The town of Lead, South Dakota, surrounded by the forest and rolling terrain of the Black Hills, makes a great base camp from which to explore the area. You'll find hiking, biking, fishing and golfing close to Lead. When you're ready to relax, several private and a national forest campgrounds give you options on where to spend the night.
About the Area
The old mining town of Lead is located in the Black Hills area of South Dakota, northwest of Rapid City. The towns of Spearfish, Sturgis and Deadwood are only a few minutes away. Mount Rushmore, Devil Tower and Wind Cave are all located in the area. Lead lies at the junctions of Highways 14 and 85 just south of Interstate Highway 90.
Planning Your Trip
If you plan to fish, you'll need to buy a South Dakota state fishing license, available at sporting goods stores or bait and tackle shops in Lead. Groceries and last-minute camping supplies are available in Lead or in the larger nearby town of Deadwood.
Private Campgrounds
Several private campgrounds offer RV and tent camping, including Chris' Camp. For on-site recreation, enjoy the large pool with a slide, a basketball court and a children's playground and petting zoo. RV sites offer full hookups. Amenities include a bathhouse with restrooms, a picnic pavilion, free wireless Internet access, laundry room and campground store.
Recreational Springs Resort also offers RV and tent campsites set in the trees. The RV sites offer full hookups; tent sites do not. Amenities include a shower house with restrooms and an on-site restaurant. The campground boasts close access to hiking and exploring several waterfalls, including Spearfish Falls, which is 10 miles away and Roughlock Falls, located 12 miles away. You can also fish in nearby Spearfish Creek, about five miles from the campground.
National Forest Camping
The Black Hills National Forest offers a campground located close to Lead. Hanna Campground offers campsites set in the spruce forest along East Spearfish Creek. The campground, open year-round, offers tent and RV sites, but no hookups. RVs that can fit the 55-foot-long site are welcome. Some of the campsites require a short walk from a general parking area. Amenities include a water spigot and vault toilets. You can wade in the creek, fish for rainbow, brook and brown trout, or hike the one-mile nature trail around the campground for exercise.
Activities
Enjoy biking on the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Hiking and Biking Trail. You can access the gently sloping trail in Lead. The trail includes more than 100 converted railroad bridges and several tunnels. Hikers and bikers are both welcome on the trail. Fishing for trout in nearby Spearfish Canyon is popular. Golfing enthusiasts will want to head to the full-service, nine-hole Lead Country Club for a round.
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