South Dakota
Black Hills National Forest Oreville Gulch Dispersed Sites
Dispersed Camping
Oreville Gulch follows an old mining drainage with a dozen informal sites scattered along the creek bottom. Towering ponderosa pines provide decent shade, and the creek runs most of the year. Sites range from RV-friendly creek-side spots to smaller tent sites tucked into side draws. Popular with ATV groups on weekends during summer.
Forest Road access gets rocky and rutted in places but passable for most high-clearance vehicles. Fire restrictions common July-September. Watch for old mining debris and prospect holes — this area saw heavy activity in the 1870s gold rush.
Creek-side sites in historic mining gulch
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Hill City, South Dakota |
| Miles from pavement | 12.7 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 15 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | May-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Shade |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |