Timon Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Northern Black Hills, Timon Campground is the ultimate "hidden gem" for campers seeking a primitive, serene escape from the crowds. Located just 3.4 miles west of the iconic Savoy and Spearfish Canyon, this small campground offers a front-row seat to some of the Northern Hills' best recreation opportunities. The Little Spearfish Trail, a 7-mile loop, begins right next to the campground. It winds through ponderosa pines and birch thickets, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience while still being close to the activities of Spearfish Canyon. The Rim Rock Trail is made up of two loops, one of which originates just west of the campground; they ascend the steep limestone canyons adjacent to Spearfish Canyon and descend next to the tranquil Little Spearfish Creek, meandering through everything from dense vegetation near the canyon floor to dispersed ponderosa pines near the canyon rim. The Roughlock Falls and Spearfish Falls trails, maintained by the State of South Dakota, offer stunning views of both falls. Roughlock Falls trail meanders approximately 1.8 miles along Little Spearfish Creek, with spectacular views of Spearfish Canyon and the surrounding Black Hills National Forest. Spearfish Falls Trail is an approximately 0.7-mile out-and-back that descends through the hillside foliage of the canyon to the base of the waterfall, crossing the rushing Spearfish Creek and passing through stately ponderosa pine and Black Hills spruce before emerging into a beautiful opening at the base of the falls. The Tinton Trail covers approximately 46 miles, traveling from near Rod & Gun campground at its southern-most point all the way to the town of Spearfish to the north. Built and maintained by the Ridge Riders of the Black Hills for the Dakota 50 mountain bike race hosted each Labor Day, it is open to a variety of users and includes portions of the Old Baldy, Rim Rock and Big Hill trails. The Old Baldy Trail itself is a 5.7-mile loop with a 0.7-mile spur leading to the summit of Old Baldy Mountain; a portion is shared with the Tinton Trail continuing north, and it links to the Rim Rock Trail to the southeast. It is open to hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders, and is reached by an approximately 2.5-mile drive to the Old Baldy Trailhead. Nearby attractions include Roughlock Falls, Little Spearfish Falls and Spearfish Canyon, all accessible during the summer season via the gravel Forest Road 222, approximately 4.5 miles east of the campground. The campground is also approximately 8 miles from Iron Creek Lake, which can be reached via Forest Service gravel roads during the summer season.