Mount Rushmore and Devil's Tower

Travel
1

Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land offers free, primitive camping with minimal amenities, ideal for those seeking a rustic experience between Devils Tower National Monument, WY, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD. Below is a concise list of notable BLM dispersed camping options in the region, based on available information. Note that these sites are typically remote, lack facilities like water or toilets, and require you to pack in/pack out all supplies. Always verify road conditions and land status before camping, as regulations can change.

BLM Dispersed Camping Options

  1. Storm Hill BLM Land Dispersed Site

    • Location: Near Devils Tower, WY, off Mt. Roosevelt Road.
    • Description: Offers a clear view of Devils Tower, ideal for photography. Minimal light pollution makes it great for stargazing.
    • Access: Accessible via dirt roads; high-clearance vehicles recommended.
    • Amenities: None; bring water, portable toilet, and fire ring if needed.
    • Notes: Popular spot, rated 4.6 stars on TheDyrt.com from 14 reviews. Arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
    • Distance: ~10-15 miles from Devils Tower; ~100 miles to Mount Rushmore.

  2. Hartman Rock Dispersed Site

    • Location: Near Devils Tower, WY, in the Black Hills area.
    • Description: Peaceful with stunning sunset views. Surrounded by natural landscapes, suitable for tent camping.
    • Access: Dirt roads; 4WD may be needed in wet conditions.
    • Amenities: None; fully primitive.
    • Notes: Quiet and less crowded than Storm Hill. Check for fire restrictions.
    • Distance: ~15-20 miles from Devils Tower; ~95-100 miles to Mount Rushmore.

  3. Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    • Location: Near Deadwood, SD, closer to the Black Hills.
    • Description: Multiple pull-off sites along Mt. Roosevelt Road, near the Roosevelt Friendship Tower trail. Great for hiking and stargazing.
    • Access: Easy access from CanAm Hwy; gravel roads suitable for most vehicles.
    • Amenities: None; some sites have fire rings from prior campers.
    • Notes: Some road noise during the day but quiet at night. Close to Deadwood and Spearfish for supplies.
    • Distance: ~30 miles from Devils Tower; ~60-70 miles to Mount Rushmore.

  4. Sand Creek Public Access West Oxbow Dispersed Camping

    • Location: Near Devils Tower, WY, along Sand Creek.
    • Description: Scenic area with open spaces, good for small groups. Wildlife sightings (e.g., deer) common.
    • Access: Dirt roads; arrive early as spots fill up quickly on weekends.
    • Amenities: None; primitive camping.
    • Notes: Limited spots; plan to scout during daylight.
    • Distance: ~20 miles from Devils Tower; ~90-100 miles to Mount Rushmore.

  5. Hanna Road Dispersed Camp

    • Location: Near Devils Tower, WY, off Hanna Road.
    • Description: Secluded spots away from main roads, ideal for those seeking solitude.
    • Access: Rougher dirt roads; high-clearance or 4WD vehicles advised.
    • Amenities: None; bring all supplies.
    • Notes: Less frequented, offering a more isolated experience. Verify BLM boundaries to avoid private land.
    • Distance: ~15-25 miles from Devils Tower; ~95-105 miles to Mount Rushmore.

Key Considerations

  • Regulations: BLM dispersed camping allows stays up to 14 days in a 28-day period. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, avoid damaging vegetation, and respect wildlife.
  • Road Conditions: Many sites require gravel or dirt road access. Check weather forecasts, as rain can make roads muddy or impassable.
  • Supplies: No water, restrooms, or trash services. Bring ample water (1 gallon/person/day), a portable toilet, and sturdy trash bags.
  • Fire Safety: Check for fire bans, especially in summer. Use existing fire rings if available, and fully extinguish fires.
  • Navigation: Cell service can be spotty. Download offline maps (e.g., Gaia GPS) or use apps like TheDyrt.com for coordinates.
  • Proximity: Most BLM sites are closer to Devils Tower than Mount Rushmore due to more public land in WY. For sites closer to Mount Rushmore, consider Black Hills National Forest dispersed camping (not BLM), though it has stricter regulations.

Alternatives

If BLM dispersed camping feels too remote, consider:

  • Belle Fourche River Campground (Devils Tower National Monument): First-come, first-served, $20/night, 46 sites, potable water, and restrooms. ~100 miles to Mount Rushmore.
  • Spearfish City Campground (Spearfish, SD): Full hookups, ~$30-50/night, centrally located. ~50 miles to Mount Rushmore, ~30 miles to Devils Tower.
  • Black Hills National Forest: Offers dispersed camping with some restrictions; check with the local ranger district for designated sites.

Recommendations

For a balance of proximity and experience, Storm Hill or Mount Roosevelt Road are top choices due to their accessibility and views. Scout sites early in the day, especially in summer. If you prefer solitude, try Hanna Road. Always have a backup plan, as popular spots fill up fast. For real-time updates, check TheDyrt.com or contact the BLM Newcastle Field Office (307-746-6600) for current conditions.

If you need specific directions or have details about your vehicle (e.g., 4WD, RV size), let me know, and I can refine the recommendations!