Steamboat Recreation Area
Woven into the rugged limestone canyons of the Black Hills, Steamboat Recreation Area offers a serene escape where the scent of Ponderosa Pine meets the gentle rush of Boxelder Creek. Massive rock cliffs tower over quiet, shaded sites, creating a natural cathedral for those seeking a quiet detour from the typical frenzied pace. 10 Sites are spread across the recreation area, offering two large group tent site areas and eight other more intimate tent-only campsites.
More like this: reservable in South Dakota · tent only in South Dakota · pets allowed in South Dakota
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Tent-only | 10 |
Site guide
10 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 02 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 03 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 04 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 05 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 06 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 07 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | Yes |
| 08 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 09 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes | |
| 10 | Gravel | None | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | $18.00 / night |
| Accessibility | Site 07 is listed accessible |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Rapid City, take South Canyon Road west to Nemo Road. Take Nemo Road 11 miles Northwest for 11 miles. Steamboat Recreation Area will be on the right side of the road.
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 44.06° N, 103.74° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Explore
Video
Campground Review || Steamboat Park Campground || Full Time RV Living
Recreation
Nearby recreation opportunities include an extensive network of OHV trails that can be accessed just a few miles from recreation area. The Centennial Trail can be accessed via the Blue Draw Trailhead (4.3 miles away) or Pilot Knob Trailhead (6.3 miles away).
Guidebooks for South Dakota and camping across the country
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Steamboat Recreation Area?
Sites at Steamboat Recreation Area are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Steamboat Recreation Area?
$18.00 / night
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Steamboat Recreation Area?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Steamboat Recreation Area have?
10 sites, including 10 tent-only sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Steamboat Recreation Area?
Steamboat Recreation Area is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Steamboat Recreation Area?
Yes, pets are allowed at Steamboat Recreation Area. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Steamboat Recreation Area?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Steamboat Recreation Area?
Site 07 is listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Steamboat Recreation Area?
Nearby recreation opportunities include an extensive network of OHV trails that can be accessed just a few miles from recreation area. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation