Rod & Gun Campground
4.1823 reviewsNorthern Hills Ranger District, 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783
Rod & Gun Campground
$18.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Fee ranges from $18 to $24 per night based on user reviews and authoritative sources. Self-pay system, cash or check required.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Spearfish Canyon, Rod & Gun Campground offers an intimate escape into the Black Hills National Forest. This charming primitive campground features seven secluded sites where the gentle sounds of Little Spearfish Creek provide a natural soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. With essential amenities including vault toilets and fresh hand-pump water, you'll find the perfect balance between rustic camping and basic comfort.
Rod & Gun Campground offers primitive camping in a scenic setting, suitable for tent campers and small to medium-sized RVs or trailers.
Historical SignificanceStep into cinematic history at this remarkable location, where Academy Award-winning 'Dances with Wolves' brought the American frontier to life on the silver screen. The nearby film site invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends while experiencing the timeless beauty that captured director Kevin Costner's imagination.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Black Hills, where winter blankets the canyon in pristine snow and creates a wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring melts into summer, the campground becomes a cool refuge with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration. Late summer brings lush humidity from the creek, creating a verdant microclimate that occasionally attracts nature's smaller residents—so pack your bug spray for those August evenings.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the dramatic landscape where towering limestone cliffs rise majestically from the canyon floor, creating a natural cathedral of stone and shadow. Little Spearfish Creek winds gracefully through your campsite, its crystal-clear waters carving through ancient rock while providing a refreshing backdrop for morning coffee or evening stargazing. Scenic trails beckoning from your tent door lead to hidden waterfalls, panoramic vistas, and intimate encounters with the canyon's diverse ecosystem.
Geological RegionNestled within the ancient geological wonderland of the Black Hills National Forest, Rod & Gun Campground sits in the spectacular Spearfish Canyon—a natural masterpiece carved over millions of years. Here, where Little Spearfish Creek continues its patient work of sculpting limestone and sandstone, you'll camp amidst some of the most stunning geological formations in the American West.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the data.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as small and most suitable for tents, though RVs and trailers under 25 feet can find space. Larger RVs (over 30 feet) may have difficulties maneuvering and turning around, as noted in user reviews.
Sites PrivacySeveral reviews highlight a lack of privacy between sites and from the nearby road. One user described the location as 'offering no privacy either from the Forest Service road nor other campers.'
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid August for camping due to humidity and bugs. Campsite #7 is ideal for creek-side relaxation.
Best CampsitesCampsite #7 is frequently praised for its location next to the creek and peaceful ambiance. User review: 'Fell asleep each night to the sound of the water and cool air.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
None explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Enough room for two larger tents and one smaller tent at some sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSmall campground with seven sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground's proximity to Little Spearfish Creek and its location in Spearfish Canyon offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the tranquility of the creek.
Hiking
The Rimrock hiking trail passes through the campground, offering stunning views and scenery. It is described as an 'awesome hike' by reviewers.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the creek adjacent to the campground. Trout pools are specifically mentioned by one reviewer.Wildlife viewing
The quiet setting and proximity to nature make the campground a good spot for observing local wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter use is not explicitly noted, but the availability of vault toilets and year-round access may allow for primitive camping during colder seasons.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- User reviews confirm fire pits are available. Firewood is not sold on site; bring your own.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsHumidity and bugs are concerns during August. Limited shade at some campsites. User reviews mention proximity to roads and construction noise.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.3 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
Closest emergency service is the Northern Hills Ranger District, located at 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 (approx. 15 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo trash and recycling services are available on-site; campers are advised to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Little Spearfish Creek, with easy access for fishing and hiking along the creek.
Common complaints'Complaints include limited shade at some sites, noise from nearby roads and construction, lack of privacy, and absence of potable water or trash disposal.'
HostUser reviews mention a friendly host named Blake who is helpful and 'super nice.'
Campground Map
Northern Hills Ranger District, 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783
Driving directionsFrom US Highway 14 A at Savoy take Forest Service Road 222 or Roughlock Falls road to the east. Campground is approximately 2.5 miles.
The campground is accessed via Forest Service Road 222 or Roughlock Falls road, approximately 2.5 miles from US Highway 14 A at Savoy.Nearby places
Spearfish (approx. 15 miles, 20 minutes driving), Deadwood (approx. 25 miles, 30 minutes driving), Rapid City (approx. 50 miles, 1 hour driving)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are located in Spearfish, approximately 15 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.2
23 reviews
Rod & Gun Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, proximity to Little Spearfish Creek, and suitability for primitive camping. However, complaints focus on the lack of amenities such as potable water, trash services, and privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciate the campground's serene environment, the sound of the creek, and its location near hiking trails and natural attractions. Site #7 is especially praised for its creekside...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water, no trash services, minimal privacy, and limited shade at some sites. One user criticized the $18-$24 nightly fee as 'obscene' given the lack of...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including water and trash bags. Choosing site #7 is suggested for its proximity to the creek. Visitors are also advised to have cash or checks for...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews point out issues with bugs and humidity, while general reviews note shade availability varies by site.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful campground, peaceful. We were in site #7 which is situated next to the creek." "Campsite 7 is probably the best site." "$18/night tent camping with no trash nor clean water is obscene."...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #7 is widely regarded as the best site due to its location by the creek. Site #6 is noted as being hard to access for larger trailers.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not specifically addressed in the reviews.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but one review mentions a pet fee and the lack of provided poop bags.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025