Overview Dalton Lake Campground sits next to the 2.8 acre Dalton Lake and offers nearby access to fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and a variety of motorized recreation opportunities. Explore the dozens of miles of nearby trails or simply relax and enjoy the lake and nearby Little Elk Creek. The campground off…
Overview Dalton Lake Campground sits next to the 2.8 acre Dalton Lake and offers nearby access to fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and a variety of motorized recreation opportunities. Explore the dozens of miles of nearby trails or simply relax and enjoy the lake and nearby Little Elk Creek. The campground offers 11 sites and a picnic area nestled into the Ponderosa Pines of the Northern Black Hills. Whether you are looking to take some time to relax or looking for an adventure, the seclusion of Dalton Lake Campground offers an ideal experience for almost any explorer. Recreation Dalton Lake Campground provides extensive opportunities for access to outdoor recreation. Try fishing from the several piers surrounding Dalton lake, explore a portion of the 111 mile Centennial trail that runs adjacent to the campground or hop on your dirt bike, ATV or side by side to adventure through the dozens of nearby OHV trails. Facilities • Standard Nonelectric Campsites • Restrooms • Group Picnic Shelter Natural Features Dalton Lake Campground sits at just under 4,400 feet elevation and is surrounded by tall peaks and beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest. Little Elk Creek feeds into Dalton lake and continues it’s meandering journey through large boulders and winding canyons east toward Piedmont, South Dakota. The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. Contact Info Between 05/16/2026 and 09/30/2026 this location is staffed. Please call (605) 872-7869 to speak with local staff. From 10/01/2026 to 05/14/2027 this location is unstaffed. Please call (605) 642-4622 for general information.
Photos
Group Shelter — US Forest ServiceCampground Aerial Map — US Forest ServiceGroup Shelter — US Forest ServicePicnic Area — US Forest ServiceDalton Lake Campground Map — US Forest ServicePaved Path — US Forest ServiceDalton Lake — US Forest ServiceMilddle of Dalton Lake — US Forest Service
How to Get There
From Sturgis, I-90 exit 32 take Vanocker Canyon Hwy south for approximately 12.5 miles to Dalton Lake Road. Dalton lake is a gravel road. Take Dalton Lake Road east for 3.7 miles to Dalton Lake Campground. The Campground and lake will be on the left-hand side of the road.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Dalton Lake Campground
Heading to Dalton Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Dalton Lake Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Dalton Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/271434) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Dalton Lake Campground?
From Sturgis, I-90 exit 32 take Vanocker Canyon Hwy south for approximately 12.5 miles to Dalton Lake Road. Dalton lake is a gravel road. Take Dalton Lake Road east for 3.7 miles to Dalton Lake Campground. The Campground and lake will be on the left-hand side of the road.
