Rocky Point Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
Rocky Point Recreation Area is located in the western part of the state of South Dakota within Butte County. It is built around the Belle Fourche Reservoir, which was formed with the construction of the Orman Dam. This dam, built in 1911, was once the largest earthen dam in the world and has been designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
When you come to Rocky Point Recreation Area in your rig you will find plenty of activities to keep you busy. The recreation area features an archery range, and you can take part in activities such as horseshoes and volleyball in the day-use area. On the water, you can enjoy swimming in the Belle Fourche Reservoir. The recreation area also allows boating on the 8,000 acre reservoir, so you can make sure to bring whatever you need for water sports. If you want a slower pace, why not bring your fishing rod and enjoy fishing in the water?
There are plenty of camping spaces at Rocky Point Recreation Area, and they can hold RVs and camping trailers up to 65 feet in length, so you should have no trouble getting a space to suit you. The park also offers cabins for rent and spaces for tent camping, so there is plenty of variety to be had.
RV Rentals in Rocky Point Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
Rocky Point Recreation Area is located in Butte County, South Dakota, in the western region of the state. It is situated off of Fisherman's Road, on the shores of the Belle Fourche Reservoir. While the park is open throughout the year, limited spaces and facilities are open during the winter months, from October to April. More care than usual should be exercised if traveling here during the winter months due to the severity of the winter weather.
When you get to Rocky Point Recreation Area, you will need to check in and find your camping site. The campsites are located around multiple camping loops and a straight stretch of roadway, which makes navigating it a little more difficult. All of the sites are located near the water, so you'll have a nice view but you don't want to get lost.
You can bring your boat to Rocky Point Recreation Area, and there are multiple boat ramps, including a low-water ramp. The sites for camping trailers and RVs are predominantly back-in, rather than pull-through. You should also be aware that day-use visitors come to the area to enjoy the reservoir, so you may have some competition for parking spaces in other areas than your campsite.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Rocky Point Recreation Area
Campsites in Rocky Point Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Spearfish / Black Hills KOA
With easy access to trout fishing on Spearfish Creek and perfectly situated to visit Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, Crazy Horse National Monument, the old west town of Deadwood, Mount Rushmore and Devils Tower, Spearfish/Black Hills KOA is the perfect place to bring your RV and experience this beautiful area of the country. Relax in the seasonal heated pool and enjoy the evening ice cream socials (all you can eat!). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park, and the campground features a brand new sparkling bathroom, private showers and laundry facilities. There’s even a park for your pooch!
RV Camping at Rocky Point Recreation Area
Rocky Point Recreation Area has cabins for rent that you can reserve in advance, as well as an assortment of tent camping and RV accommodation sites. Some of the RV campsites offer electrical hookups, although none offer water or sewage hookups. There is a dump station for sanitary waste in the campground. In addition to the regular sites, some of the campsites are designated for group camping and some are ADA-accessible.
You can bring your pets, and the park features a dog park for your pampered pooch to enjoy while you are camping in the park. There is a picnic pavilion on site, as well as a playground if your children are not enjoy swimming and water sports while you are at the recreation area. The park also features flush toilets and showers, so you can rinse off after a day of fun. There are game checkouts available at the recreation area, as well as volleyball and horseshoe areas, so you can compete against your friends and family.
Seasonal activities in Rocky Point Recreation Area
Off-Season
Visiting the Dam
Make sure that you take time during your trip to appreciate the manmade wonder that is the Orman Dam after you have parked your RV at your campsite. Constructed in 1911, its original use was to hold water for agricultural uses. At that time in history, the dam was the largest earthen dam in the entire world. It earned its designation as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1989. It's a sight to behold.
Viewing Wildlife
Pack your binoculars when you come to Rocky Point Recreation Area with your camping trailer or RV. You might also want to bring a camera to take pictures and document the wildlife you see. When the Belle Fourche Reservoir was constructed, the Belle Fourche Wildlife Refuge was established. In addition to watching birds of prey around the lake, you might spot a variety of mammals from squirrels to elk living in the area when you come to explore.
Picnicking
When you enjoy your time at Rocky Point Recreation Area, one of the activities that you can do to relax is enjoy a good picnic. Each of the camping sites has a picnic table and fire ring that you can enjoy. If that is not exciting enough for you, pack a blanket in your camping trailer and sit down by the water for a meal or two, allowing you to watch the boats, swimmers and wildlife in the area from the comfort of your seated position.
In-Season
Swimming
Pack your swimming trunks or bathing suit and whatever else you need in your RV when you travel to Rocky Point Recreation Area during the summer months to enjoy a cooling splash in the reservoir's cool waters. Many locals have the same idea, so you might be able to make new friends while you are enjoying the recreation area's beach. The swimming area is distanced from the boat launching sites and near many of the campsites.
Boating
Enjoy a variety of water sports on the Belle Fourche Reservoir when you come to Rocky Point Recreation Area, so make sure you bring your boat in your camper. In addition to powered boats, many people enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the water. There are two boat launching ramps, as well as a low water ramp in the park, so none of the camping locations is too far away from a boating site, although some are noticeably closer than others.
Fishing
Bring your fishing rod and tackle in your RV when you come to Rocky Point Recreation Area. On the 8,000-acre reservoir, you can find a variety of excellent fishing, which is evidenced by the sheer number of locals who come to also enjoy the recreation area during the summer. You will need a valid South Dakota fishing license if you plan to fish in the area, which you can get before your trip online.
