An essential part of our adventuring has been taking advantage of dispersed camping opportunities. We knew that there were plenty of forest roads to find places to camp in the Black Hills National Forest. We had picked up a forest motorized vehicle map for the Mystic Ranger District.
After our first night at a paid Black Hills National Forest campground adjacent to Custer State Park, we planned on heading out into the forest.
Miss #1
Our first attempt came with a temporary roadblock of cattle. (Warning: vegan mini rant follows) In my opinion, it is unfortunate that cattle are allowed to roam free on public land at a meager cost($1.35 – $22.50 depending on the state per animal per month) to people who profit from their murder. According to an informational board at a stop in the Black Hills National Forest, there are over 22,000 cattle grazing there. We can camp for free, yes, but make zero money from it. I could go on, but will end my mini rant there.
After the herd moved along, we continued, eventually finding the (almost) perfect spot. No one else was around, and the views were fantastic.
Unfortunately, as we surveyed the area, we noticed plenty of cow patties and flies.
That killed it for us, and we searched for another place to camp. As we drove around looking for the forest service roads we saw on the map, all we came across were residential streets. We decided at that point to head to a less expensive forest service campground and stay for five nights while we explored Custer State Park.
Miss #2
After leaving Custer State Park, we headed toward Deadwood and some potential dispersed camping spots. We drove up the forest service road, and after passing occupied campsites, we came to a road crew blocking our way forward. I found another route to get to the other side, and on our way out, we passed a couple in a jeep headed the way we had come. I theorized they would ask the crew if they could pass and take the last remaining spot.
Driving through Deadwood, a tourist trap of a town if I ever saw one, we passed that same couple coming from the road we were about to take. They confirmed that there were no dispersed campsites available, so we went back to the drawing board.
Hit #1
Consulting an app I use to find free camping, we headed towards Spearfish and, hopefully, better luck.
And luck, we did find. A serene spot away from everyone off a road lined with wild daisies and other wildflowers.
We also saw a rainbow after the every other day thunderstorm we’ve had since entering South Dakota and a beautiful sunset. We stayed for only two nights but would return and stay longer.
Hit #2
After leaving Spearfish Canyon, we headed to Wyoming. There is Black Hills National Forest not too far from the South Dakota border. We were going to camp at a forest service pay campground near Sundance, but we decided to explore first. We passed the campground and continued up the road until we saw an offshoot of the main road. Pulling in, we saw a van and then a trailer. Just a little further up the rocky 4WD-worthy road, we came to the end at the top of the hill. It was the best dispersed camping spot yet. Beautiful views through the trees of Ragged Top Peak, fields of wildflowers surrounding us, and a copse of quaking aspens.
I got a little artsy with the sunset photos here.
We enjoyed the time we spent in The Black Hills. There is still so much to see and hiking trails to hike that we’ll be back. Longer next time. Poppy had a blast, but the road is calling.
WanderLyd 