Sheridan North Cove Grp Cg

Sheridan North Cove Group Campground, in a forest of Ponderosa pine, is along the north shore of Sheridan Lake. This is an ideal setting for large groups and gatherings. Lake views and access to a multitude of recreational opportunities both on land and water draw guests to this part of Black Hills National Forest. Located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, Black Hills National Forest encompasses nearly 1.25 million acres of rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes and unique caves. Derived from the Lakota language, the words "Paha Sapa," meaning "hills that are black," honor the dark, pine-covered hills rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie. Wildlife abounds: bighorn sheep navigate mountainous terrain, while elk, deer and pronghorn gather in forests and prairies. Bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine falcon and hundreds of other bird species can be found in the forest, especially along streams, lakes and rivers. Hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and riding off-highway vehicles are popular in summer and early autumn, while winter landscapes are ideal for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The Dakota Point Trailhead for the popular Centennial Trail is located on the northeast side of Sheridan Lake, as is the Calumet Trailhead for the Flume Trail. At 11 miles plus a 3-mile loop, the Flume Trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its historical significance to the local people: the Rockerville Flume carried water 20 miles, from Spring Creek west of present-day Sheridan Lake, east to the placer diggings near Rockerville. The flume operated until 1885, and the trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length, passing historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself. Sheridan Lake is an ideal spot for fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing, and supports populations of rainbow and brown trout, northern pike and perch. Fly fishing is popular in Spring Creek below the dam, and ice fishing is popular on the lake in winter. The campground has 5 group sites able to accommodate tents, trailers and RVs, several with views of the lake. Each campsite has picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets and drinking water. Electrical hook-ups are not available. The north shore has a marina with boat slip rental, groceries and fishing supplies, and a large swimming beach, a picnic area and a boat launch are also on-site. Fishing piers are located in various areas around the lake. Nearby Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world at 159.29 miles, featuring sparkling calcite crystals and other rare formations, as well as some of the largest concentrations of passageways in the world. Other possible day trips include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Monument, Devils Tower National Monument and Wind Cave National Park.