reviews
4.3
84 reviews
Reuter Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reuter Campground is praised for its scenic location, privacy, and proximity to attractions like Devils Tower. Common complaints include unlevel sites for RVs, generator noise, and occasional maintenance lapses.
Review Summaries
Based on 84 reviews
What Campers Love
- Scenic and peaceful surroundings with Ponderosa pines
- Friendly and helpful camp hosts (e.g., Laura)
- Well-maintained vault toilets (in some periods)
- Proximity to Devils Tower and Sundance
-...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Unlevel sites making it challenging for RVs
- Generator noise disrupting quiet hours
- Maintenance issues such as unclean fire pits and vault toilets during busy times
- Additional pet fees and...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring a step stool for RVs due to unlevel sites
- Site 24 is noted for its view but has a steep drop-off
- Purchase firewood on-site from the camp host for $6/bundle
Based on 84 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the beauty and convenience but note increased maintenance issues due to higher usage. Winter visits are quieter but lack water access.
Based on 84 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is a beautiful campground. The sites are well spaced so you are not on top of your neighbors.' - Felicia Marsh
2. 'The camp host Laura was fabulous. She has us laughing with her stories and...
Based on 84 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 1: Large enough for a 40-foot RV (Colleen F.)
- Site 24: Scenic but steep drop-off (Loren K.)
- Site 21: Noted for space and host proximity (Kimball L.)
Based on 84 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 84 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet owners note a $2 fee per pet and express concerns about previous users not cleaning up after their pets.
Based on 84 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025