Keystone, South Dakota · Pennington County · Campground
Overview This campground lies beneath a canopy of oak and Ponderosa pine on the banks of Grizzly Creek. The site has retained much of its original Civilian Conservation Corps character, and offers visitors recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Located along the Iron Mountain Road, it is between Moun…
Overview This campground lies beneath a canopy of oak and Ponderosa pine on the banks of Grizzly Creek. The site has retained much of its original Civilian Conservation Corps character, and offers visitors recreation and relaxation in Black Hills National Forest. Located along the Iron Mountain Road, it is between Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Custer State Park.A pavillion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps still stands and is available for use by campers. Recreation Black Hills National Forest offers visitors a multitude of recreational opportunites throughout all seasons. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn. The winter landscape is ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. From a nearby trailhead, visitors can access the Centennial Trail and parts of the Black Elk Wilderness and Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. Trails weave through the wilderness for a primitive, non-motorized recreation experience. For those seeking higher elevations, a day-long trek to the summit of nearby Black Elk Peak is worth the effort. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Most of the summit is bare granite and offers expansive views of the surrounding area. An old stone tower (Harney Lookout Tower) at the top, once used as a fire lookout, is still open to hikers.Facilities Due to tight, sharp turns, towing vehicles is prohibited in this campground. This includes vehicles pulling trailers and fifth-wheels, motorhomes pulling vehicles, and vehicles pulling pop-up campers. Vehicles up to 24 feet maximum are allowed. No overflow parking available. The campground has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. Firewood is available for a fee. Natural Features Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres
Photos
Recycling — USFS1930's stone shelter pavilion — USFS1930's stone bathhouse — USFSPicnic Table Area — USFSTrash — USFSMain Entrance Sign — USFSToilet — USFSInside look at shelter pavilion — USFS
How to Get There
From Keystone, South Dakota, take Route 16A west 1.9 miles to campground on the right.
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 Grizzly Bear Campground
Heading to Grizzly Bear 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 Grizzly Bear Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Grizzly Bear Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233921) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Grizzly Bear Campground?
Grizzly Bear Campground has 20 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Grizzly Bear Campground?
From Keystone, South Dakota, take Route 16A west 1.9 miles to campground on the right.
