Cottonwood Springs Campground campground
HOT SPRINGS, South Dakota

Cottonwood Springs Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
18 campsites
Open in maps

18

Total Campsites

Campground

17

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Cottonwood Springs Campground

Overview Located just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, SD is a hidden gem of a campground. Cottonwood Springs Campground is a quiet, peaceful campground tucked away in the southern part of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It offers beautiful scenic views within a short walk of each campsite. Recreation While Cottonwood Springs Lake is a small lake, it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. The non-motorized gravel path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or for letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota. Facilities While Cottonwood Springs Lake is a small lake, it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a large mouth bass, rainbow trout, or various pan fish. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or any other small non-gas motorized boat can commonly be seen on the lake. The non-motorized gravel path in the wildlife area is a great spot for a short hike or for letting pets enjoy being off a leash. Other popular outdoor recreational opportunities include picnicking, playing at the playground, wildlife viewing, photography, and archery hunting. Archery hunting is permitted in designated areas only and both hunting and fishing regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota. Natural Features Located in the Southern Black Hills of South Dakota, construction of Cottonwood Springs Dam began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Cottonwood Springs Dam began construction in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it has created a park with approximately 600 acres of public lands and water that provides a variety of benefits to both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills and evergreen trees create a picturesque site. contact_info For local information, please call (605) 745-5476 or call (605) 450-8000 for general information. Nearby Attractions Popular nearby attractions include: Wind Cave National Park Black Hills National Forest The Mammoth Site Evans Plunge Buffalo Gap National Grassland Jewel Cave National Monument Badlands National Park Custer State Park Crazy Horse Memorial Mount Rushmore National Memorial Charges & Cancellations Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies .

  • 18 total campsites listed.
  • 17 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (17).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Cottonwood Springs Campground photo 2
Cottonwood Springs Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Cottonwood Springs Campground special

Cottonwood Springs Campground is a hidden gem tucked into the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, just five miles west of Hot Springs. The 18 non-electric sites are set in a quiet, wooded valley where the pace slows to match the gentle current of Cottonwood Springs Lake. The small lake supports largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and panfish, and canoe and kayak access is easy from the shoreline. Scenic views are within a short walk of every campsite, and the surrounding ponderosa pine forest provides shade and a pleasant aroma on warm days. Despite its peaceful setting, the campground puts you within easy reach of the southern Black Hills'' major draws: Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, and the Mammoth Site are all close by. The town of Hot Springs offers supplies, dining, and the Evans Plunge natural warm-water swimming pool. Fall brings golden cottonwood color to the valley and cool, comfortable camping temperatures. The campground is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the summer season.

Campsite Inventory

18 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

17total sites

17

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

CAMPFIRE RINGS

Campfire Rings

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

04:00 PM

Check-out time

04:00 PM

Driveway entry

Back-in

Driveway length (ft)

38, 47, 49, 50

Max guests

8

Max vehicle length (ft)

38, 47, 48, 49

Minimum guests

Yes

PAVED PARKING

Paved Parking

Pets allowed

Yes

Picnic Table

Picnic Table

RV PARKING

RV Parking

Shade

Shade

Site Access

Drive In

Site length (ft)

38, 47, 48, 49

Site width (ft)

11

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

605-745-5476. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 877-444-6777.

Getting There

From Rapid City, SD take US-79 S, turn right onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on Couny Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.  From Chadron, NE take US-385 N, turn left onto US-18 W/US-385N, turn left onto US-18 BYP, turn left onto US-18W, take a right on County Road 17/Memorial Road, stay to the left as the road Y's staying on County Road 17 and then enter Cottonwood Springs by taking a right at the gate.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Cottonwood Springs Campground.

How do reservations work for Cottonwood Springs Campground?

Reservation availability for Cottonwood Springs Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Cottonwood Springs Campground?

Cottonwood Springs Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (17), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Cottonwood Springs Campground located?

Cottonwood Springs Campground is in South Dakota near HOT SPRINGS. Coordinates: 43.4393, -103.5726.

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