Cottonwood Springs Campground

Located just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Cottonwood Springs Campground is a quiet, peaceful campground tucked away in the southern Black Hills. It offers beautiful scenic views within a short walk of each campsite. The campground has 17 primitive campsites with no water or electric hookups. Potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are provided, and a camp host is on site to greet visitors and answer questions. Cottonwood Springs Lake is a mile's drive away; the boat ramp there is steep, limiting boat size, and no gas motors are permitted. Picnic shelters, grills, potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are also located near the lake. While Cottonwood Springs Lake is small, it provides a quiet opportunity to wet a line and possibly catch a largemouth 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 leash. Other popular pursuits include picnicking, 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. Construction of Cottonwood Springs Dam began in 1968 and was completed in 1969. Although the dam was originally built for flood control, it created a park of roughly 600 acres of public land and water that benefits both the public and wildlife. Once here you will see how the rugged hills and evergreen trees create a picturesque site. 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, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial.