Black Hills National Forest Gillette Prairie Dispersed Area

This high prairie meadow sits at 5,800 feet on the edge of Black Hills National Forest, offering expansive dispersed camping in open grassland dotted with scattered ponderosa pine. The area can handle large RVs and provides 360-degree views of the Black Hills ridgelines. Popular with elk hunters in fall and astronomy enthusiasts year-round due to minimal light pollution.

Access via Forest Road 231 off Highway 385 south of Hill City — well-maintained gravel suitable for any vehicle. Sites are essentially choose-your-own-adventure across the prairie, though established fire rings mark the most popular spots. Water and firewood must be hauled in. Area may close during extreme fire danger.

High prairie camping with Black Hills panoramas