Timon Campground
4.6914 reviews2014 N. Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783
Timon Campground
$24.00 - $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
The campground charges $24.00 per night for a site.
About this campground
Nestled in the enchanting Little Spearfish Canyon, Timon Campground beckons adventurers with its intimate collection of seven pristine campsites. Here, where Little Spearfish Creek whispers through the valley and towering limestone cliffs paint dramatic backdrops against the sky, you'll discover a true backcountry escape. The nearby Little Spearfish Trailhead serves as your gateway to miles of breathtaking hiking adventures. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this rustic gem embraces simplicity—bring your own water and prepare for an authentic wilderness experience that reconnects you with nature's raw beauty.
Timon Campground is a primitive camping site offering seven first-come, first-served campsites. It caters to both tent campers and small RVs or trailers, though larger RVs may encounter difficulty maneuvering within the site.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Timon Campground remains as quiet as its peaceful surroundings, the land itself tells ancient stories through its limestone cliffs and weathered forests, inviting visitors to create their own lasting memories in this timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at Timon Campground, where nature showcases her full repertoire throughout the year. Winter transforms the canyon into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures plunging below 20°F and weekly snowfalls of up to 3 inches creating a pristine white canvas. As daylight hours grow precious, the campground takes on an intimate, hushed quality perfect for those seeking solitude. Come summer, the canyon awakens with warmth and light—temperatures climb to a comfortable 70°F, while crystal-clear skies dominate up to 88% of the time. Long, golden days stretch well into evening, offering endless opportunities for exploration and stargazing beneath the expansive South Dakota sky.
ElevationTucked away in the Black Hills' varied terrain, Timon Campground sits at an elevation that creates the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where Little Spearfish Creek carves its gentle path through a landscape of stunning contrasts. Ancient limestone cliffs rise majestically from the canyon floor, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. A diverse tapestry of forest surrounds you—stately ponderosa pines fill the air with their vanilla-scented bark, while quaking aspens shimmer like nature's wind chimes, their leaves dancing in every breeze. Delicate paper birch trees add splashes of white against the darker conifers, creating a photographer's paradise where every turn reveals a new composition of color, texture, and light.
Geological RegionTimon Campground claims its home in the geological wonderland of Little Spearfish Canyon, a hidden jewel within the greater Black Hills National Forest. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's architectural prowess through its commanding limestone cliffs—ancient seafloor sediments lifted skyward and carved by eons of wind and water. The canyon cradles Little Spearfish Creek, whose patient flow continues to shape this dynamic environment. Here, the botanical diversity mirrors the geological richness, with ponderosa pine forests giving way to groves of quaking aspen and elegant paper birch, each species perfectly adapted to their niche in this complex ecosystem. This convergence of rock, water, and forest creates a camping destination that feels both intimate and grand, offering visitors a front-row seat to the ongoing story of the American West's geological heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed accessibility features were mentioned in the provided sources.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as generally level and suitable for both tents and smaller pull-behind campers. Specific site dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a secluded and quiet atmosphere, with several reviews highlighting the privacy of the individual sites.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #1 is praised for its location and features. RV sites are limited to spaces accommodating smaller vehicles, and travelers with RVs over 30 feet may face challenges.
Best CampsitesSite #1 is highly recommended for its proximity to Little Spearfish Creek (about 20 feet away) and a clearing for tents.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified.
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a circular road layout with seven individual sites.
Open and Closed SeasonNo explicit seasonal availability is mentioned, though user reviews suggest water availability is seasonal.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Multiple user reviews confirm this availability.
Cancellation PolicyThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Timon Campground provides a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, emphasizing hiking and nature appreciation. The nearby Little Spearfish Trail, a non-motorized 6-mile loop, is a key attraction for hiking enthusiasts, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife viewing and enjoying the tranquil creekside location are popular activities. However, no fishing, swimming, or boating activities are explicitly described at this site.
Hiking
The Little Spearfish Trail, located near the campground, is a non-motorized 6-mile loop featuring terrain surrounded by ponderosa pine, quaking aspen, and paper birch. This trail provides stunning views of limestone cliffs and is a highlight for visitors.Wildlife viewing
The campground's remote and natural setting makes it ideal for observing local wildlife, although no specific species are highlighted in the sources.Winter Activities
During colder months, campers may experience snow at the campground, but specific winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are not described.Water Sports
No water sport activities are available at this location.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available at campsites for campfires.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water is available. RVs over 30 feet may struggle to turn around the campground’s circular road. ATVs frequently use the road near the campground during daylight hours.
Active alertsNo active warnings or alerts have been mentioned.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.7 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, 2014 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783, Phone: (605) 642-4622. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly noted, but summer months appear to be popular based on user reviews.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities at this campground. Campers must pack out all trash, including pet waste, as noted by several user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Little Spearfish Creek.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews point out issues with tent campers occupying RV sites despite open tent sites. Lack of potable water and garbage bins are other recurring concerns.
HostA concessionaire manages the campground and has been praised for maintaining clean facilities.
Campground Map
2014 N. Main Street Spearfish, SD 57783
Driving directionsTo access the Timon Campground from Spearfish, travel south on US Highway 14A to Savoy, then turn right or west onto FSR 222, the Roughlock Falls Road. Travel approximately 3.5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via a dirt road (FSR 222, Roughlock Falls Road) approximately 3.5 miles from US Highway 14A. Some reviews mention challenges navigating the circle-shaped road within the campground for RVs or travel trailers over 30 feet in length.Nearby places
Spearfish is the closest city. Other nearby population centers and their distances are null.
Nearby supplies
Spearfish is nearby for essential supplies, groceries, and fuel. Specific distances or facilities are not detailed.
Camper Reviews
4.7
14 reviews
Timon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Timon Campground receives positive feedback for its scenic location and well-maintained facilities. Visitors frequently emphasize its quiet, secluded nature and proximity to hiking trails. Negative comments focus on the lack of amenities such as water, trash facilities, and the limited availability of RV-accessible sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the campground's peaceful and scenic setting, with highlights including the nearby creek, level and spacious campsites, and the proximity to Little Spearfish Trail. The clean vault...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water and trash facilities are common drawbacks mentioned in reviews. The campground's small size and limited RV site availability (with only three RV-suitable sites) were also...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and trash bags, as potable water and trash disposal facilities are not available. RV users are advised to ensure their vehicles are under 30 feet in length...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summertime reviews highlight the campground's popularity and ease of securing a site despite a first-come, first-served policy. Visitors in the off-season note the absence of water services and...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Nothing fancy here but by far the best campsite I stayed at during my vacation." - David G. "Nice little campground. Concessionaire evidently puts 'rental' docs on the site posts. Makes it look like...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is noted as an excellent choice due to its proximity to the creek and a clearing among the trees for tents. The campground layout generally supports small RVs and tents, with a few complaints...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not specifically addressed in the reviews or provided source materials.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet-related policies and features are not specifically mentioned, though campers are reminded to pack out pet waste due to the lack of trash facilities.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025