Keyhole State Park Guide

Updated on Mar 19, 2019

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Introduction

Keyhole State Park is a perfect getaway for RV campers, nature seekers, and vacationers on the western end of the Black Hills in Crook County. Built on Keyhole Reservoir, the park perfectly centers the gigantic water body of up to 14,720 acres. Keyhole Reservoir is the park’s source of water recreation offering a swimming beach, five boat ramps, and some heart-satisfying fishing. For a minimal fee, you can enjoy a plethora of recreational activities, beautiful sunrises, jaw-dropping sunsets, spectacular rock formations, and some heart-satisfying camping. Ten RV and tent campgrounds are scattered in the park’s massive 15,890 acres. Tatanka Campground is an RV camping haven with 32 electric and water hookup sites, a picnic shelter, an ADA accessible restroom with showers, and a group campsite.

The name of the park bears an interesting history. It was the name of a livestock brand operated by two brothers who constructed a ranch in the park’s territory. The park offers every recreation that you can expect to find in a state park. From hiking, horseback riding, horseshoeing to swimming, boating, and birdwatching, you will be amazed at the variety of amusement offered at the park. The park has pleasant weather from spring to fall, ideal for some memorable RV camping with friends and families. If you bring your camper in the winter thee park offers ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

RV Rentals in Keyhole State Park

Travel Lite Trail Cruiser

spearfish, SD

$150 / Night

2016 Forest River Heritage Glen Lite

Rapid City, SD

$112 / Night

2016 Starcraft AR-ONE: Full-size Camping, Tiny Footprint, Family-Approved!

Custer, SD

$140 / Night

2016 Forest River Surveyor

Hot Springs, SD

$165 / Night

2019 Grand Design Imagine 3170BH

Hot Springs, SD

Transportation in Keyhole State Park

Driving

Keyhole State Park is located off I-90 on a scenic location between the towns of Sundance and Moorcroft, on the western end of the Black Hills around Keyhole Reservoir. If you are visiting during the winter, seasonal road closures due to black ice and rock falls may force you to find alternative routes. The authorities may restrict driving RVs on the roads during winters.

The park is massive mainly because the Keyhole Resorvor is massive, encompassing 13,700 acres. You're going to have to drive greater distances to get from one side of the park to the other. The roads are generally wide, but a few roads are a little narrow for big rigs. Dust is also problematic on the roads. There is sufficient parking in the park at campgrounds, park entrance, and visitors centers. Overflow parking is facilitated, and towed parking is also available.

Parking

Public Transport

Campgrounds and parking in Keyhole State Park

Campsites in Keyhole State Park

Reservations camping

Devils Tower / Black Hills KOA

Explore the beautiful foothills of Wyoming with one of the most notable national landmarks in the country. Devils Tower is America’s first national monument and the surrounding rivers, hills, and local ranches add a unique variety to your stay. While at Devils Tower/Black Hills KOA, check out the local history, enjoy fishing and water recreation, or hike some dynamic trails. This campground features sites for RVs up to 100 feet, 50-amp electrical service, Wi-Fi, a snack bar, a pool, and more to provide a relaxing stay.

Tatanka Campground

Tatanka Campground is one of the park’s ten campgrounds. It is the only campground in the park featuring sites with electric and water hookups which can also be reserved in advance during the peak camping season. Electric hookups are available year-round whereas water hookups are seasonal.

A dump station is available near the park headquarters at the park entrance. The campsites are level, and a combination of asphalt, sand, and gravel. There is no RV length limit. Plus your family pets are welcome to join your during your stay.

A campsite can only be reserved for 14 consecutive days within 30 days. Reservations cannot be made more than four months in advance. Camping is offered year-round. All other campgrounds feature first-come, first-served campsites.

First-come first-served

Other RV Campgrounds

Nine other campgrounds offer year-round RV camping on a first-come, first-served basis. No electric or water hookup sites are available. Restrooms are available in all campgrounds.

Arch Rock Campground offers 13 RV and tent sites.

Beach Area Campground offers six campsites for RV and tent campers.

Cottonwood Campground also features a playground with swings and slides and a reservable picnic shelter.

Homestead Campground has 35 sites, three of which are also pull-through.

Rocky Point Campground features 12 RV and tent sites. Pats Point offers 20 RV and tent campsites.

Pat’s Point also has a few campsites, a reservable and two non-reservable picnic shelter.

Wind Creek Campground is among the smallest with just four RV and tent sites.

Coulter Bay offers a few non-reservable tent and RV sites alongside a picnic shelter available on first come first serve.

Pronghorn features a nice, little playground with a few RV and tent sites.

Alternate camping

Seasonal activities in Keyhole State Park

In-Season

Outdoor Picnicking

If you love picnics, you will be drawn to the park’s fancy picnic setup. The park has several picnic tables scattered all over the park. There are three picnic shelters perfect for a company picnic, friends gathering, or some quality with family. These shelters are reservable and provide electricity. Complimentary fire rings and grills are offered with picnic sites. Sporty picnickers can also enjoy a game of either geocaching or horseshoeing to add more excitement to their picnic party.

Hiking and Horseback Riding

If you are looking forward to some hiking at Keyhole State Park, you will be delighted to know the park offers not one but two hiking trails. The trails differ in difficulty allowing both novices and experts to enjoy the pleasures of hiking. Novices will love the one-and-a-half-mile-long Marina Trail. Another, more challenging one, is a nearly three-mile trail that will get the attention of expert hikers.

If you are a horse lover, three horse corrals are waiting for your horses at Keyhole State Park. Make your horses are a part of your RV vacation no matter what time of the year you visit. You can ride your horse on a scenic trail just behind the corrals.

Water Recreation

Upon visiting the Keyhole Reservoir at Keyhole State Park, you will be delighted to discover all the available water recreation. From fishing to boating and from water skiing to swimming, there is something for everyone.

Game species such as walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, drum fish, and catfish will compel you to take out your fishing equipment and get set angling. There are five boating ramps on the reservoir to launch your boats for either fishing or boating. A marina sells fishing and boating equipment nearby. There is also a swimming beach for those who want to get drenched in the water. Water skiing and jet skiing is also offered to make sure your RV camping is a vacation spent well.

Off-Season

Birding and Wildlife Viewing

Keyhole State Park offers some spectacular birdwatching, so keep your binoculars ready. The park has nearly 225 bird species migrating into or inhabiting the park during winters. You will most likely catch a glimpse of Bald Eagles, Red Crossbills, and White and Red Breasted Nuthatches. Waterfowls are also among the park’s abundant bird populations. You may also set your eyes on antelopes and turkeys while driving in your RV or observing nature from a quiet corner of the park.

Winter Recreation

If you are planning a winter RV camping trip, don’t think twice. Winter is vibrant with a number of exciting activities. The park’s winter recreation features cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. We bet your winter RV camping will not have a single dull moment. The park’s winter offerings begin with the first snowfall, usually in October. You can enjoy winter-specific recreation at the park typically until April or even May.

Ice Fishing

When Keyhole Reservoir wraps under a sheet of ice, it becomes an excellent ice fishing destination. Keyhole State Park is reputed to offer one of the best ice fishing spots in the entire state of Wyoming. Winter is when you crave a nicely cooked, spicy fish the most. How exciting it will be to catch a nice, fatty fish for your next holiday dinner at Keyhole State Park? Don’t leave your fishing equipment behind when bringing your RV or campervan to Keyhole State Park.

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