Cottonwood Springs Lake - COE/Cottonwood Springs Campground

Overview

Cottonwood Springs Campground offers a peaceful retreat centered around a serene no-wake lake. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this destination provides a rustic, nature-focused alternative to the busier commercial parks found throughout the Black Hills region. It is a place where the gentle rustle of prairie grass and the call of local waterfowl take precedence over highway noise, offering travelers a true sense of South Dakota’s quiet beauty and solitude.

Location & Surroundings

Tucked away just five miles west of Hot Springs, SD, the park sits within a rugged landscape characterized by rolling hills and pine-dotted ridges. The campground overlooks the 40-acre Cottonwood Springs Lake, a man-made reservoir designed for both flood control and recreation. The surrounding environment is a haven for local wildlife, including mule deer, wild turkeys, and various songbirds, providing a picturesque and wild backdrop for your morning coffee outside your RV.

Amenities & Park Features

While the campground leans toward a primitive experience, it provides the essential comforts for modern RVers. The park features specific utilities and facilities designed to make your stay comfortable:

• 18 spacious campsites with many offering 30-amp electrical hookups.
• On-site potable water stations and well-maintained vault toilets.
• Individual fire rings and heavy-duty picnic tables at every site for outdoor dining.
• A convenient dump station located near the entrance for easy waste management.
• An accessible boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, and non-motorized boats.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Guests are ideally positioned to explore the wonders of the southern Black Hills. Just a short drive away is The Mammoth Site, an active paleontological dig where you can see Ice Age fossils in situ. For those who love the underground, Wind Cave National Park offers spectacular cave tours and vast prairies where bison roam freely. On-site, the lake is perfect for quiet paddling and fishing, while the surrounding trail system provides miles of exploration for hikers and mountain bikers.

Who This Park Is Best For

This park is an excellent match for travelers who prioritize a quiet, natural setting over the amenities of a high-traffic resort. It is a fantastic choice for kayakers and anglers who enjoy calm, motor-free waters and a slower pace of travel. If you are an RVer who appreciates spacious sites, dark night skies for stargazing, and easy access to local history, this COE managed area provides an affordable and scenic home base for your South Dakota adventure.