Roubaix Lake
4.3777 reviewsForest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Roubaix Lake
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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
Standard nonelectric, tent-only nonelectric, and RV nonelectric sites cost $28 per night during peak season (May 21 - September 7, 2025).
About this campground
Escape to Roubaix Lake Campground, where towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral at 5,500 feet elevation. This mountain sanctuary offers four distinct camping loops, each thoughtfully designed to maximize privacy while many sites reward visitors with stunning lake vistas. Whether you're casting a line into the tranquil waters, taking a refreshing swim, or paddling across the mirror-like surface in your kayak or canoe, this non-motorized lake paradise promises the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
Roubaix Lake Campground offers non-electric camping options suitable for tents, RVs, and groups.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Roubaix Lake places you at the crossroads of American history. Just minutes away, the legendary town of Deadwood beckons with its authentic Wild West charm, where historic saloons still echo with tales of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. This National Historic Landmark offers gaming, entertainment, and a genuine taste of frontier life. When you're ready for more adventure, the iconic faces of Mount Rushmore await less than an hour's scenic drive through the stunning Black Hills.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's perfect climate at elevation, where summer days reach a comfortable 80 degrees while the pine-scented mountain air keeps nights refreshingly cool. Late spring and early summer bring dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that roll across the Black Hills, painting spectacular skies and filling the air with the fresh scent of rain on pine needles. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a golden tapestry, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking true solitude.
ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet above sea level, Roubaix Lake Campground offers a natural respite from summer's heat. This mountain elevation creates an ideal microclimate where warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights, and the thin mountain air seems to make colors more vivid and scents more intense. It's high enough to escape the valley heat but perfectly positioned for comfortable camping throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking tapestry of the Black Hills, where ancient Ponderosa pines stand sentinel over a landscape carved by time. The campground's jewel is its intimate lake, a hidden gem embraced by forest that reflects the sky like a secret mirror. Around every bend, discover the dramatic contrasts that make this region extraordinary – from weathered granite spires and mysterious rock formations to hidden meadows where wildflowers dance in the breeze. Gentle streams whisper through the valleys, creating a natural soundtrack for your mountain retreat.
Geological RegionWelcome to the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, a geological wonderland where ancient forces sculpted a masterpiece of stone and forest. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in granite spires and limestone caves, where rugged canyons slice through forested mountains and hidden gulches reveal sparkling streams. Expansive grassland parks open like windows between the trees, while deep blue lakes rest like sapphires in their forest settings. Here, 1.2 million acres of public land preserve one of America's most diverse and dramatic geological regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible campsites, accessible drinking water, accessible vault toilets, and accessible walkways are available.
Sites SizeCampsites come in various sizes. Some sites are spacious enough for larger campers or toy haulers, while others are smaller but private. One user noted site 048-D can accommodate two tents, one large and one small.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is known for its spacious sites, with many offering ample privacy. One user mentioned, "Sites are a comfortable distance between each other," while others noted that some areas had closely spaced sites.
Total Campsites60 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop A is recommended for privacy and shade. Loops C and D are busier but offer proximity to trails and the lake.
Best CampsitesSites in Loop A are noted for privacy and proximity to the lake. Sites 001, 005, and 013 received positive reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time starts at noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per individual site is not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative data.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour loops (A, B, C, D) with well-spaced sites. Loop A offers quiet and shade; Loops C and D are busier.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21, 2025, to September 7, 2025, during peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites available on a first-come, first-served basis outside reservation periods. Popularity suggests early arrival is recommended.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to the day before check-in for individual campsites, with a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled late. No refunds for weather-related events.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Roubaix Lake offers a diverse range of activities, including swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. The lake is ideal for brook and rainbow trout fishing, and a one-mile multi-use trail leads to a broader network of trails.
Hiking
The campground features a one-mile multi-use trail connecting to a network of other trails. "Short hikes to the lake and other paths" are highlights for visitors.Fishing
Fishing at Roubaix Lake is highly praised, with users catching brook and rainbow trout. "Great little lake. Caught some rainbow trout, about 16 inches a piece," said one camper. The lake is periodically stocked with fish.Swimming
The campground has a swim beach that is popular among families. "Great for families to swim," noted a user.Biking
Mountain bikers have access to trails directly from the campground. "We enjoyed mountain biking," noted one reviewer.Boating
Non-motorized boating, including canoeing and kayaking, is popular on the small lake. Paddleboarding is also a commonly enjoyed activity.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant, with one visitor mentioning the presence of "lots of wildlife" at the campground.Beach activities
The small swim beach is a highlight for families, offering sunbathing and water activities.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking are popular among campers.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Guests are encouraged to obtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Quiet hours are Generators must be turned off by 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bees and geese may pose hazards. Thunderstorms and lightning are common in late spring and early summer.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
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: 7.8 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
Deadwood Regional Hospital (15 miles, 25 minutes); Police station in Deadwood, SD.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 7, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are present, but there were complaints about overflowing dumpsters during peak season.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Roubaix Lake, which is ideal for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsComplaints include noisy ATV traffic, dusty trails, lack of camping host availability, and issues with restroom cleanliness.
HostCamp hosts are generally described as friendly and helpful, although some guests reported negative interactions.
Campground Map
Forest Recreation Management, Inc, P.O. Box 1168, Hill City, SD, 57745, USA
Driving directionsLocated on the north side of Roubaix Lake. From Rapid City, South Dakota, take Highway 385 north, then take Forest Road 255 to the campground.
Accessible year-round via paved and forest roads. Highway 385 provides easy access, but Forest Road 255 may require caution in wet or snowy conditions.Nearby places
Deadwood, SD (15 miles, 25 minutes)
Rapid City, SD (35 miles, 50 minutes)
Hill City, SD (30 miles, 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Deadwood, SD (15 miles) offers groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and restaurants.
Camper Reviews
4.4
77 reviews
Roubaix Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed reviews. While many praised the peaceful environment, spacious sites, and friendly hosts, some noted issues with cleanliness, bugs, and noise from off-road vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 77 reviews
What Campers Love
"Beautiful campground," "peaceful," "great location," and "friendly hosts." Activities like fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding were frequently praised.
Based on 77 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include "vault toilets that are stinky," "overflowing dumpsters," "bugs," and "noise from off-road vehicles." Some also disliked the lack of cell service.
Based on 77 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Choose sites away from the lake or in loop A for more privacy. Bring extra water if you have an RV since hookups are not available. Avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter experience.
Based on 77 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming and fishing being highlights. Heat waves can occur, but the shaded campsites remain cooler. Complaints about bugs and noise increase...
Based on 77 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great little lake. Caught some rainbow trout, about 16 inches a piece." - Jason Giecek. "Beautiful, spacious campsites in a picturesque wooded national forest." - Shannon P. "Lots of bugs! We chose...
Based on 77 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 005, Loop A: Described as gorgeous with lake access. Site 013, Loop B: Noted for shade and cleanliness. Site 048, Loop D: Spacious but with issues related to water spigots and camp host rules.
Based on 77 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and water spigots are available, but some reviewers noted uneven terrain around facilities.
Based on 77 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there is a $2 per pet per night fee. Some complaints about off-leash dogs were mentioned.
Based on 77 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025