§ 02 — 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.
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.
Cottonwood Springs Campground features 17 primitive campsites with no water or electric hook-ups. Amenities like potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are provided to help increase camping experience. A camp host is also on site to greet visitors and help with any questions they may have. Access to Cottonwood Springs Lake is only a mile drive from the campground. The boat ramp at the lake is steep, limiting the size of the boat being able to be put in and no gas motors are permitted. Picnic shelters, grills, potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are also located near the lake.
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.
§ 04 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 05 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 06—09 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 07 — REVIEWS
§ 08 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 09 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
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 Contact Info This location is staffed. Please call (605) 745-5476 to speak with local staff.
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.
RV Information
Up to 67 ft
Maximum RV Length
Trailers up to 67 ft
17 sites with electric
§ 03 — TRAILS NEARBY
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
Trip Reports
0 reports
§ 01 — VITALS
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Sun
72°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
6 to 15 mph N
Mon
72°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
2 to 13 mph SE
Tue
73°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
3 to 14 mph NE
Wed
72°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
3 to 14 mph E
Thu
75°F
Chance Rain Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
6 to 14 mph E
Fri
84°F
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
3 to 13 mph SE
Sat
91°F
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
5 to 14 mph W
